Natura World to make Sharper Image mattresses

Licensing agreement covers broad upper-end line

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, June 18, 2009

NEW YORK — Specialty bedding producer Natura World has signed a licensing agreement with The Sharper Image to produce a broad line of upper-end mattresses.

Under terms of the agreement, Natura has the rights to manufacture and distribute Sharper Image branded mattresses and adjustable beds to a range of retail channels, including department stores, specialty stores, mail-order entities and e-commerce retailers.

The new mattresses should be available at retail in the fourth quarter.

"As we continue to build on our existing licensee foundation, we remain committed to selecting partner able to manufacture compelling products synonymous with The Sharper Image brand name and heritage," said Federico de Bellegarde, vice president of licensing at Sharper Image. "Natura World shares our enthusiasm for developing the highest quality, detail oriented and innovative products."

Sharper Image filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year and closed all of its stores. The name is now owned by a joint venture between Bluestar Alliance, Hilco Consumer Capital and Gordon Bros. Group, which relaunched the company as a licensing organization.

Natura said it plans to make innerspring, memory foam, latex and air mattresses under The Sharper Image name.

"We have some great new technologies planned for our Sharper Image collection, and look forward to developing this brand as the cutting edge in sleep innovation," said Scott Miller, Natura's senior vice president of U.S. sales.