A few days ago we discovered that Sharper Image had "something big coming," but as of today, there has been no official word from the company about their future plans. However, the WSJ is reporting that the company will resurrect itself as a virtual brand. No stores, just a name that retailers can rent to drive up the sales of any number of useless, overpriced gadgets.

There is even talk of major retailers like Target and Best Buy getting involved—but you have to wonder whether or not the moniker of a semi-defunct gadget company is enough to drive sales of vacuums and massage chairs in other stores. Either way, if this is Sharper Image's "big announcement," that is pretty lame. [WSJ]

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