Sharper Image has always been a great source for random gadgets and other doo-hickeys that are basically useless (but infinitely fun for the first fifteen minutes). It’s one of those stores that you can’t help but to peruse when you happen to come across a location in the mall. You might not buy anything, but it’s always worth a look. That tradition is coming to an end.

Much to the dismay of gadget lovers across the nation, Sharper Image has filed for bankruptcy, leaving us to our own devices to find whimsical back massagers and handheld horoscope readers. The problem, I’m sure, is the sheer lack of sales. As mentioned above, far too many people browse the shelves of Sharper Image, but far too few actually emerge with a purchase. Who actually buys those ionic air purifiers anyhow?

It’s hard to say what fate awaits Sharper Image, but unless they get bought out by someone with deep pockets, we may have to look to online stores to satisfy our gadget fetish.