Columnist Muriel Stevens: No need to change Image

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000 | 9:15 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her Dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@lasvegassun.com or 259-4080.

When word came that the high-tech Sharper Image stores were in a slump and that they were considering a change from high-end to more affordable merchandise, I wondered why. I'd always enjoyed their stores and mail order catalogs even though I rarely bought anything. Perhaps that was one of the problems. But this innovative company addressed the problems, solved them and is now better than ever.

The Sharper Image has two stores in Las Vegas. One at the Fashion Show mall and the newest at Desert Passage, which opened in September. Store Manager Eric Gianos shared with me a few of the reasons for the company's renewed success.

"We're not just for 'techies' anymore," he said. "We're appealing to everyone. More products are geared to women.

"We sell more proprietary items. We manufacture at least 30 percent of the products we sell. By creating our own products we can produce more of what people need in their everyday lives. We're more price-conscious. We're trying to offer the greatest products and the best possible service."

Gianos' enthusiasm is contagious. I felt the same way when I looked through the Holiday 2000 catalog. For the first time I've made a list of gifts I want to buy at the Sharper Image. The holiday catalog is filled with many cool items. The price range and product mix reflect the new policy, yet all of the generous service policies remain the same. Unless noted, catalog items are available at the stores.

One of the hottest items is the RazorXtreme scooter ($129.95), with a number of neat features: exclusive linear front coil suspension that guarantees a smooth ride; a wheelie bar that acts as a footrest; 4-inch, inline-style wheels. It's made of ultra-lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, folds up and has a strap for easy carrying.

A specially designed, heavy-duty nylon shoulder pack ($19.95) makes it even easier to tote. Razor Wheels, not quite as fancy as the Xtreme, is $99.95. Ultra cool is the Zoomer ($389.95) folding electric scooter that zips along at up to 12 mph. There are other scooters, too. The designs are sleek and sassy.

The beauty products for women are cool, too. Prices start at $39.95.

The Sharper Image is the only company, besides Sony, to carry the second-generation electronic pooch, Aibo. This amazing electronic canine ($1,500) will respond to 50 voice-activated commands. Aibo can take pictures and never needs to be walked or fed. Sounds like my kind of dog.

"Big Smoke": Contrary to rumor, cigars are not on their way out.

Serious cigar smokers (there are many) are still contentedly puffing away. A good number will converge on Las Vegas for Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke at Paris Las Vegas Nov. 10-11. This is the place not only for cigar-smoking bon vivants, but for those looking for gifts for cigar smokers. I attended last year's Big Smoke and was surprised to find such a variety of smoking-related products. Wandering through the grand ballroom gives ticket holders access to the world's best cigar producers and dozens of complimentary cigars. For ticket information call (212) 684-4224 or visit the website cigaraficionado.com.