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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Neiman 'Fantasy Gift' Pricetags Plummet to Mere $250K

Slowdown scales down costs as even super-rich turn 'frugal'

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(Newser) – The slowdown in luxury spending has spurred Neiman Marcus to make its "fantasy items" in this year's Christmas catalog a lot less fantastic than in years past. For the first time in a decade there's no $1 million-plus items on offer, like the $20 million submarine offered in 2000 or the $10 million zeppelin in the 2004 catalog, reports the Wall Street Journal. The highest-priced item this year is a "his and hers" two-seater plane for just $250,000, including flying lessons.

This $3.5 million Skycar was on the
This $3.5 million Skycar was on the "fantasy list" in Neiman Marcus' 2005 Christmas catalog. But those big-big-big ticket days are over.   (Neiman Marcus)
"Santa Claus" drives a Customized Cupcake Car at the unveiling of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus' Christmas Book in Dallas yesterday.   (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Santa shines the Neiman Marcus limited edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series Sedan during the unveiling of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book last year.
Santa shines the Neiman Marcus limited edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series Sedan during the unveiling of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book last year.   (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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4 comments
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oldgoat
Oct 7, 09 4:11 AM CDT
You know things are bad when you can only splurge for $250K gift. Reply
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wwwonderer
Oct 7, 09 12:26 PM CDT
That's only because SOME bonuses won't allow it. How will those who could afford $250K, let alone multiple millions of $$$ FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT ever manage? This is the danger of greed and consumerism. Happiness = STUFF!!!!!!!
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Jes
Oct 7, 09 9:26 AM CDT
Oh! The humanity! Reply
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SantaClaus
Oct 7, 09 3:16 PM CDT
Rob: My legal name is Santa Claus and, unlike Neiman Marcus, I believe that the greatest gift one can give is love, not presents. I believe that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, not the crass, commercial, secular spectacle it has become in many places. At a time when many children will not have enough food to eat or a roof over their heads, perhaps, consumers will make a contribution to their local community's shelter local public or private children's organization. There are more than 2 million children in the U.S. annually who are abused, neglected, exploited, abandoned, homeless, and institutionalized through no fault of their own. That's 1 out of 37 children in our great nation. That number is increasing, in part, due to the economic crisis. I do not think that vulnerable children in dire straits appreciate or directly benefit from the crass commercialism portrayed in your article. Blessings, Santa Claus TheSantaClausFoundation.org Reply
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