Slowdown No Problem for Luxury Goods

Welcome back, ridiculous $1 million-plus offerings!

(NEWSER) - Well, the economy must be getting better: Neiman Marcus has returned to the practice of putting $1 million-and-higher items in its annual Christmas catalog. Specifically, you can have Dale Chihuly transform your swimming pool into a work of art for $1.5 million. Last year, such items were bumped from the catalog in favor of slightly more budget-friendly fare ... like a $250,000 two-seater plane. More»

Fancy cars, wines, homes selling at deep discount

(NEWSER) - In the midst of its worst recession in modern history, Ireland has become a bargain hunter’s paradise, with high-end cars, homes, and wines selling for a song. “It’s a bit like old vultures over the carcass,” one shopper tells Bloomberg . “You’ll see all sorts of places coming down. The recession seems to be biting.” More»

Top-end firms realize eco-friendly image can boost brand value

(NEWSER) - As traditional luxury good buyers make way for a new generation of eco-conscious consumers, luxe brands are jostling to show off their planet-saving credentials, the Wall Street Journal reports. Firms like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany are snapping up eco-friendly firms, introducing new lines, and using green themes in their advertising in an effort to reinvent brands associated with conspicuous consumption. More»

The economy has changed social etiquette

(NEWSER) - If you've got it, don't flaunt it. Forbes warns against boasting about these lavish purchases,:

1. As your friends' faces get droopy, it's not cool to discuss cosmetic surgery splurges.
2. The duck confit may have been exquisite, but resist describing a lavish meal.
3. Lest you suffer the same scrutiny as Michigan's Big Three, keep that private jet under wraps.

Space at prime ski destination may appeal to recession-proof snow bunnies

(NEWSER) - America’s economy may be going downhill, but evidently not in the ski destination of Vail, Colo., where one resident is offering a parking space close to prime slopes for $500,000, the Vail Daily reports. “There’s always somebody out there who has money to spend on a good Vail parking spot,” reasons its owner. More»