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All I want for Christmas is a trip to the moon

Friday, October 6, 2006 | 10:32 AM ET

Luxury department store Neiman Marcus is featuring some out-of-this-world gifts in its new holiday catalogue released Tuesday.

For $1.7 million US, consumers can purchase a trip for six on the Virgin Galactic spaceship. Other big-ticket items include a limited edition black 2007 BMW convertible and a backyard water park for $100,000 US.

"They have huge success in selling these fantasy gifts," said Carolyn Wincer, head of astronaut sales at Virgin Galactic. "They have the type of clientele that will go for this."

The company has a dedicated team of buyers who search the globe for unique offerings to showcase in the catalogue established in 1926. Vendors jockey for space in the Christmas Book, with about 400 marketing proposals submitted each year.

The company declined to disclose how much its Christmas Book generates in sales. The department store ships to Canada with certain exceptions.

With files from the Associated Press

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