Collector Boasts Half-Century of Famed Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalogs

As Neiman Marcus debuted its landmark 100th Anniversary Christmas catalog last week, a collector of the famed books reached a landmark of his own by making the 2007 book his 50th in a series that dates back to 1957. This collection is believed to be the largest private one of its kind outside of the Neiman Marcus archives in Dallas.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 12, 2007 -- As Neiman Marcus debuted its landmark 100th Anniversary Christmas catalog last week, complete with this year's most indulgent collection of must-have holiday items, a collector of the famed books reached a landmark of his own by making the 2007 book his 50th in a series that dates back to 1957. What makes this so unique is that it appears to be the largest private collection of its kind outside of the Neiman Marcus archives in Dallas, which is believed to house the complete set of catalogs dating back to 1926.

Said Michael Oxman, an advertising executive and professed Neiman Marcus admirer for more than three decades, "This collection started completely by accident in 1976 when, as a teenager, I flipped through the pages of the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog that arrived at our home. As I looked at its exclusive merchandise, which included extravagant items such as His and Hers Buffalo for $11,750 and an Excalibur II Phaeton for $30,000, I was instantly intrigued with the catalog. It seemed to possess a magical quality and mystique unlike anything I had seen before, so I stashed it in a drawer for posterity. Little did I realize that from my single Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog, a wonderful collection and time capsule would eventually emerge which chronicles five decades of fashion, pop culture, innovation, technology, art, science, economics, and so much more."

In recent years, Oxman has added to his collection of Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogs by acquiring vintage issues from the late 1950's, 1960's, and early 1970's. He has purchased them largely through eBay, where the catalogs have been known to sell for as much as $100 a piece. So significant has Oxman's catalog collection become, that it was recently photographed by Neiman Marcus as one of several entries in its company-wide 100th Anniversary "Treasure Hunt" event to search for the most impressive Neiman Marcus memorabilia. "This collection has taken on a life of its own, providing equal parts entertainment, hobby, history lesson, marketing case study, and conversation piece," said Oxman. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one day these catalogs would become so coveted and prized, commanding significant prices and demand from collectors on the open market. Ultimately, my goal is to acquire all the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogs that have been published, which I'm certain can be done."

Oxman also added, "Not only do the Christmas catalogs have historic value, but they are a testament to the strength, longevity, and consistency of the Neiman Marcus brand. I would venture to say that there is no other retailer in America today that has remained so true to the principles and beliefs of its founders, which is why the Neiman Marcus mystique still exists. While the merchandise assortment and holiday themes in the catalogs have changed from year to year, the Neiman Marcus standards for luxury, exceptional quality, exclusivity, and excellence in customer service have always been the same."

# # #