Up the scale
Whether we’re in a boom or a bust economy, there’s no shortage of luxury items in the home channel — and in fact, brand equity for many of the nation’s high-end companies has only improved in recent years, with well-heeled customers virtually shielded from the squeeze of the recession.
Then again, when it comes to home improvement retailing, luxury can mean anything ranging from prohibitively expensive building materials to upscale flashlights that may only retail for a little under $200 — attainable enough for many middle-class Americans.
Whether they’re apt to grace the glass cases of neighborhood hardware stores or the hallways of luxury homes, here’s a roundup of HCN’s favorite upscale products.
Coast A25R Rechargeable LED Flashlight
The definitive must-have for survivalists everywhere, or perhaps just a crowd pleaser on Father’s Day? In either case, this high-end stainless steel flashlight is made for the pros but comes tricked out with bells and whistles all users can enjoy, including a USB charger, a backup rechargeable battery pack, 466 lumen output, extra-wide flood beam and a bulls-eye spot beam that extends up to 560 ft. away.
Price: $179 (coastportland.com)
Gladiator Garage Storage System Packages
With these customizable garage storage kits, Gladiator (of Whirlpool Corp.) proves that garage storage can be strong and beautiful at the same time.
Price: $538 and up (gladiatorgarageworks.com)
GE Monogram French Door Refrigerator
Built with tempered glass, fabricated steel and anodized aluminum, this luxury model is GE’s first-ever Monogram French door refrigerator, launching January 2014.
Price: $7,499 and up (monogram.com)
Altoz Precision Mowers
Altoz is the latest in a spate of promising start-up companies that seek to revolutionize their respective spaces. In Altoz’s case, the lawnmower market gets a much-needed update in the form of this commercial-grade zero-turn precision mower.
Price: $8,299 and up (altoz.com)
Big Green Egg
The subject of its own cult following, the Big Green Egg possesses storied grilling, baking and smoking abilities thanks to its high-quality ceramic design, now optionally nestled in its own custom table. (biggreenegg.com)
Progressive Nutrition Top-Line Xtreme Horse Supplement
Good enough for the dressage horse but robust enough for all levels of physical demand, Top-Line is packed with amino acids to restore necessary muscle to topline-deficient horses.
Price: $109 (prognutrition.com)
Inspire Aledora Slate Roofing
New to the roofing scene this month is Aledora Slate Roofing from Inspire Roofing Products (part of The Tapco Group), to be introduced at the 2014 International Builders’ Show in February. Aledora is a direct response to the many pain points involved in slate roofing, including cost, weight, breakage tendencies and maintenance requirements. The thick slate alternative nails the authenticity factor with surface texture, jagged tile edges and natural shadow variance. (tapcoroofingproducts.com)
Moen Isabel Showerhead
Combine an 8-in. diameter with Moen’s advanced, self-pressurizing Immersion technology for unparalleled water pressure and multi-function luxury.
Price: $470 (moen.com)
Jen-Air 24-in. Steam and Convection Wall Oven
Chock full of features and cooking-mode options, the newly launched steam and convection oven from Jenn-Air brings combi-oven restaurant technology to the home. (jennair.com)
Marvin Integrated Interior Shade System
This recent release from Marvin is designed to fit all Marvin windows and doors sans-measuring, open from the top or bottom, and offer precise light control. (marvin.com)
Maytag Maxima XL Front Load Steam Washer
As if the Overnight Wash & Dry cycle isn’t enough of a selling point, the Maxima XL is capable of providing an extra-tough Power Wash, energy-saving Cold Wash, a special allergen-removal cycle that eliminates 95% of common allergens, and an Optimal Dose Dispenser that can store 12 loads’ worth of detergent. With a capacity of 4.3 cubic ft., it certainly earns its XL title.
Price: $1,449 (maytag.com)
