The ongoing world financial crisis and accompanying uncertainties have left American consumers with a completely different idea of "luxury" than just a few short years ago. 
   A recent report in USA Today revealed consumers are again, "dipping their toes" into the luxury market, but the recession has changed their mindset. 
   Where yesterday's luxury buyer was looking for tacky ostentation and conspicuous consumption, today's consumers are looking for what some Sony executives have termed, "functional luxury," durability, lifestyle experiences and up-to-the-minute technology are high on their lists. 
   Some high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, the report indicated, say their shoppers are now much more conscious of The Deal. To follow suit, more than a few high-end manufacturers have come to market with lower priced, but still high-quality items to lure in these buyers.
   So, what's all this got to do with anything? 
   Durability, up-to-the-minute technology, a "lifestyle experience"? Sounds like radiant hydronics, doesn't it, especially if one of the sources of hot water are solar panels?
   Unfortunately, our midyear look at the radiant hydronic industry paints a picture of a market that's got it rough right now because of the country's economic woes. Meanwhile, even expert observers say the market may have hit a plateau.
   We'll only discover how prescient these observations may be with the passage of time. RJ will be there to watch and keep you posted.