Change coming to MB

[fountainpenkid]

I would be very surprised if they released any pens.

[Mags]

Mont Blanc may want to allow some additional retailers access to sell their lines of pen, wallets, day timers, and inks at the sub $600 price points and move boutiques as the premium plus $600 goodies. I think it weird that Costco sells star walkers now but quality paper and pen stores who use to sell MB can no longer sell the lines.


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[MisterBoll]

After a brief meditation with the god of writing, and as a result - the ruler of fountain pens, I was given this illumination -

"I shall set this forth thus, Pelikan is fun for the whole family, Montblanc is don't touch your father's pens."

[jar]

Until fairly recently Montblanc was a full range manufacturer with pens priced from student/entry level on up to the high end and the change to a "Luxury Brand" pretty much made Montblanc irrelevant.

The question is whether Montblanc wishes to continue down the path of irrelevance or return to being a fountain pen maker.

Unfortunately, I fear it is the former.

[I like mango pudding]

They might start being sold at Staples again

[fountainpenkid]

If they see the fp market as one of viable growth and income, then maybe we will see some interesting things coming, but I don't think it is.

[ChrisC]

Maybe they should do what Pelikan did with the 101n and with the new limited production tortoise browns. Make them semi-affordable limited production/editions.
Perhaps make remakes of the celluloid Meisterstucks, like the 13x and maybe even just celluloid versions of the 14x's. They don't need the teloscoping piston, maybe just being made of black or striated celluloid would entice people to buy them. This won't save the company, but every bit helps.

Maybe selling the inks and a lower-tier (like the old 2xx and 3xx series) at Staples would help? I doubt it would cannibalize 1xx series sales. The availability of the vintage lower tiers doesnt seem to deter anyone from paying for modern Meisterstucks.

[erpe]

If affordable pens still need to be send in to the mothership for proper cleaning and repair/modification, I will skip anyway. I will wait for the design of the budget line (if such a thing will come), most of the current models are not my taste...

[Jack]

I am unlikely to buy such a pen unless I win the lottery but I can dream!

[picautomaton]

What if they started making the 1xx series out of plastic instead of 'precious resin', reduce the price and user serviceable, steel hand finished nibs instead of gold.... Oh and give everyone their green striated series .. how loud do we need to SHOUT

[MisterBoll]

What if they started making the 1xx series out of plastic instead of 'precious resin'

"Precious resin" is plastic.

[Jon Szanto]

Heh. That's right up there with "Soylent Green is people!"

[pajaro]

MB made in India alongside the Parker Frontier.

Well, I've got mine.

[j01270]

I tend to concur with you. The problems can be fixed, though.

[Littlepen]

Is MB problems one not of products but lack of outlets there seems to be less and less around.In Sheffield there were 3 places that had a limited range now it's a little shelf in a pen stand with staff that have no specialist knowledge.The closest boutique is now Nottingham not ideal.

[CS388]

Leather. Jewellery. Fragrances. Accessories. All sold in high-end attractive packaging (boxes inside boxes). Probably some more watches, too?

The luxury goods market is a fickle master, but I'm sure Richemont knows the ropes.

Pens? Dunno. Most of the brands under their umbrella keep a line of their original cultural heritage available, but I wouldn't expect any big changes in the FPs on offer. Yes, we love them, but most people see them as a novelty item. Not a lot of profit to be made there, in the general populace.

Just guessing.
Enjoy.