Montblanc boutique functions

[voukephalas]

There are three Montblanc boutiques local to the area, but it seems that apart from private sales, only one holds functions and special events like the one described here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=922817

 

I do not believe the store to be a "flagship" boutique, as they generally do not carry pens rarer than those limited to 4180, but I have seen a number of rarer pens on occasion, like the ones described above.

 

I am curious to know if the boutiques closest to various FPN members generally have these events as well, and what sorts of rare fountain pens (rarer than those limited to 4180 pieces) have been on display/for sale.

 

A question, if I may: at the function there was a limited edition of a 149, the name of which I forget, but it may have been something along the lines of an "I love you" 149. It appeared to be a traditional 149 with a red inscription or engraving. I saw it as I came in, but before I could see it a second time so as to read the inscription, someone had already purchased it. Any details on what this one was are appreciated

Edited February 6, 2009 by voukephalas

[Ghost Plane]

Local? As in not half the state away? Not all of us live in or near "civilization" My MBs come via the internet. :blink:

[yachtsilverswan]

There are three Montblanc boutiques local to the area, but it seems that apart from private sales, only one holds functions and special events like the one described here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=922817

 

I do not believe the store to be a "flagship" boutique, as they generally do not carry pens rarer than those limited to 4180, but I have seen a number of rarer pens on occasion, like the ones described above.

 

I am curious to know if the boutiques closest to various FPN members generally have these events as well, and what sorts of rare fountain pens (rarer than those limited to 4180 pieces) have been on display/for sale...

 

Special events are expensive for Boutiques to host (catering, cocktails, music, sometimes an outside venue, sometimes travel for one of Montblanc's celebrity ambassadors) and MB Corporate does not fund these events lavishly except at flagship locations like NYC, LA, DC, Miami, and maybe Chicago.

 

A former manager of our local Boutique once told me she was limited to $1,000 for an event - not a lot to work with.

 

The Boutiques can of course order in some higher end pens for the event, and they usually do. But the Boutiques and Corporate track increased sales from the event - so if there is not a demonstrable return, then future events are less likely.

 

I get invitations to one or two events per year, usually surrounding the release of a new pen.

 

Montblanc is currently advertising an event in Los Angeles called "Signature for Good" to benefit charity. Attendees are required to contribute $4,810. If that event proves successful, I expect similar high dollar charity functions featuring pens, watches, and celebrities.

Edited February 6, 2009 by yachtsilverswan

[FredRydr]

Yes, the King of Prussia boutique holds functions. Two were scheduled last year, one in connection with an exotic automobile dealer that had to be cancelled. I really wanted to go to that one (yeah, I'm a motorhead).

 

If anyone wants updates on Philly area boutique functions, or wants one to happen, let me know.

 

Fred

[Darius]

There are three Montblanc boutiques local to the area, but it seems that apart from private sales, only one holds functions and special events like the one described here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=922817

 

I do not believe the store to be a "flagship" boutique, as they generally do not carry pens rarer than those limited to 4180, but I have seen a number of rarer pens on occasion, like the ones described above.

 

I am curious to know if the boutiques closest to various FPN members generally have these events as well, and what sorts of rare fountain pens (rarer than those limited to 4180 pieces) have been on display/for sale.

 

A question, if I may: at the function there was a limited edition of a 149, the name of which I forget, but it may have been something along the lines of an "I love you" 149. It appeared to be a traditional 149 with a red inscription or engraving. I saw it as I came in, but before I could see it a second time so as to read the inscription, someone had already purchased it. Any details on what this one was are appreciated

We have a Flagship boutique here. They do hold funtions (but no alcohol is served). Before the opeing of the flagship boutique, there used to be functions on a smaller scale in the other, older boutiques.

 

With regards to limited editions, you coud find many of the Patron of Arts 888 pens here. Also some of the rarer limited editions. I remember seeing the Juliard 100, Mozart 250, the 2003 Max Reinhardt, the skeleton with the Kuwait flag, and some others. But these pens are ordered for certain customers, and they don't stay on display for long.

 

A former manager of our local Boutique once told me she was limited to $1,000 for an event - not a lot to work with.

Host an event with budget in the price range of a Writers Edition? That's bad.

[Ghost Plane]

Ah but Yacht's down here in the South with me and our cost of living is far below other regions. A thrifty woman could get some gracious refreshments for that if she was careful and knew she would have limited attendance. With the "house wine" of the South being sweettea [you have to pronounce it run together for the regional dialect], there are more possibilities for hospitality. :hmm1:

[voukephalas]

Montblanc is currently advertising an event in Los Angeles called "Signature for Good" to benefit charity. Attendees are required to contribute $4,810. If that event proves successful, I expect similar high dollar charity functions featuring pens, watches, and celebrities.

 

 

If you go, please post describing the event. The one I attended was free and hosted by Architectural Digest.

[penpimperLV]

Hmmm. Good question. I have never heard about any kind of events at the MB boutiques at Palazzo or Caesars, but I'm sure they've had them from time to time. I'll have to look into that.

 

Of course, Vegas Pens would have events all the time. It would be like a big party and everyone would be a VIP (no cover charge)! (Just had to throw a plug for my future biz in there for good measure).

Edited February 6, 2009 by penpimperLV

[Caligula]

How does one tell if their local boutique is a flagship or not? Someone mentioned Chicago earlier (which isn't far from me), but there are three in the city. Does anyone know if one of them, if any, is a flagship?

 

 

Thanks,

Chris

[voukephalas]

How does one tell if their local boutique is a flagship or not? Someone mentioned Chicago earlier (which isn't far from me), but there are three in the city. Does anyone know if one of them, if any, is a flagship?

 

 

Thanks,

Chris

 

No, unfortunately none of them appear to be flagships...but(!)

 

I am in Chicago, and I have been to all three. In fact, the event I attended, mentioned earlier, was held at the Michigan Avenue location downtown. This location has the widest selection and is where I have received the best service, but the sales tax rate is quite high at 10.25%

 

I would not hesitate to shop at the one in Oak Brook and service there is also generally excellent and with a lower sales tax, but they would be unlikely to host functions at that location and therefore pens like the Adams and Jefferson would not likely be seen unless special ordered. The third boutique is at the airport, so unless you are flying it might be a bit out of the way, not to mention it is a smaller store. I have shopped at all three and would generally just go to the one closest. They all offer very good service and can order anything for you that is not in stock. Certainly all of the regular lines and some of the limited editions will be available at all of the boutiques.

 

If the boutiques are not very close, perhaps You could also ask to be placed on a mailing list and receive information on private sales and events so you could visit when the rarer editions are on display.

[Caligula]

That's frustrating! I work in a suburb that's about half-hour to 45 minutes away from the downtown one (outside rush hour of course), so it's never a problem to make it down there... Do you know of anything else special going on at the one on Michigan Ave any time soon?

[voukephalas]

That's frustrating! I work in a suburb that's about half-hour to 45 minutes away from the downtown one (outside rush hour of course), so it's never a problem to make it down there... Do you know of anything else special going on at the one on Michigan Ave any time soon?

 

Yes, the mall where the boutique is located is having a promotion in which the Montblanc boutique will take part: any purchase made on the 14th or 15th of February will be tax-free. Perhaps you should call ahead to confirm my information, as I would be embarrassed to have given incorrect details. They might also still have the extremely rare limited editions on display.

 

The boutique number is 312 943 7488

 

PM me if I may be of any assistance. I am friendly with the store manager and also have a preferred sales associate.

Edited February 7, 2009 by voukephalas