New Montblanc Store In Montreal

[agentdaffy007]

Hey people, i was at Carrefour Laval yesterday (just 15 minutes north of Montreal) and i saw a big sign. I couldn't believe it. Montblanc store finally in Montreal area... Laval, same thing...

 

I don't have to go to Toronto anymore. Yay!

[drgoretex]

I was in the Montblanc store in Houston last week, and all I can say is that these people have snobbery down to a fine art! I was actually thinkiing of buying myself an MB, but their attitude was so incredibly arrogant and cold that I left the store - and went over to Paradise Pen, and bought a pen there (NOT Montblanc). Won't be entering another MB store in the near future...

 

Ken

[agentdaffy007]

Sorry to hear that. I went to the store in Toronto and they are snobby. They really look at what you wear and stuff like that.

 

The store in Tokyo was much more respectful, no snobbinest at all. Let's see who they hire in Montreal.

[pennamer]

In contrast to the stories about snobby clerks, I can tell you that my visit last March to the MB boutique in Chicago (900 North Michigan Avenue), and the staff was very welcoming. I should add that I had never been to that store before, and I was dressed very casually and certainly did not look like I was rich. I asked one clerk if the then-new Elizabeth I POA pen was on display, and she said it was not, but then asked if I had some time to see other pens. She then brought out a Jefferson, Adams, and Mozart (with the facsimile symphony) for me to see -- and handle. Each of those pens retails over $20,000. I was terribly impressed and felt bad that I had bought nothing at all.

[mateo44]

To add another observation to this dataset, I'm a frequent browser (and occasional buyer of ink) at my local SoCal MB boutique. Everyone there is incredibly friendly and helpful, every time.

[torstar]

Sorry to hear that. I went to the store in Toronto and they are snobby. They really look at what you wear and stuff like that.

 

The store in Tokyo was much more respectful, no snobbinest at all. Let's see who they hire in Montreal.

 

 

I warned them not to let you into the store....

[agentdaffy007]

Good, so i don't spend all my money there!

[Joane]

I was recently in the MB store in Short Hills, NJ, and the lady in the store was extremely nice. Looking forward to seeing the Laval store when possible.

[JLS1]

Sorry to hear that. I went to the store in Toronto and they are snobby. They really look at what you wear and stuff like that.

 

The store in Tokyo was much more respectful, no snobbinest at all. Let's see who they hire in Montreal.

 

I wouldn't compare Tokyo to Montreal...it's a very different retail culture. (Japan: Customer is a God to be revered; N. America: Customer is an annoyance to be dealt with). But I agree with you regarding the importance of hiring good staff; that said, I suspect that this store will be a success regardless of WHO (whom?) is hired...after all, has anyone ever heard of a MB boutique that closed due to lack of sales?

 

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if the MB boutiques are owned by MB or if they're franchised?

 

PS: It's a shame that MB doesn't have a 'Genius' bar like Apple - we could get P/T jobs advising people on which MB pen/watch/glasses/wallet/etc. to buy.

[agentdaffy007]

Wasn't there some that closed in California and Florida recently?

[Brian]

I'm editing this because I thought I should add a qualifier. Its this: I've been on the receiving end of both good and bad help from boutiques like MB. In general, such stores are very good at welcoming customers but some of them are staffed with salespeople who shouldn't be allowed to sell toilet paper. So, having said this, the following is directed to snobby salespeople:

 

When it comes to being snobby it doesn't really matter whether the snobs are MB snobs or any other flavor of snob. They are all idiots because:

--they don't know anything about the person they are being snobby to so have taken a leap of conclusion unsupported by any facts;

--they are creating ill will at the outset so that any future potential clients or customers will be encouraged to look elsewhere; that is, if they don't like snobs;

--they are demonstrating how small they are since the world is a big place and made up of all kinds of people; rich, poor, uneducated, geniouses, cultivated, etc. At any point in time this changes and with it the ability to appreciate or obtain such material things as fountain pens; and,

--its just plain rude. Did their mothers raise them to be idiots?

Edited April 20, 2011 by Brian

[Blade Runner]

I've been treated well in boutiques in the country and abroad so far!

[niksch]

I usually have some of my vintage MBs with me when I infrequently visit a MB boutique. Last week I was at the boutique in the Ohare Airport and pulled out a 50s 149 and two early 60s 149s. The woman in charge was very interested in them and the history or the 149. There was no snubbing of customers or pretentiousness. Nor have I ever experienced that in any of the 15-18 boutiques I've visites.

 

Alas, she had no Midnight Blue in stock. Seems it's a very popular color. Since it's Chicago, maybe next time..

 

 

[torstar]

I'd prefer they were snobby and snooty and welcomed my patronage immediately.

[meiers]

I was in the Montblanc store in Houston last week, and all I can say is that these people have snobbery down to a fine art! I was actually thinkiing of buying myself an MB, but their attitude was so incredibly arrogant and cold that I left the store - and went over to Paradise Pen, and bought a pen there (NOT Montblanc). Won't be entering another MB store in the near future...

Ken

 

 

The Montblanc Boutique in Chicago is very warm and welcoming.... I thought.

By the way, I live in Winnipeg... I doubt that there will ever be a Montblanc Boutique here... at least not in my lifetime.

Edited April 23, 2011 by meiers

[PAlbedo]

I bought my Starwalker cool blue in the Chicago O'Hare airport and the guy there (Moses) was a great chap! No snobbiness whatsoever, I was in jeans with my backpack, went in, and got 110% service.

 

As for the shop in Laval : HURRAY

Thanks for the info!

 

<french>Malade, j'vais au carrefour au Stylo pour voir les Montblancs et là une boutique! Joie!!</french>

[agentdaffy007]

Indeed, very happy. I get to test the OBB nib to see if i would like it or not.