Montblanc, the German manufacturer of writing instruments, watches and accessories, plans to expand its presence in India.

Montblanc currently has 10 boutiques in India, jointly operated with a local partner, and is now looking for opportunities in second-tier cities and airports for its expansion. 

“We are looking at tier-two cities with wealthy and cultured people. We are also opening boutiques at airports, starting with Hyderabad. At the moment our priority is Kolkata where we do not have a standalone Montblanc boutique. We are planning more stores in New Delhi,” said Karl Hadke, Montblanc’s president for the western hemisphere.

However, Montblanc faces a challenge in that India has few luxury malls and no high streets – and high import duties on luxury goods.

Hadke says these factors make it difficult for international brands to enter the country.

The Richemont Group-owned Montblanc sells products exclusively through an international network of authorised retailers, jewellers and more than 360 boutiques around the globe.

GB