The historic Reunion importer of stationery and office supplies celebrated its fifty years of existence in 2023. From traditional stores to mass distribution, Mollan et Fils has “taken up the challenge of remaining a pillar of distribution on Reunion Island”, particularly strong from its partnership with Clairefontaine, as Ilyaas Mollan explains, director of the company Mollan et Fils.
Meeting Leader : On the partnership of Mollan et Fils with the Clairefontaine paper mills, which has lasted for thirty years, You declare on your LinkedIn account that it goes "well beyond a simple customer-supplier relationship". What do you appreciate at Clairefontaine ?
Ilyaas Mollan : The partnership between Mollan and Son and the Papeteries of Clairefontaine is much more than a simple business association ; It is a deeply human relationship that extends over three decades. Which makes this collaboration so exceptional, This is the human quality of our partners at Clairefontaine. Clairefontaine managers and collaborators are not only professional interlocutors, But committed partners who include the fundamental values underlying our activities. Their empathy, Their desire to understand our specific needs and their dedication to customer satisfaction have created a particular bond which goes far beyond the usual commercial transactions. We had the privilege of working with dedicated teams at Clairefontaine, And this collaboration is based on mutual trust and respect. Clairefontaine managers are accessible, open to communication and listening to our concerns, which has strengthened our partnership over the years.
Stationery products, bookstore, of creative leisure, are the supports of the world of culture and education. Does this activity lead to a particular responsibility for customers ?
Yes, Because it facilitates access to knowledge, to culture and education. Companies in this sector must provide quality products, promoting the diversity of content to meet the various customers of customers. Consumer expectations include sustainability, high quality and respect for the environment for stationery products. Companies are therefore responsible for ensuring that their products meet these criteria and contribute to promoting sustainable practices. The creative leisure industry, often linked to innovation and creativity, requires companies that encourage these aspects by offering innovative products that stimulate the imagination and inventiveness of customers. On the social and ethical level, Companies in this sector are responsible for maintaining fair practices throughout the supply chain, to ensure transparency on the origin of the products and to respect ethical standards in manufacturing. Due to the personal nature of purchases related to culture and education, Offering quality customer service is imperative. This includes listening to customer needs, an effective answer to their questions and the satisfactory resolution of problems.
Mollan et fils celebrated its 50th birthday last year. What motivated the choice of this activity of importing stationery products and what are the main stages of its history to the present day ?
At the time of its launch by my father, Ibrahim Mollan, The company mainly focused on seasonal trade, focused on the sale of various toys and gifts during holiday periods, as well as on the supply of stationery items for the start of the school year. After several years of existence, The company asserted itself in the distribution landscape in Reunion, mainly as a supplier for traditional Chinese shops. A key moment in the 1980s has strengthened the notoriety of the company : It was selected from all wholesalers to collaborate with the brand of Clairefontaine Calligraph and distribute its products. The 1990s marked a significant evolution with the emergence and democratization of large food areas, which has changed purchasing habits and gradually changed the traditional Mollan and thread customers. The company has taken up the challenge of remaining a pillar of distribution on Reunion Island, by adapting its strategy in the face of a non -extensible market and increased competition.
Importer, Mollan and son became a distributor by taking up the bookstores otherwise. Why this evolution ?
To conquer new markets, We targeted specialized distributors, redeeming in 2011 the first bookstore of the brand otherwise. This strategic action offered the company a showcase of choice for its products and strengthened its collaboration with Clairefontaine. Five years later, in 2016, Mollan et fils has taken a new stage by acquiring another bookstore from the brand otherwise in Saint-Pierre. Mollan et fils thus consolidated its visibility in the capital of the island and strengthened its position on the local market.
How do you see the future of stationery ?
Although stationery activity can experience adjustments, We don't necessarily see it back, but rather evolve as part of a more diverse offer. We see a constant demand for quality stationery products. Paper, Pens and other supplies remain essential elements in many work environments and for consumers concerned for their productivity. In parallel, We are resolutely engaged in an ecological approach. Growing demand for environmentally friendly products guides our strategy. We have expanded our range to include products with sustainable materials and whose manufacturing practices are environmentally friendly. In addition, We also recognize the importance of diversifying our offer to meet changing market needs. Specialties such as computer science, office automation, office furniture and ecological products gain importance with the evolution of working methods, especially with the climb of telework. We have invested in these areas to stay at the forefront of trends and to meet the expectations of our customers. Adaptability and sustainability are the keys to our future vision.
The Clairefontaine-Rodhia group is increasingly moving towards creative hobbies, Art stationery, Plastic arts. Locally accompany this diversification ?
Absolutely, And we are enthusiastic about the diversification of the Clairefontaine-Rodhia group towards creative hobbies, Art stationery and plastic arts. This orientation reflects emerging market trends and the evolution of the interests of our customers. As a local partner of Clairefontaine for many years, We closely followed this expansion and have adjusted our offer accordingly. We have expanded our range of products to include an extensive selection of items for creative leisure and fine arts offered by the group. In addition, We follow up on the linear of fine arts and creative hobbies of certain distributors of the island.
More and more distributors are interested in the creative leisure market. Is it a significant and growing market in Reunion ?
We have observed significant growth in the creative hobbies during the years of COVID. During this period, Many individuals have looked for creative and enriching activities to occupy their time at home. This trend has stimulated demand for products related to creative hobbies. However, It is relevant to note that the market seems to have reached maturity today. This phase indicates that the initial rapid growth may have slowed down, But that does not necessarily mean that the market no longer presents any opportunities. On the contrary, maturity can point out stabilization where companies have the possibility of consolidating their position by emphasizing quality, innovation and customer loyalty. For us, as a local company, This underlines the importance of remaining agile and continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers. While recognizing that the market has reached a certain level of maturity, We are convinced that there are opportunities, in particular by seeking to diversify our offer, to explore niche segments and to maintain a continuous commitment to quality and innovation. The evolution of the market also encourages us to strengthen our collaboration with our partners, diversifying. By aligning on current trends, We can continue to play an active role in this market and offer our customers products that meet their expectations, even at a more mature stage of the economic cycle.
Mollan et fils also markets fruit drinks brands. Does this drink open a new development axis for the company in food ?
Effectively, Fruit drinks are an integral part of our historic activities, especially with the distribution of the Looza brand for the past thirty years. Strong of this experience, We have decided to consolidate and adapt our offer in this sector by introducing new innovative products. We are expanding our range of fruits by offering more economical options, such as brick drinks, thus responding to the changing consumer preferences. These modern packaging offer practicality and sustainability, Aligning with current consumption trends. Furthermore, We are attentive to the growing requests for trendy drinks. In this context, We have integrated innovative ingredients such as basil seeds in some of our drinks, thus offering a unique taste experience and meeting this growing demand for both healthy and delicious food products. This approach is part of our constant desire for evolution and diversification to stay in line with market expectations. By capitalizing on our historic expertise in the field of fruit drinks and by introducing modern and innovative products, We aspire to strengthen our position on the food market while continuing to offer our customers a refreshing and qualitative experience.
