As it’s Sunday and it’s been a light travel week (only Paris and Lisbon), let’s spin the globe to see what else has been happening in the world of Monocle and beyond. We’ll start in Asia.

Hong Kong
For the past few weeks locals and visitors to Wan Chai have been greeted by a huge Monocle hoarding bearing a “We’ll be reopening very soon” sign. I’m happy to report that as of yesterday the shop doors were thrown open once again and we’re back in business with an expanded space featuring more room for our collections of bags, sharp garments and, of course, our ever-expanding offer of magazines, newspapers and books. Harry and the team are on hand to welcome you for all your Christmas needs and special requests.

Cannes
A sizeable Monocle delegation was in Cannes for the better part of the week for ILTM, the International Luxury Travel Market. On Monday eve I did a quick twirl on the stage for opening night, offering up a checklist of recommendations for the industry focusing on getting back to basics. As you’re a regular to this column, the calls to action were quite familiar – buttons and switches instead of glass screens, no iPads for check-in registration, no QR codes in place of actual menus and staff in proper uniforms rather than having one dressing down and another dressing as though they’re a Loro Piana-clad guest. On Tuesday morning we unveiled the new Monocle Hotel Collections. No, no, this is not an array of properties just yet. Rather, it’s a collection of bags, print and design items on offer to hotels, airlines and cruise companies looking to add some decent content for their guests. If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch with Philippa Cooper in our Zürich office at pc@monocle.com.

Zürich
It’s Christmas market weekend here (Tokyo and Toronto shops too) and it’s absolutely blowing and bucketing down. Never mind. The Weihnachten vibes are in full swing, the atmosphere is superb and people are in a very cheery mood across Monocle and our brother company, Trunk. Juliet Linley has been on the mic for radio check-ins with Midori House, Brenda Tuohy is over from London with her collection of vintage jewellery, Mover from Lausanne is offering up its merino performance gear for various winter activities and there are about 15 other companies on hand to ensure everyone will have something chic waiting for them under the tree. The market is on all day in Zürich and Toronto as well. For those passing by our HQ on Dufourstrasse, Monocle on Sunday will be broadcasting live from 10.00. Do join us.

Paris
The dream (circa two months ago) was to host a Christmas market in Paris but I was rather too optimistic with the construction schedule. Thankfully, the works at our new space on rue Bachaumont are moving at a decent clip and my spot-check revealed a set-up which is going to rival – and likely surpass – Zürich for flagship status. We’ll keep you up to date on developments but at this point it’s looking like February for the proper launch – including a special “Made in France” collection that will be available only in Paris.

London
Our café fans will be happy to hear that we’ve now reopened on Chiltern Street following several weeks of renovation. We’re not 100% there yet with the full fit-out (some tables are currently in a container in the Port of Beirut) but the space is more open for easier traffic flow, there are some new branded items on sale in our mini-boutique at the back and we’ve created a cosier space for late-afternoon drinks or to hire for intimate evenings. From Wednesday our correspondents will be in London for our year-end summit and many will also be dropping into our Christmas market at Midori House on Saturday and Sunday. Santa is waiting for you! So are we.