*******************************************************
Global affairs magazine Monocle opened its new Hong Kong headquarters today (July 20). Situated within the bustling Star Street area in Wan Chai, the new Monocle Hong Kong hub serves dual functions for the expanding media brand: the Monocle standalone shopfront and its editorial bureau at the back of the shop.
This new retail shop is Monocle's fourth after London, Los Angeles and Tokyo, and sells its popular selection of fashion and design collaborations with brands like Comme des Garçon, Porter, Valextra, Malmsten and Hackett. At the back of The Monocle Shop is the headquarters for news gathering across China and Asia Pacific, headed by its new Hong Kong correspondent, Liv Lewitschnik. In a unique move for a magazine brand, profits from the shop sales will be used to support the bureau.
Editor-in-Chief of Monocle, Mr Tyler Brûlé, said, "We've been looking for the right moment to expand into Hong Kong, as it represents one of our largest markets for readers and subscribers and we like to keep a close editorial eye on this part of the world. It has also presented itself as rich in commercial opportunities for our Monocle shop, our commercial partners and for Winkreative's branding and design clients."
Mr Brûlé continued, "Hong Kong's location means it's a great jumping off point into Asia Pacific, while still in a timezone easily accessible to Europe. Hong Kong's infrastructure is supportive of businesses and it is a booming city with an eye to global opportunities."
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, warmly welcomed the establishment of Monocle's new headquarters in Hong Kong. He said, "We are very pleased that Hong Kong is one of the largest markets for this global affairs magazine and the decision to expand into Hong Kong has always been on its agenda. The arrival of Monocle in Hong Kong highlights the unique advantages of this international city: at the heart of Asia Pacific and as a gateway to China, a shopping paradise for internationally renowned brands, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle and free flow of information. We look forward to working closely with Monocle to support its expansion plans in Hong Kong and beyond."
About Monocle
Launched in February 2007, Monocle is a premium media brand with magazine, web and retail divisions. Headquartered in London, Monocle delivers a single, seamless voice in both print and digital form to a discerning, highly educated global audience of men and women. Focusing on global affairs, business, culture and design, its mission is to keep an eye on the world. For more information, www.monocle.com
About Winkreative
Headquartered in Zurich and with offices in New York, London and Tokyo, Winkreative is a full service branding, design and content agency. Founded by Tyler Brûlé in 1998, Winkreative is renowned for its compelling creative solutions, in-depth global knowledge and ability to anticipate consumers' future needs. For a list of Winkreative's premium clients, please visit www.winkreative.com
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,000 investment projects creating over 25,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$52 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157624416297563.
Ends/Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01
NNNN
