Stanfords in Manchester

Stanfords, the map and bookshop, is to open a branch in Manchester. The shop's third branch, which opens on January 13 at Spring Gardens, will include a digital "store-within-a-store" providing maps at the touch of a button. This will later be extended to the flagship store in London's Covent Garden and the Bristol branch.

Waymark sale

Waymark, which sells cross-country skiing and walking holidays, is the latest specialist travel company to be acquired by one of the big four tour operators. It has been bought by First Choice, whose specialist holiday division includes companies such as Exodus, and Citalia and Meon Villas.

Eye closes

The London Eye, the UK's most popular paid-for visitor attraction, closes for annual maintenance from January 6 to 26.