When is a shop more than just a shop? To find out, Monocle visits three brick-and-mortar businesses offering unique products and impeccable service in Toronto, Paris and Madrid.

Who needs paper in a world dominated by technology? Kenji Hall finds out as he visits Kakimori, a small stationery shop nestled in Tokyo's Kuramae neighbourhood.

With a population of just 2,400 Fogo Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, is an inspiring example of how rural communities can be brought back to life. In the first film of our two-part series we profile Zita Cobb and her Shorefast entrepreneurial vision for the island.

Ericeira, a small fishing village north of Lisbon on the Portuguese coast, is also a world-class surfing town. People come from as far away as Australia for great waves, good seafood and a relaxed "old Portugal" feeling that persists even as its popularity grows. Monocle films pays a visit to the surf haven this summer.

Makers who bring something special to their industries are easy to love and so is cycling. These elements combine in bike shops in Toronto, Buenos Aires and Zürich, where imaginative artisanship combines with rational urban cycling design.

The 50th year of the Paris Air Show was defined by the optimism of an industry looking skywards. Monocle attended to meet the business high-flyers.

Taipei has long lived in the shadow of its glitzier neighbours when it comes to retail. But now the range and quality of products on offer are firming up the Taiwanese capital’s place on Asia’s shopping map.