Ann Marie Gardner
Stage craft
As the summer festival season approaches we visited the factories of three musical instrument makers who are world leaders for their attention to craft and superior sound quality.
25 retail stars
Monocle presents a list of our favourite shops, the most attentive services, the best store designs and the most innovative concepts in the retail sector.
Lonley parts club
Monocle goes island-hopping this month and visits Iceland, Curaçao and Guam. Remote they may be, but they’re not to be overlooked, as they stretch their business muscles and raise their strategic voices.
New road ahead
Following its 2008 economic collapse, Iceland’s talented community is returning to old values. Led by a new prime minister, it’s turning nostalgia into new opportunities, creativity and business ventures.
Lost and found
Thanks to a strong leader, oil discoveries and a prime-time drama set in St John’s, it’s boom time for this Canadian province, leading everyone from engineers to art directors to relocate here.
Cream of the crop
With a growing Latino population in the US and Europe and the success of Häagen-Daz’s dulce de leche flavour, there is rising demand outside of Latin America for the treasured dessert.
Open and shut case
Founded by a diver, Pelican Products now makes indestructible cases for everyone from the military to the iPhone user. It has expanded into ingenious lighting systems and is making a healthy profit.
Business
A Canadian coffee shop in Kandahar, Chinese internet junkies go cold Turkey, and Jordan gets wired.
Jock tactics
Canadian ice hockey commentator Don Cherry is a beloved anti-hero. At 75, he still enrages and entertains with his signature tough talk and strong opinions, making him a divisive but iconic figure.
