His thoughts are never far from this pressing topic, so here our editor in chief scrutinises the future of retail and the changing ways in which we shop.

We sample a Chinese tipple that’s set for world domination, leave our beach towels at home (more room for flip-flops!) and clear our throats for a spot of yodelling.

Works worth millions of dollars are often fragile. When it comes to keeping them spotless, a duster-waving cleaner is what you need.

As Brexit drives bankers and their families out of London, Frankfurt’s headmasters and headmistresses are waiting with open arms. Time to take the register?

She plots to defend her nation, then finds solace in front of a Picasso.

In his foundation, Norman Foster has brought together an enthusiastic team of architects, urbanists and designers who share his energy and passion.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo tells us how he navigates hardline groups, political opponents and speed bumps.

Paraguay has been blighted by dictatorship, corruption and mismanagement. As the country goes to the polls will any candidate deliver real change? Many believe it’s now or never.

How the UK is fostering community policing in Beirut, plus an optimistic outlook from Afghanistan’s ambassador to Norway.

A sea change in Portugal, Poland is on reputation watch, former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili eyes a political comeback in Ukraine and we meet Hisyar Ozsoy of the pro-Kurd Peoples’ Democratic party.

Conscription in France, Romania plans a submarine and US troops in South Korea prepare a new look.

Negotiating new civic spaces in Tirana, how Amsterdam’s calamitous North-South metro line got back on track, and British artist Stuart Semple takes councils to task over hostile design.

Montréal’s first woman mayor is using the city’s economic upswing to drive socially minded change. But only months into the job she’s found herself in storms of protest – and deep snow.

The university schooling Poland’s military elite.

The Kiwis’ new prime minister Jacinda Ardern is boldly searching for solutions.

Facing tough times, the world of physical retail is fighting its corner in style. We review the bold formats, inspiring shopfits and savvy blends of heritage and technology keeping the sector’s innovators ahead of the curve.

The world’s biggest brand believes bricks-and-mortar retail is the future – and, used well, can fix our isolation. We sit down with the executive who’s creating new ‘town squares’ where we can all come together and, of course, buy something along the way.

Canada launches a space-age carbon counter and Sweden unveils the world’s first shopping centre selling exclusively upcycled and repurposed items.

In this age of online shopping, why is bricks-and-mortar retail still popular and relevant? We assess the challenges specific to three cities – Sydney and gentrification, Madrid and Spain’s power brands, and Osaka with its second-city syndrome – and ask shoppers what they’re buying and why they prefer to do it in person.

With its scene buoyed by the Dhaka Art Summit, artists and architects are banging the drum for Bangladeshi art.

Maori Television is breathing life into a threatened language through its indigenous broadcasts. But will naysayers and a tight budget halt the network’s progress?

A group of Austrian philanthropists are working to shine a spotlight on their country’s artists.

Slick lines? Scandinavian sensibility? We find it all at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair.

A warm welcome to a new church and a farewell to a modernist marvel.

Czech design is in the spotlight and its artisanal glassware and furniture are finding an enthusiastic global market.

A residence in Kyoto has been given a sensitive makeover that pays homage to its history. Now a cosy guest house, A Day in Khaki offers a soothing retreat in serene surrounds.

The windswept hillsides and volcanic slopes of Tenerife are once again flourishing, as growers master the harsh terrain and harness the potential of the igneous island’s age-old vines.

Shortly after scooping the top spot in our 2016 Restaurant Awards, Beard closed. Now its founder has returned from his culinary journey with a new partner and a brand-new restaurant.

Singapore’s newest members’ club harks back to the solidarity of the “clans” that helped Chinese immigrants establish themselves in Singapore. We take a first look.

Tasmania’s toothsome produce, Toronto’s new food hall and a recipe not to be missed.

We break bread with Portugal’s most famous food writer and broadcaster to talk through her defining role in elevating Portuguese food – and how she never even wanted to be on TV.

Our editors have toured the showrooms, interrogated the buyers and been to the shows. The following pages offer up our picks of the spring/summer 2018 season.

China accounts for more than a third of luxury spending and big brands are doing their utmost to lure its travellers. But as the Chinese consumer profile shifts to a younger, savvier, more fashion-conscious one, shops are having to work harder to open their wallets.

While some buyers have a spreadsheet mentality, others see their jobs as a chance to be creative editor. We meet three menswear gurus who use collages, scrapbooks and snapshots to deliver the goods.

Fashion was once how the US sold its brand to the rest of the world. But with the decline of its manufacturing industries since the 1970s, it is increasingly difficult to produce any clothing that is truly homegrown. Where did it all go wrong for American-made fashion – and is there any way back?

In between fashion weeks, Milan plays host to Mido: the world’s biggest stage for eyewear.

Far from the hurly burly of Milan or Paris, Odeeh has found the freedom to focus on what matters: quality and bold silhouettes.

With fewer clients around, smart Japanese hairdressers are putting design to the fore to win valuable customers. And there are fringe benefits too. We take a pew in three of Tokyo’s finest establishments.

Whether you’re at play or meeting the board, a well-crafted watch is a must in planning your next move. We present our pick of the top tickers.

After years of neglect, Mitchelton Wines has been restored to all its mid-century glory. We meet the father-and-son team behind the tasteful new hotel and vineyard.

A secluded stay in Norway, an artsy spot in Italy and a waterside haven in Vietnam all feature in our pick of residences remote and remodelled.

With its gilded temples, soothing waterfalls and early bedtime, this Laotian city is the perfect place to peace out.

Shopping for Finnish trolls in London and finicky pooches in Berlin, plus this month’s best books, products, music, film and more.

Enter this curiosity shop and discover a hoard of remarkable riches.

Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.