Top Five Trends in Cities

March 2025

Urbanisation is transforming global consumer markets and business landscapes, creating both opportunities and competitive pressures. This report reveals how evolving urban consumer behaviour, rising sustainability demands and digitalisation are reshaping urban economies. Businesses that leverage data-driven insights, technology and innovation can enhance efficiency and resilience, and capture volume growth, adapting their strategies to better serve a diverse, tech-savvy urban population.

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Key Findings

Urban areas remain key consumption hubs

Urban areas continue to be the epicentres of consumption, with a significant concentration of economic activities and wealth. However, challenges such as affordability and income disparity persist. Businesses can capitalise on this trend by offering products and services tailored to evolving urban consumers’ needs, focusing on value-driven and personalised solutions.

Emerging Asian cities present strong market potential

Rapid urbanisation in emerging Asia is driving the rise of new metropolitan hubs, with cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangalore and Shenzhen set to more than double their economic size by 2040. Rising incomes and evolving consumer aspirations are fuelling rapid volume growth across consumer goods and services and driving spending towards discretionary goods and digital commerce.

Urban sustainability efforts accelerate

Urban areas are taking greater steps to tackle climate change and address environmental challenges. Renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, clean mobility and circular economy solutions are increasingly embraced by authorities, businesses and consumers to mitigate climate change impact and promote a greener future.

Smart solutions reshape urban efficiency and digital experiences

The adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and 5G is transforming urban landscapes, improving efficiency, enabling real-time decision-making and enhancing digital-first public services and consumer interactions. However, concerns over cybersecurity and data privacy will require businesses and authorities to adopt transparent and secure digital practices.

Health issues and ageing drive demand for wellness and inclusive solutions

Amid rapid population ageing and intensifying urban health issues, cities are prioritising health-centric urban planning, integrating inclusive infrastructure, green spaces and smart solutions to reduce noise, pollution and enhance wellbeing. Businesses meet the evolving needs of urban populations by offering products and services that promote health, wellness and inclusivity.

 

Our expert’s view of Cities in 2025
Key findings
Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and technology unlock new frontiers in global cities
Top five trends in Cities
Top five trends uncovered
The rise of urban consumption hubs offers businesses new pockets of opportunity
Urban Revivo to ramp up expansion in major global cities
Urban consumption growth demands innovation, agility and sustainable strategies
Rapidly emerging Asia offers multiple pockets of urban consumption growth
Meesho thrives in smaller India’s cities with social commerce and local focus
Grab partners with BYD to expand EV adoption in Southeast Asia’s ride hailing
The next growth frontier in rapidly evolving Asian cities
Intensifying environmental pressures call for business-led sustainability solutions
Ingka Group envisages EUR1 billion investment to boost recycling and circular solutions
Rising business opportunities in urban sustainability
Urban digitalisation offers vast efficiency and market opportunities
Uber Eats expands autonomous last mile food delivery in Tokyo
Unilever’s AI-powered freezers digitise the supply chain and enhance demand forecasts
Digital technologies are driving cost savings, agility and new growth avenues
Urban ageing and health challenges drive demand for wellness and inclusivity
Nike opens second “Playground for All” in Seoul, promoting inclusive sports access
Ageing and wellness trends in cities unlock new market potential for businesses
Future implications
Opportunities for growth
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