By: Mazen Moustafa
The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2025” provides valuable insights into a consumer landscape that may look quite different in the near future. The report is extensive—spanning more than 280 pages of data—but it’s worth exploring for those interested in emerging trends. Below, I’ll outline some potential shifts in product demand and consumer habits that could shape our experiences in the coming years.
Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data continue to grow in influence. But this isn’t just a passing trend; it appears to be a significant economic shift. For instance, the international data science platform market is projected to expand from USD 95.69 billion in 2024 to USD 322.97 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3%. Similarly, AI-related job postings on Indeed have surged by nearly 120% since 2020. But what might this mean for everyday consumers?
One likely outcome is that expectations around personalization could rise significantly. Consumers may increasingly seek tailored experiences, whether shopping online or in physical stores. Imagine more sophisticated e-commerce recommendations that better anticipate preferences, potentially more engaging gamified experiences, and enhanced aesthetics when ordering food or booking flights.
A good example of this in action is Sephora. The company has been experimenting with AI to enhance the customer journey. Their “Virtual Artist” tool uses augmented reality to help shoppers try on makeup virtually, offering a way to see how products suit their skin tone without an in-store visit. Their beauty-focused chatbots aim to provide guidance on skin care routines, makeup techniques, and product selection. Meanwhile, their Beauty Insider program leverages data to offer more tailored rewards and recommendations. This hints at the possibilities for brands that effectively integrate big data and AI. So, what else might emerge from this AI-driven shift?
Naturally, this trend could fuel demand for an AI-skilled workforce. Career transitions may become more common—data suggests that in Egypt and Zimbabwe, nearly half (48%) of workers could see their skill requirements change substantially over the next five years. Even in more-developed economies like Switzerland and Malaysia, the figure remains notable at 41%. This suggests a growing emphasis on upskilling platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and TED for those interested in AI and big data. LinkedIn Learning data supports this, showing a 72% increase in AI course enrollments over the past year.
Another key trend in the report is the rising cost of living, which is identified as the second most impactful force, affecting half of employers and reshaping 42% of businesses. While global inflation may ease, slower economic growth could lead to the loss of 1.6 million jobs worldwide. This might heighten the demand for skills like creative thinking, resilience, and adaptability. A sobering thought—so how might consumer behavior adjust?
In response, customers could move away from fast-fashion brands perceived as offering lower-quality products, favoring instead those with a strong value proposition: durable, sustainable goods at fair prices. Brands like People Tree, known for Fair Trade practices and slower production cycles, exemplify this shift. Their focus on ethical sourcing, fair wages, and quality over quantity aligns with these evolving preferences.
The “Future of Jobs Report 2025” is a rich resource for understanding macro-level trends, but it’s also intriguing to consider how these changes might trickle down to everyday consumer behavior. While the report doesn’t focus exclusively on customer experience, it offers useful insights into the factors shaping what we buy—and how we buy it.
Published by Jeremy S.
