Exploring the World’s Most Iconic Retail Streets: Highlights from Cushman & Wakefield’s Latest Global Report
Cushman & Wakefield has released the 35th edition of Main Streets Across the World, a flagship report that examines how global retail corridors continue to shift and strengthen. Even with economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits, premier retail streets around the world are showing impressive resilience—and offering insights that matter here in Canada and across Waterloo Region.
The report notes that 58% of tracked markets saw year-over-year rental growth, with the Americas leading the way at nearly 8%. Canada remains part of this steady momentum, supported by a healthy demand for strong retail nodes in major cities and growing local main streets in thriving regions like Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, and Cambridge.
This year’s rankings saw London’s New Bond Street rise to the top as the most expensive retail street globally, followed by Milan’s Via Montenapoleone and New York’s Fifth Avenue. These high-profile corridors continue to shape global retail strategy—offering lessons on density, walkability, and experience-driven environments, all of which influence how Canadian cities evolve their own commercial districts.
The report also looks at broader economic impacts—from interest rate shifts to the introduction of new tariffs—and how retailers are responding through smarter site selection, nearshoring, supply-chain reinvention, and greater use of analytics. These themes echo what we’re seeing locally, where retailers continue to adapt, invest, and seek high-performing locations across Southwestern Ontario.
With international tourism rebounding and brands refining their store strategies, the future of global—and local—main streets is strong. Flexibility, data-driven decisions, and customer-centred experiences will guide growth in the years ahead.
To explore the full findings, rankings, and forward-looking insights, you can access the complete Main Streets Across the World intro on Cushman & Wakefield’s website, or download the report directly here:
Read the 2025 Summary →
Download the 2025 Report →
Curious how global retail trends translate to opportunities in Waterloo Region? Reach out to one of our commercial realtors — we’d be happy to walk you through it.
