Tools and Tech Report from 2025 CES
Five key new product insights from CES 2025, highlighting innovations for hardware retailers and your customers.
There was one buzzword you couldn’t escape at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this January: AI. From cooking appliances to home automation, AI was baked into almost everything. While some brands were clearly trying too hard to be futuristic, others nailed it by using AI to simplify and improve workflows—an especially useful approach for running a small business.
Brands such as DREO and LG stood out with smart appliances that offer meaningful improvements, not just gimmicks. But let’s talk about the real stars of the show: the innovative products that aren’t just great for streamlining your business operations but would also make fantastic additions to your store shelves or put to use in your business operations. These items are practical, forward-thinking and bound to attract customers looking for the latest and greatest.
Helios Heated Jackets and Vests
One of the most practical and stylish innovations I saw was Helios’s heated jackets and vests. These aren’t your bulky, clunky cold-weather gear—they’re sleek, comfortable and designed for everyday use. The integrated heating technology is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, giving the wearer all-day warmth. For hardware retailers, these are a no-brainer for winter sales. Think about contractors working outdoors or customers looking for a gift that’s both functional and high-tech.
PulseTech QuadLink Kit
If you or your customers manage multiple vehicles or equipment, the PulseTech QuadLink Kit is a game changer. This charger and maintainer can handle up to four batteries at once, all from a single charger. It features pulsating anti-sulfating technology that can triple battery life. It’s an ideal upsell for anyone with a workshop, farm equipment or even a fleet of vehicles. Practical, innovative and genuinely useful—exactly what hardware retailers should be looking for.
ErgoFx Adjustable Standing Desk
The shift toward home offices continues, and the ErgoFx Adjustable Standing Desk is one of the smartest desks I’ve seen. It offers adjustable height for a seamless sit/stand experience and includes a 100W front charging panel, perfect for powering laptops, phones and other devices. Built-in cable management keeps everything organized, and the desk even features a drawer for extra storage. This is a high-ticket item that would make an excellent addition to your home improvement offerings or used in your own store’s office.
Olight Ostation X 3-in-1 Battery Charger
For customers who use a lot of rechargeable batteries—whether for tools, flashlights or household devices—the Olight Ostation X 3-in-1 Battery Charger is a must-have. It’s capable of charging up to 32 AA batteries at once, automatically loading and storing them for continuous charging. This is the kind of product that appeals to both contractors and DIYers who need reliable power for their projects. It’s innovative, easy to use and efficient, making it a CES standout.
Netgear Orbi Mesh WiFi 6E System
Strong wireless coverage has gone from luxury to necessity, and the Netgear Orbi Mesh WiFi 6E System is the ultimate solution. With speeds up to 27Gbps, it provides whole-home coverage, making 8K streaming and heavy data usage effortless. It’s easy to set up, thanks to its high-performance antennas, and its seamless coverage makes it perfect for large homes or offices. Hardware retailers catering to tech-savvy customers will find this product flying off the shelves.
DIY expert Chip Wade has been featured on numerous HGTV shows including Elbow Room, on which he’s the host, designer and executive producer, showcasing his innovative design skills and how-to know-how. Find out what he’s building next at chipwade.com.
