The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 held in Las Vegas from January 6–9 has once again set the tone for the consumer discretionary sector, driving renewed interest from investors and shoppers alike as companies unveil hundreds of new products, smart devices and lifestyle innovations that could hit shelves this year.
More than just a technology expo, CES is the world’s biggest stage for consumer products where companies large and small debut innovations in gadgets, wearables, smart home gear and entertainment devices — all of which feed directly into the consumer discretionary market, a sector sensitive to trends, spending and product launches.
Smart Watches, Wearables and Portable Devices
Among the standout consumer items attracting attention are new smartwatches and wearable tech designed for everyday life. Motorola revealed a new Moto Watch in a trendy PANTONE Volcanic Ash color, offering up to 13 days of battery life and advanced health tracking, with pre-orders beginning late January and delivery expected soon after.
Wearables continue to evolve with deeper health and lifestyle tracking, blurring lines between fitness devices and personal assistants — a trend that analysts believe will drive discretionary spending as consumers increasingly prioritize connected lifestyle accessories.
Cutting-Edge TVs and Home Entertainment
Television makers also made big splashes this year. Hisense introduced the 116UXS TV, featuring second-generation RGB Mini LED technology with unparalleled brightness and color accuracy, pushing the boundaries of home entertainment tech and setting a high bar for premium screens entering the consumer market in 2026.
Such advanced large-format TVs are often considered luxury discretionary purchases — and their debut at CES tends to stimulate demand among early adopters and home entertainment enthusiasts.
AI Pets and Home Robots
One of the most talked-about new consumer products is Aura, an AI-powered pet companion robot unveiled by Tuya Smart. Designed to interpret pets’ emotions and interact through play and care modules, Aura represents a growing category in AI-enabled lifestyle products that appeal to families and pet owners.
Robotics and AI assistants continue to mature from novelty items into practical home companions, driving more discretionary interest as buyers look for products that offer both entertainment and real-world functionality.
Gaming, Computing and Display Technology
Consumer gaming and PC hardware also took center stage at CES 2026. Brands like Gigabyte unveiled powerful gaming laptops, external GPU enclosures and high-refresh-rate OLED monitors that appeal to gaming enthusiasts willing to spend on performance hardware.
Meanwhile, innovations in AR glasses, handheld gaming devices and modular accessories showcased how the consumer electronics landscape continues to expand beyond traditional PCs and phones into new mobile and immersive experiences that drive discretionary purchases.
Everyday Gadgets and Practical Consumer Tech
In addition to flagship items, CES 2026 featured a host of ready-to-buy gadgets that are expected to perform well in the consumer discretionary market. From compact e-readers with voice transcription to AR glasses with practical mobile use cases, these products offer compelling value at accessible prices and are expected to land in stores and online retailers soon.
Such commercially ready products often spur early demand as tech enthusiasts and lifestyle consumers seek the newest gadgets immediately after CES ends, helping sustain momentum in retail sales and consumer spending.
Retail Experience and Future Shopping Trends
Beyond products themselves, CES 2026 also highlighted how retailers and brands are rethinking the consumer experience — with sessions featuring Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and other major players discussing how AI-powered personalization, omnichannel shopping and social commerce will shape where and how consumers discover and buy discretionary goods this year.
These trends underscore that the consumer discretionary sector isn’t just about individual gadgets — it’s also about how shoppers engage with brands and products, with technology increasingly central to the retail journey.
Bottom Line
In sum, CES 2026’s product launches and innovations are giving the consumer discretionary sector fresh momentum. With major releases across smart wearables, home entertainment, robotics, gaming hardware and practical everyday gadgets — plus shifting retail and shopping experiences — 2026 looks set to be a dynamic year for discretionary spending and tech-driven lifestyle upgrades worldwide.
