Berkshire Hathaway’s shopping extravaganza draws light crowds as the spotlight changes on Greg Abel
Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders begins in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
OMAHA, Nebraska — In the exhibit hall inside the CHI Health Center Omaha, the annual “Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains” is still full of fan-favorite deals, with a little more breathing room this year.
A 20,000-square-foot shopping event is tied to it Berkshire HathawayThe annual convention features its usual lineup: Warren Buffett-themed gear from Brooks Sports and chocolate coins from See’s Candies, along with merchandise from dozens of affiliates. But unlike previous years, the lines were short and the crowds were noticeably thinner.
The event came as Buffett, the 95-year-old chairman who has defined the circle for decades, is no longer expected to address the Q&A session in the same way, putting it to Greg Abel, who took over as CEO in early 2026.
Abel makes a point of going through every booth in the hall, greeting employees and shaking hands with shareholders. Lines of shareholders formed as they passed through the hall.
Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, addresses shareholders at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
David A. Grogan | CNBC
Squishmallows — the luxury toy brand Jazwares Berkshire acquired in 2022 from the Alleghany Corporation — also drew crowds, including a new Abel-themed plush.
Adam Padawer, president of Jazwares, told CNBC that Abel is “engaged, passionate and involved,” noting that the CEO helped design his Squishmallow. The company has also partnered with other Berkshire brands including BNSF Railway, NetJets, GEICO and See’s Candies for special edition versions.
Squishmallow shows Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Sarah Min CNBC
Squishmallows are on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Squishmallows are on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Squishmallows are on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
See’s Candies — one of Berkshire’s most iconic brands — leans back to the era with themed chocolate shelves and cardboard cutouts of Buffett and Abel playing hockey, a nod to Abel’s Canadian roots and well-known love of the game.
See the Candies on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
See the Candies on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Brooks Running has also leaned into Berkshire fandom, selling a special 2026 edition of its running shoes with the “Berkshire Hathaway” logo on the side and insoles.
About 2,000 shareholders are expected to participate in the 5K fun run and Brooks “Invest in Yourself” walk Sunday morning after the annual meeting, participants will do a new course this year.
Brooks exhibit on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Justin Boots is shown at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Pilot Exhibit at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Yun Li | CNBC
Signs of Marmon Holdings are displayed at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.
Sarah Min CNBC
