Squishmallow display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, May 1, 2026.
Sarah Min | CNBC
OMAHA, Neb. – In the cavernous exhibit hall at CHI Health Center Omaha, the annual Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains is still packed with fan-favorite offerings, just with a little more wiggle room this year.
The 20,000 square meter shopping event is associated with this Berkshire HathawayThe annual gathering features the usual fare: Warren Buffett-style gear from Brooks Sports and chocolate coins from See’s Candies, as well as merchandise from dozens of affiliates. But unlike previous years, the queues were shorter and the crowds were significantly smaller.
The event came at a time when Buffett, the 95-year-old chairman who has shaped the meeting for decades, is no longer expected to headline the big question-and-answer session in the same way, leaving the spotlight to Greg Abel, who took over as CEO in early 2026.
Abel made it a point to stop by every booth in the hall, greet the employees and shake hands with the shareholders. As he walked through the room, lines of shareholders formed.
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel meets with shareholders at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska.
David A. Grogan | CNBC
Squishmallows — the plush toy phenomenon from Jazwares, which Berkshire acquired through its acquisition of Alleghany Corporation in 2022 — drew crowds again, in part because of a new Abel-themed plush toy.
Jazwares President Jeremy Padawer told CNBC that Abel was “dedicated, interested and committed,” noting that the CEO helped develop his own Squishmallow. The company also collaborated with other Berkshire brands on special editions, including BNSF Railway, NetJets, GEICO and See’s Candies.
Squishmallow Presents Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Sarah Min | CNBC
Squishmallows will be on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
Squishmallows will be on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
Squishmallows will be on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
See’s Candies – one of Berkshire’s best-known brands – has embraced the moment with shelves full of themed chocolate treats and cardboard cutouts of Buffett and Abel playing hockey, a nod to Abel’s Canadian roots and his well-known love of sports.
See’s Candies exhibit at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
See’s Candies exhibit at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
Brooks Running also joined the Berkshire fan base and sold a special edition of its running shoes in 2026 with “Berkshire Hathaway” branding on the side and insoles.
Nearly 2,000 shareholders are expected to take part in Brooks’ “Invest in Yourself” 5K run and walk on Sunday morning following the annual meeting, with participants taking on a new course this year.
Berkshire Hathaway-branded Brooks running shoes are on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Yun Li | CNBC
Justin Boots introduction at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
A pilot demonstration at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Yun Li | CNBC
Signage for Marmon Holdings on display at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting of shareholders on May 1, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
Sarah Min | CNBC
Correction: Jeremy Padawer is the president of Jazwares. An earlier version misstated his first name.
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