Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Shopping Event Sees Thinner Crowds as Greg Abel Takes Center Stage

This year’s Berkshire Hathaway annual 'Bazaar of Bargains' in Omaha featured shorter lines and noticeably lighter crowds compared to previous years. The 20,000-square-foot event showcased popular merchandise from Berkshire’s subsidiaries, including Warren Buffett-themed gear and See’s Candies chocolates, but with more space for attendees to browse.

The change in atmosphere coincides with a leadership transition at Berkshire Hathaway, as longtime chairman Warren Buffett steps back from headlining the marquee Q&A sessions. New CEO Greg Abel, who assumed the role in early 2026, took the spotlight by personally visiting every booth, engaging with employees, and greeting shareholders throughout the event.

A New Era at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting

For decades, Warren Buffett has been the face of Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder gathering, but this year marked a shift. At 95 years old, Buffett stepped back from his traditional role, allowing Greg Abel, the company’s new CEO, to take center stage. Abel’s presence was felt throughout the event as he made a point to visit every booth, shaking hands and connecting with shareholders and employees alike.

Fan Favorites and New Attractions Draw Attention

The 'Bazaar of Bargains' continued to feature beloved items such as Brooks Sports’ Warren Buffett-themed apparel and See’s Candies’ chocolate coins. One standout attraction was the Squishmallows plush toys, a phenomenon owned by Jazwares, which Berkshire acquired in 2022. This year, a special Abel-themed Squishmallow was introduced, designed with input from the CEO himself.

Jeremy Padawer, president of Jazwares, highlighted Abel’s active involvement, noting the CEO’s enthusiasm and collaboration in creating the new plush. The company also partnered with other Berkshire brands like BNSF Railway, NetJets, GEICO, and See’s Candies to produce special-edition Squishmallows.

Iconic Brands Embrace the Moment

See’s Candies embraced the occasion with themed chocolate displays and playful cardboard cutouts of Buffett and Abel playing hockey—a nod to Abel’s Canadian heritage and love of the sport. Meanwhile, Brooks Running capitalized on Berkshire fandom by offering a 2026 special edition of running shoes branded with the company’s name.

Nearly 2,000 shareholders are expected to participate in the Brooks 'Invest in Yourself' 5K fun run and walk scheduled for the Sunday following the annual meeting, featuring a new course this year.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Berkshire Hathaway’s Gatherings

As Berkshire Hathaway transitions leadership from Buffett to Abel, the annual meeting and its associated events reflect this new chapter. While the crowds may be lighter, the engagement and enthusiasm remain strong, signaling continued shareholder interest and a fresh energy under Abel’s leadership.

With Abel’s hands-on approach and the company’s diverse portfolio showcased through unique collaborations, future gatherings are poised to blend tradition with innovation, keeping the spirit of Berkshire Hathaway alive for years to come.