Squishmallow display the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.Sarah Min | CNBCOMAHA, Nebraska — At the cavernous exhibit hall inside CHI Health Center Omaha, the annual “Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains” is still stocked with fan-favorite deals, just with a bit more breathing room this year.The 20,000-square-foot shopping event tied to Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting features its usual lineup: Warren Buffett-themed gear from Brooks Sports and chocolate coins from See’s Candies, alongside merchandise from dozens of subsidiaries. But unlike past years, lines were shorter and the crowds noticeably thinner.The event came as Buffett, the 95-year-old chairman who has defined the gathering for decades, is no longer expected to headline the marquee Q&A session in the same way, ceding the spotlight to Greg Abel, who took over as CEO at the beginning of 2026. Abel made a point of stopping by every booth in the hall, greeting employees and shaking hands with shareholders. Lines of shareholders formed as he made his way through the hall. Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, meets with shareholders at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.David A. Grogan | CNBCSquishmallows — the plush toy phenomenon owned by Jazwares that Berkshire gained through its 2022 acquisition of Alleghany Corporation — once again pulled in crowds, including for a new Abel-themed plush.Adam Padawer, president of Jazwares, told CNBC that Abel was “engaged, interested and involved,” noting the CEO helped design his own Squishmallow. The company also partnered with other Berkshire brands including BNSF Railway, NetJets, GEICO and See’s Candies on special-edition versions.Squishmallow display the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.Sarah Min | CNBCSquishmallows on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.Yun Li | CNBCSquishmallows on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.Yun Li | CNBCSquishmallows on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, NE on May 1, 2026.Yun Li | CNBCSee’s Candies — one of Berkshire’s most ico …
