Berkshire Hathaway’s shopping extravaganza draws lighter crowds as spotlight shifts to Greg Abel

The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, is a highly anticipated event that draws investors and fans from around the world. This year, the annual “Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains” showcased a variety of deals and merchandise from Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiaries, including Warren Buffett-themed gear from Brooks Sports and chocolate coins from See’s Candies.

One notable change at this year’s meeting was the shift in focus from Warren Buffett to Greg Abel, who recently took over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Abel made a point to visit every booth at the event, interacting with employees and shareholders alike. His presence drew crowds, with lines forming as he made his way through the exhibit hall.

One of the standout attractions at the meeting was Squishmallows, the plush toy phenomenon owned by Jazwares. Berkshire Hathaway acquired Squishmallows through its 2022 acquisition of Alleghany Corporation. Jeremy Padawer, president of Jazwares, praised Abel for his involvement in the design of a special Abel-themed Squishmallow. The company also collaborated with other Berkshire brands such as BNSF Railway, NetJets, GEICO, and See’s Candies on exclusive versions of Squishmallows.

See’s Candies, a beloved Berkshire brand, embraced the event with themed chocolate treats and cardboard cutouts of Buffett and Abel playing hockey, a nod to Abel’s Canadian heritage and love for the sport. Brooks Running also joined in on the Berkshire fandom by offering a special edition of its running shoes featuring “Berkshire Hathaway” branding.

The annual meeting also included the Brooks “Invest in Yourself” 5K fun run and walk, with nearly 2,000 shareholders expected to participate. Participants were set to explore a new course this year, adding an exciting twist to the traditional event.

Overall, the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting continues to be a must-attend event for investors and fans alike. With a mix of exclusive merchandise, engaging activities, and the presence of new leadership, the meeting remains a highlight on the financial calendar.