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

the annual berkshire hathaway shopping hall in omaha saw lighter crowds this year, with shorter lines and more breathing room. the 20,000-square-foot "berkshire bazaar of bargains" still stocked the usual deals — brooks sports gear, see's candies chocolate coins — but the shift in atmosphere tracks with warren buffett stepping back. the 95-year-old chairman is no longer expected to headline the q&a session, ceding the spotlight to ceo greg abel, who took over in january 2026. abel made a point of visiting every booth, shaking hands with shareholders. lines formed as he moved through the hall. jazwares, the squishmallow maker berkshire got through its 2022 alleghany acquisition, debuted an abel-themed plush — the ceo helped design it, according to jazwares president adam padawer. the company also partnered with bnsf railway, netjets, geico and see's on special-edition versions. see's leaned into abel's canadian roots with hockey-themed cardboard cutouts of buffett and abel. brooks running sold a 2026 special edition shoe with "berkshire hathaway" branding on the side and insoles. nearly 2,000 shareholders are expected for the brooks 5k fun run on sunday morning, on a new course this year.