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

Squishmallow display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, 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, Nebraska, May 1, 2026.David A. Grogan | CNBCSquishmallows — the plush toy phenomenon