Exploring Promotional Products And Shopping Opportunities At The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting

The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, often referred to as "Woodstock for Capitalists," represents one of the most anticipated events in the financial world. While primarily a shareholder meeting where CEO Warren Buffett and other company leaders discuss business performance and strategy, the event also offers unique shopping opportunities and promotional products for attendees. This article examines the promotional offerings available at the annual meeting, including the Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains shopping event and various branded merchandise.

Meeting Overview

The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting typically draws approximately 40,000 attendees from around the globe to Omaha, Nebraska. According to historical data, the meeting usually takes place on the first Saturday of May, though it may be scheduled for the last Saturday of April if the first Saturday in May falls on Mother's Day. The next meeting is planned for May 2, 2026. The event has become legendary in financial circles, attracting not only serious investors but also fans of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger who pilgrimage to Omaha to connect with like-minded value investors.

To attend the meeting, individuals must obtain official meeting credentials, often referred to as "shareholder passes" or "badges." These badges grant access to the main meeting, the exhibit hall, and various shareholder-only events throughout the weekend. The most straightforward method to obtain credentials is by owning at least one share of Berkshire Hathaway stock, which can be either Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) shares. A single Class B share is sufficient to qualify for attendance.

For those who are not shareholders, alternative options exist. Meeting passes may sometimes be acquired from current shareholders through secondary markets such as eBay. However, this method requires careful consideration, as availability can be limited and prices may vary significantly.

The Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains

A highlight of the annual meeting weekend is the "Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains," a shareholder-only shopping event that provides attendees with access to products from various Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries. This shopping extravaganza occupies over 20,000 square feet of showroom space at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha, creating an immersive retail experience for shareholders.

The Bazaar offers attendees the opportunity to purchase goods from many of Berkshire's well-known holdings at potentially discounted prices. This shopping experience has become so popular that Warren Buffett himself has joked, "Anyone who says money can't buy happiness simply hasn't shopped at our meeting," highlighting the appeal of this event to shareholders.

Promotional Products and Branded Merchandise

The Berkshire Bazaar features a diverse array of products from the conglomerate's various subsidiaries, with certain items standing out as particularly popular or unique to the event.

Squishmallows: The Star Attraction

Perhaps the most sought-after promotional items at recent meetings have been Squishmallows, plush toys modeled after Warren Buffett and the late Charlie Munger. These items have become such a phenomenon that shareholders reportedly purchase over 1,000 of these plush dolls per hour during the shopping event. The popularity of these Buffett and Munger-themed Squishmallows demonstrates how the meeting has evolved beyond a purely financial gathering into a cultural event with unique memorabilia.

In 2025, Squishmallows introduced a new limited-edition dog character called "Omaha," further enhancing the appeal of these promotional items. Berkshire Hathaway acquired Squishmallows' parent company, Jazwares, through its acquisition of Alleghany in the fourth quarter of 2022, making these plush toys an official part of the Berkshire product lineup.

Food and Confectionery Items

Food products from Berkshire subsidiaries also feature prominently at the Bazaar. One notable example is See's Candies, which offers Berkshire-branded chocolate coins to attendees. The popularity of these items is significant, with the company reporting impressive sales figures during meeting weekends. For instance, historical data shows that during a nine-hour period, the company sold 10,010 pounds of See's candy, demonstrating the appeal of these treats to shareholders.

Apparel and Accessories

Apparel featuring Warren Buffett's likeness or Berkshire Hathaway branding has also been available at the meeting. Brooks Sports, a Berkshire subsidiary, offers Warren Buffett-themed apparel that allows attendees to show their appreciation for the investing legend while sporting company merchandise. These items serve as both souvenirs and conversation starters at the event.

Other Berkshire Subsidiary Products

The Bazaar showcases products from numerous other Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries, creating a comprehensive retail experience that highlights the diversity of the conglomerate's holdings. While specific product offerings may vary from year to year, the event consistently provides shareholders with access to goods from companies including:

• Justin boots (with historical data showing 1,090 pairs sold during a nine-hour period)
• Quikut knives (12,879 units sold during the same period)
• Wells Lamont gloves (5,784 pairs sold)

These impressive sales figures underscore the appeal of the Berkshire Bazaar as a shopping destination for shareholders.

Shopping Experience and Value Proposition

The Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains offers more than just merchandise—it provides shareholders with an opportunity to purchase products from beloved brands at potentially discounted prices. The shopping experience is designed to be interactive and engaging, with over 20,000 square feet of showroom space dedicated to showcasing Berkshire's diverse portfolio of companies.

For many attendees, the ability to purchase products directly from these subsidiaries represents a unique opportunity. The event allows shareholders to connect with Berkshire's businesses on a more personal level beyond the financial discussions that dominate the main meeting. This dual nature of the event—combining serious financial discourse with accessible retail experiences—contributes to its widespread appeal and the "Woodstock for Capitalists" moniker it has earned.

Planning Your Visit

For those planning to attend the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting with the specific goal of accessing the Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains, several considerations should be kept in mind. The event typically takes place the day before the main shareholder meeting, with the 2025 Bazaar kicking off on a Friday ahead of the Saturday meeting.

Due to the event's popularity and the influx of approximately 40,000 attendees to Omaha, planning well in advance is essential. Accommodations and flights should be booked as early as possible, as last-minute options may be limited or significantly more expensive. Additionally, the shopping event may have specific hours or restrictions, so checking the official meeting details for the most current information is advisable.

Conclusion

The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting offers more than just financial insights and shareholder discussions—it provides a unique shopping experience through the Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains. This shareholder-exclusive event features a wide array of products from Berkshire's subsidiaries, with certain items like Buffett and Munger-themed Squishmallows, See's Candies chocolate coins, and Brooks Sports apparel standing out as particularly popular.

While the meeting requires either ownership of Berkshire Hathaway stock or acquisition of a shareholder pass, the experience offers intangible benefits beyond the promotional products. The opportunity to connect with fellow investors, engage with Berkshire's diverse business portfolio, and potentially purchase discounted goods from well-known brands contributes to the event's status as a pilgrimage destination for value investors worldwide.

As the event continues to evolve, with new promotional products and experiences added each year, the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting remains a distinctive gathering that combines serious financial discourse with accessible consumer experiences, creating a truly unique event in the world of business and investing.

Sources

1. How To Attend The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder's Meeting (2026)
2. How to Attend Berkshire Hathaway's Annual Meeting
3. Highlights of the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting
4. Highlights from the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting: Record Cash, Apple Strategy, and Enduring Principles
5. Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting Guide
6. Berkshire Meeting Bazaar features Buffett Squishmallows, 60th anniversary book and giant claw machine