Global Courant 2023-05-06 03:14:56
People at the See’s Candies display during the Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day event, May 5, 2023.
David A. Grogan | CNBC
Berkshire HathawayThis weekend’s annual shareholder meeting kicks off with a shopping extravaganza.
Dubbed the “Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains,” this shopping event is a tradition at the annual convention. With more than 20,000 square feet of showroom space and more than 50,000 inventory items, the exhibit hall features goods from many of the conglomerate’s companies.
This year, shareholders will be able to purchase Warren Buffett-themed plush dolls from Squishmallows for the first time. They can also purchase Buffett-themed clothing from Brooks Sports, as well as Berkshire chocolate coins from See’s Candies.
The event will be held in downtown Omaha at the CHI Health Center. Only shareholders can participate in the event and claim the discount.
CNBC and CNBC.com will provide exclusive coverage of the Annual General Meeting beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
Squishmallows
A person visits the Squishmallows display during the Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day event, May 5, 2023.
David A. Grogan | CNBC
This is Squishmallows’ first time ever at the Berkshire shopping event, and the toy brand proved to be a big hit. The plush toys drew long lines at checkout with many stockholders holding Warren Buffett cartoon dolls.
An image of Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day, May 5, 2023.
Yun-Li | CNBC
Berkshire got into Squishmallows by acquiring Alleghany, which is the fourth quarter of 2022. Although Alleghany’s main business is insurance, the company is also a conglomerate. It owns some non-financial companies, including Jazwares, an American toy maker with brands like Pokémon and Squishmallows.
See candies
The See’s Candies on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day event, May 5, 2023.
Yun-Li | CNBC
The candies at See’s Candies again drew a large crowd at the “Woodstock for Capitalists.” The “Berkshire Box” of chocolate with a dancing Buffett on the wrapper was a popular item at the stand. So was chocolate walnut fudge, a favorite of the Oracle of Omaha. Buffett said See’s Candies sold 11 tons of peanut brittle and chocolates at last year’s event.
Brook’s sports
People wait online at the Brooks display during the Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day event, May 5, 2023.
Yun-Li | CNBC
Investors could purchase sneakers, socks and t-shirts featuring images of Warren Buffett at the Brooks booth. They can also participate in the Sunday morning 5K run hosted by the sportswear company and Berkshire in downtown Omaha.
Spoiled chef
The Pampered Chef display with Warren Buffet at the Berkshire Hathaway Shopping Day event, May 5, 2023.
Yun-Li | CNBC
A cardboard cutout of Warren Buffett in an apron greeted shoppers at the Pampered Chef booth, where investors could purchase kitchen tools — including a spatula with the face of the Oracle of Omaha on one side and Charlie Munger on the other .
Borsheim’s
Jewelery display from Ruchi New York at Borsheim’s shareholder shopping evening.
Yun-Li | CNBC
Jewelery display from Ruchi New York at Borsheim’s shareholder shopping evening
Yun-Li | CNBC
There is a separate shareholder-only shopping event in Borsheims, about 14 miles from the main convention center. Berkshire shareholders browsed unique jewelry, engagement rings and watches for sale at a discount. This seven-carat emerald ring from Ruchi New York sells for $400,000 with a 25% discount (pictured above right).