Five Below in South Carolina: What to Expect and Where to Shop

What Five Below Sells and How It Works

Five Below is a discount retailer that stocks toys, games, home décor, sports equipment, tech accessories, and seasonal items—most priced at $5 or less, though some merchandise goes higher. The chain operates on a treasure-hunt model: inventory changes frequently, store layouts shift, and what you find on one visit may not be there the next. This unpredictability is part of the appeal for bargain hunters, but it also means you cannot count on finding a specific item.

The store targets teenagers and young adults, though families with children shop there regularly for birthday gifts, party supplies, and back-to-school items. Prices are genuinely lower than department stores and big-box retailers for comparable goods, particularly on brand-name toys, electronics, and seasonal décor. The trade-off is selection: you browse what the store has in stock rather than ordering what you want.

Key Takeaways

• Five Below stores in South Carolina are located in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other growing areas, with new locations opening regularly.
• Most items cost $5 or less, but the store also carries higher-priced merchandise like larger furniture and electronics that may exceed that threshold.
• Inventory rotates frequently and varies by location, so the same item may not be available at every store or on your next visit.
• The store is busiest during back-to-school season (July through August) and the holiday shopping period (November through December).
• Five Below offers a rewards program through its mobile app that tracks purchases and provides occasional discounts to members.

South Carolina Locations and Store Hours

Five Below operates multiple locations across South Carolina, with stores in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and the surrounding suburbs. The chain has expanded significantly in recent years, so new locations may have opened since this guide was written. Store hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, though individual stores may vary.

The best way to find the nearest location and confirm current hours is to visit the Five Below website or call ahead. Parking is usually available at the shopping centers where Five Below operates, and stores are designed for quick browsing rather than extended shopping trips. If you are looking for a specific item, calling the store before you visit can save time, though staff may not be able to may provide stock.

What Categories of Merchandise You Will Find

Five Below divides its inventory into broad categories: toys and games (action figures, board games, puzzles), sports and outdoor gear (skateboards, roller skates, camping equipment), tech and electronics (phone cases, chargers, small gadgets), home décor (throw pillows, wall art, lighting), seasonal items (Halloween costumes, holiday decorations, summer pool supplies), and apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, accessories).

The toy section tends to be the largest and most frequently restocked. Seasonal merchandise appears and disappears predictably—back-to-school supplies in July and August, Halloween items in September and October, holiday decorations starting in October, and summer items in May and June. Brand names appear throughout the store, though often at older or overstock inventory levels. The selection of any particular brand or style is limited compared to specialty retailers, but the prices reflect that trade-off.

Pricing and What You Actually Pay

The "$5 and below" branding is accurate for the majority of items, but the store also carries merchandise priced between $5 and $25, and occasionally higher for larger items like furniture or electronics. A typical shopping trip might include items at $1.25, $3, $5, $7.50, $10, and $15. The store does not use deceptive pricing; the tag shows the actual price, and there are no hidden fees at checkout.

Prices are genuinely competitive with Target, Walmart, and specialty retailers for the same items. Five Below's advantage is that it buys overstock, closeout, and seasonal merchandise from other retailers and manufacturers, allowing it to undercut regular retail prices. The disadvantage is that you cannot return to the store next week and buy the same item if you change your mind—it will likely be gone. This makes Five Below better for impulse purchases and gifts than for planned shopping.

Busy Seasons and Best Times to Shop

Five Below is quietest on weekday mornings and early afternoons, particularly on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Evenings and weekends draw larger crowds, especially during back-to-school season (mid-July through August) and the holiday shopping period (mid-November through December). If you prefer browsing without crowds, visit on a weekday morning.

Back-to-school season brings the largest inventory of notebooks, folders, backpacks, and desk supplies. Holiday season stocks the most decorations, gift sets, and party supplies. Summer months emphasize outdoor and pool items. If you are shopping for a specific category, timing your visit to the relevant season increases your chances of finding what you want, though selection is never may provide.

The Five Below App and Rewards Program

Five Below offers a mobile app that includes a rewards program. Members earn points on purchases, which accumulate toward discounts. The app also shows store locations, hours, and occasionally displays exclusive offers or early notice of sales. Signing up is free and requires only an email address and zip code.

The rewards program is straightforward: you earn points with each purchase and can redeem them for discounts once you reach a threshold. The app does not show real-time inventory at specific stores, so you still cannot check whether a particular item is in stock before you visit. However, the app does notify members of major sales and seasonal events, which can help you plan shopping trips around the best selection.

How Five Below Compares to Other Discount Retailers

Five Below differs from dollar stores and general discount chains in several ways. Dollar stores like Dollar General focus on consumables (food, cleaning supplies, toiletries) and basic household items. Five Below emphasizes entertainment, gifts, and lifestyle products. Target and Walmart offer broader selections and carry regular inventory you can count on finding again, but their prices are higher for comparable items. Five Below's treasure-hunt model and frequent inventory changes make it more similar to TJ Maxx or Ross than to traditional discount chains.

If you are shopping for specific, planned purchases, Target or Walmart may be more reliable. If you enjoy browsing, finding deals, and do not mind that items change frequently, Five Below offers better prices and a wider range of entertainment and gift options. Many South Carolina shoppers use Five Below for birthday gifts, party supplies, seasonal décor, and impulse purchases, and visit other retailers for everyday staples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items I bought at Five Below?

Five Below accepts returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be unused and in original packaging. Return policies may vary slightly by location, so ask at the customer service desk when you visit. Without a receipt, returns are more difficult, so keep your receipt if you think you might return something.

Does Five Below price match with other stores?

Five Below does not offer price matching. The store's low prices are based on buying closeout and overstock merchandise, so comparing prices with regular retail locations is not relevant. If you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, Five Below's prices are usually still competitive for the category.

Are Five Below items new or used?

Five Below sells new merchandise only. The items are overstock, closeout, or seasonal inventory from manufacturers and other retailers, but they are not used or refurbished. All items come in original packaging unless otherwise marked.

Do all Five Below stores carry the same merchandise?

No. Each store receives different inventory based on local demand, store size, and regional preferences. A toy that is in stock at the Charleston location may not be available at the Greenville store. This is why calling ahead or visiting multiple locations can help if you are searching for something specific.

When does Five Below restock its shelves?

Five Below receives new inventory regularly, typically multiple times per week, but the exact schedule varies by location. Visiting on different days increases your chances of finding new items. Seasonal merchandise arrives in waves—back-to-school items in late June and July, holiday items in September and October, and so on.