If you’ve spent any time in Southwest Michigan, you know that the Fairplain Plaza is basically the heartbeat of local weekend errands. It’s got the Target, the Kohl’s, and the TJ Maxx, but honestly, Five Below Benton Harbor occupies this weirdly essential space in our collective shopping habits. It’s the place you go when you need a "just because" gift, a $5 charging cable because yours mysteriously died, or a massive bag of Haribo Goldbears that you definitely don't need but are absolutely going to buy.
Located at 970 E. Napier Avenue, this specific Five Below has become a bit of a local legend for being surprisingly well-organized compared to some of the more chaotic city locations. I've walked into discount stores that look like a tornado hit a glitter factory. This one? Usually pretty tight.
What Actually Makes the Benton Harbor Five Below Different?
You might think every Five Below is the same, but the Benton Harbor location benefits heavily from its spot in the Fairplain Plaza. Because it's surrounded by heavy hitters like PetSmart and Michaels, the foot traffic is consistent, which means the "New & Now" section—the holy grail of the store—gets refreshed constantly.
The Layout "Worlds"
They divide the store into eight "worlds," and if you haven’t been in lately, the vibe has shifted. It’s not just for ten-year-olds anymore. You’ve got:
- Tech: This is where I find those $7 Bluetooth speakers and surprisingly decent LED strip lights.
- Style: Think graphic tees and $5 bandanas.
- Room: Currently, this section is dominated by "cozy essentials" like $7 faux fur throws and those viral stackable storage bins.
- Play: Squishmallows are still the kings here. If you’re looking for the rare ones, you have to hit this store on a Tuesday morning; that’s usually when the trucks get unloaded.
The Reality of "Five" Below in 2026
We have to address the elephant in the room: the name is a bit of a lie now. Walk into Five Below Benton Harbor today and you’ll see plenty of stuff priced at $5.55, $7, or even $25 in the "Five Beyond" section. It's a bit of a bummer if you're a purist, but honestly, where else are you getting a six-foot inflatable projector screen for 25 bucks?
I recently saw a TV-themed Ramen Set (the one with the Lilo & Stitch bowl and chopsticks) for $7. At a boutique or a mall store, that’s a $20 item easily. The value is still there, even if the "Five" part of the name is now more of a suggestion than a rule.
Local Shopping Tips for Fairplain Plaza Regulars
If you’re planning a trip, keep these logistics in mind so you don't end up frustrated.
- The Weekend Rush: Saturday at 2:00 PM is a nightmare. The parking lot at Fairplain Plaza is huge, but it gets tight near the Five Below entrance because people are darting between there and the Ulta next door.
- Inventory Gaps: Like many discount retailers, stock is "now or never." If you see those Hello Kitty flocked figures or the specific $5 protein shaker you wanted, grab it. It won’t be there tomorrow.
- The Self-Checkout Factor: This store relies heavily on self-checkout. It’s fast, but if you’re buying 40 individual pieces of candy for a party, it can be a bit of a headache. The staff is usually pretty quick to jump in and help if the machines start acting up.
Current Seasonal Must-Haves (January 2026)
Since we’re currently in the mid-January stretch, the store has pivoted hard into Valentine’s Day and "New Year, New Me" gear.
- Valentine’s Finds: They’ve got these $6 Squishmallow pink clown plushes that people are obsessed with right now. Also, the $5 "Cherry Crush" candles in the glass jars are legit—they smell great and don't have that weird chemical scent some cheap candles do.
- Wellness Gear: If you’re trying to hit the gym, they have 2lb dumbbells for $4 and yoga mats for $7. Are they professional grade? No. But for a home workout? They're perfect.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Look, Five Below Benton Harbor isn't where you go for heirloom-quality furniture. It’s a treasure hunt. It’s where you go when you have twenty dollars in your pocket and want to feel like a kid again. Whether you’re a parent looking for cheap birthday party favors or a college student trying to decorate a dorm on a budget, it’s one of the few places left that feels genuinely affordable.
Just watch out for the candy aisle. Those $1.50 bags of Sour Brite Crawlers have a way of multiplying in your basket.
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Pro-tip for your next visit: Check the "Five Beyond" section at the back first. They often tuck the best electronics and room décor items back there, and they tend to sell out faster than the stuff in the front of the store. If you're looking for the 2026 tech arrivals like the magnetic phone pouches or the new skincare sets, that's where they'll be hiding.
Stop by between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekdays for the quietest experience. Sundays they close a bit earlier at 7:00 PM, so don't get caught out.