You know that feeling when you walk into a store just for a pack of gum and walk out $60 lighter with a weighted hula hoop and a giant bag of Japanese KitKats? Yeah, that's the vibe at Five Below Hamilton Marketplace. Located right at 300 Marketplace Blvd in Trenton (well, technically Hamilton Township, but try telling your GPS that), it’s basically a rite of passage for anyone living in Mercer County.
Honestly, the "Five Below" name is kinda a lie now. Or at least a partial truth. If you haven't been in a while, you've probably noticed the "Five Beyond" section creeping into the back corners. It's where the $7 yoga mats and $10 Bluetooth speakers live. Some people are salty about the price hike—I’ve seen plenty of Reddit threads where shoppers are calling for a name change to "Ten Below"—but let’s be real. Even at $7, most of this stuff is a steal.
Why the Hamilton Marketplace Spot Hits Different
Not all Five Belows are created equal. You’ve probably been to some that feel like a disorganized toy chest after a toddler’s birthday party. The Five Below Hamilton Marketplace location generally manages to stay surprisingly tidy, which is a feat considering it's a magnet for every middle schooler within a ten-mile radius.
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The layout follows the classic "eight worlds" of the brand: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy, and New & Now. But the Hamilton store has a specific flow. The candy section is massive. I'm talking rows of PEZ dispensers, bulk Haribo, and those weird TikTok-famous pickles in a pouch. If you’re trying to do a movie night on a budget, this is the strategic starting point before hitting the AMC nearby.
The Real Lowdown on Quality
Let’s get real about the "extreme value" thing. You aren't buying heirloom furniture here.
- The Tech: Great for backup charging cables or cheap wired headphones for the kids.
- The Beauty: Actually surprisingly decent. Brands like L.A. Colors and their own "Amora" line are staples.
- The Fitness stuff: Their Series-8 Fitness gear is a hidden gem. $5 for a resistance band? You can't beat that at a big-box sporting goods store.
I've heard people complain that the self-checkout process is a bit of a "do-it-yourself" internship. And yeah, you have to pay for your bags now. That's just the 2026 retail reality in Jersey. Bring your own reusable bags unless you want to juggle five Squishmallows and a lava lamp on your way to the parking lot.
Navigating the Marketplace Chaos
Hamilton Marketplace is huge. It’s over a million square feet of retail therapy. Five Below sits in a prime spot, but the parking lot can be a total nightmare on Saturday afternoons. If you're planning a trip, go on a Tuesday morning. It's eerie how quiet it is.
The staff at this specific branch—Store #129, for those who care about internal numbering—tends to be younger. They’re usually pretty chill, though I’ve seen them have to deal with some intense "Karen" energy when a specific Squishmallow isn't in stock. Pro tip: if you’re looking for a specific drop, like the latest Hello Kitty LED wall lights, call ahead at (609) 585-2652. They might not hold it for you, but they can at least tell you if you’re wasting a trip.
What to Actually Buy (And What to Skip)
I’ve spent way too much time wandering these aisles. Here is my unfiltered list of what is worth your five (or seven) bucks:
- Graphic Tees: They have some weirdly cool licensed shirts.
- Phone Accessories: Don't buy a $40 case at the carrier store. Get the $5 one here.
- Party Supplies: Their balloon selection is a lifesaver for last-minute birthdays.
Skip the high-end electronics if you need them to last more than a year. The "Five Beyond" tech is okay, but if it has a motor or a battery that needs to last five hours, maybe manage your expectations.
The Evolution of Value in 2026
It’s interesting to see how Five Below has pivoted. Founded back in 2002 by Tom Vellios and David Schlessinger (the guys behind Zany Brainy), the brand was always about the "Yes!" factor. Parents can say yes because it’s only five bucks. Now that prices are nudging up to $5.55 or $7.00 for the good stuff, that "Yes" is a little more hesitant, but the crowds at Hamilton Marketplace don't seem to care.
The store is a vibe. It’s bright, the music is usually loud, and there’s always something new. They’ve even started leaning into the "room decor" trend big time. I saw a "Bow Tabletop Shelf" for $10 the other day that looked exactly like something from a boutique for quadruple the price.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're heading to Five Below Hamilton Marketplace this weekend, do yourself a favor and check the "New & Now" section first. That’s where the seasonal stuff lives. Right now, it’s all about fitness and "New Year, New You" gear, but that flips faster than you’d think.
Download the app before you go. You can check local inventory, though it's not always 100% accurate (welcome to retail). Most importantly, keep your receipt. Their return policy is actually pretty fair, but without that slip of paper, you're looking at store credit at best.
Park near the Kohl’s if the main lot is packed. It’s a short walk, and you’ll save yourself ten minutes of circling like a vulture. Grab your cheap snacks, find that one weird item you didn't know you needed, and get out before the after-school rush hits at 3:00 PM.
Actionable Insights:
- Check the "Five Beyond" section for higher-end tech and room decor that actually holds up better than the $1 items.
- Visit mid-week to avoid the Mercer County teenage stampede and get the best pick of new inventory.
- Bring your own bags to avoid the New Jersey bag fee and the hassle of the self-checkout bag prompt.
- Verify stock via phone for high-demand licensed items like Hello Kitty or Disney drops before driving over.