Is Five Below Elmwood Park NJ Actually Worth the Trip? What to Know Before You Go

Is Five Below Elmwood Park NJ Actually Worth the Trip? What to Know Before You Go

You know that feeling when you just need a cheap phone charger, a bag of weirdly specific candy, and maybe a yoga mat you’ll use twice? That’s basically the magnetic pull of the Five Below Elmwood Park NJ location. It sits there in the Elmwood Shopping Center, right off Broadway, acting as a siren song for anyone trying to spend twenty bucks and feel like a king.

It’s a vibe.

Seriously, if you’ve lived in Bergen County for more than five minutes, you know the intersection of Route 4 and 208 is a nightmare, and the Broadway corridor in Elmwood Park isn't much better during rush hour. But people still flock here. Why? Because the Elmwood Park location tends to stay a bit more organized than some of the chaotic spots in Paramus or the urban squeeze of Paterson. It’s the sweet spot.

Where exactly is it?

The store is located at 174 Broadway, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407. It shares the lot with some heavy hitters. You’ve got the Kmart—well, what was the Kmart area—and the ACME Markets nearby. It’s a massive parking lot, which is a blessing in North Jersey. You aren't fighting for a spot like you are at the Garden State Plaza. You just pull in, park, and walk.

Hours are pretty standard for the retail chain, usually opening around 10:00 AM and shutting down at 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM depending on the day. Sundays they usually close a bit earlier, around 7:00 PM. But honestly, check the Google Maps listing before you drive over there at 8:45 PM on a Tuesday because retail hours have been "flexible," to put it politely, lately.

The Five Beyond Shift

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. The name is Five Below. But if you walk into the Five Below Elmwood Park NJ store today, you’re going to see stuff that costs $6, $10, or even $25. They call this the "Five Beyond" section.

Purists hate it.

I get it. The whole brand was built on the "everything is five bucks" promise. But the reality of 2026 logistics and global supply chains means you aren't getting a decent set of Bluetooth headphones for five dollars anymore. The Elmwood Park store has a pretty significant "Beyond" section right in the middle or toward the back. You’ll find room decor, larger tech items, and sometimes even small furniture pieces there.

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It’s still a deal. Usually.

Why This Specific Location Hits Different

Not all Five Belows are created equal. Some feel like a garage sale exploded. Others feel like a high-end boutique for people who love plastic. The Five Below Elmwood Park NJ location generally falls into the "well-managed" category.

The aisles are wide enough that you don't feel like you're playing a game of bumper cars with strollers. Also, the staff at this Broadway location seems to have a higher tolerance for the chaos than most. If you’re looking for the Hello Kitty collectibles or the latest Squishmallows drop, this is a prime hunting ground.

The Inventory Cycle

If you’re hunting for something specific, like the graphic tees or the seasonal dorm decor, timing matters. They usually restock mid-week. If you go on a Saturday afternoon, expect the "New & Now" section to look like a swarm of locusts hit it.

The toy section here is particularly robust. Because Elmwood Park is a family-heavy area, they stock a lot of the outdoor stuff—think those giant inflatable pools and sidewalk chalk—way more heavily than the city locations might.

What’s Actually Worth Buying?

Let's be real. Some of the stuff is junk. It’s $5 for a reason. But there are genuine wins to be found if you look closely.

  1. The Tech Cords: Honestly, their braided charging cables last just as long as the $20 ones from the big box electronics stores.
  2. Fitness Gear: The dumbbells (when they have them) and the resistance bands are solid. You’re literally just buying rubber and metal; don’t overpay for a logo.
  3. Graphic Tees: They have a licensing deal with basically everyone. Marvel, Disney, Nickelodeon. They are 100% cotton usually, and they hold up in the wash better than you’d expect.
  4. Candy: The bulk candy wall is dangerous. It’s the same stuff you get at the movie theater for 400% less.

The Five Below Elmwood Park NJ isn't a standalone destination for most people. It’s part of a "trip." You’re probably hitting the ACME for groceries or grabbing a coffee nearby.

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Pro Tip: If the parking lot looks insane near the Five Below entrance, park closer to the ACME side. It’s a thirty-second walk, and you won’t get trapped in the "one-way" aisle madness that happens right in front of the store doors.

Also, watch out for the traffic coming off Broadway. People turn into that shopping center like they’re qualifying for NASCAR. It’s a North Jersey staple.

The Self-Checkout Situation

This location has leaned heavily into self-checkout. There are usually 4 to 6 kiosks. It’s fast, but if you have a lot of items that need the security tags removed—like the "Five Beyond" electronics—you’ll still have to wait for an associate.

They’re usually pretty quick about it, though.

The Local Impact

Elmwood Park is a hardworking, diverse borough. Having a store like Five Below Elmwood Park NJ is actually a big deal for the local economy and for parents on a budget. When school projects come around, this place is a lifesaver. Need a tri-fold board, some glitter glue, and a pack of markers at 7:00 PM on a Sunday? This is where you go.

It fills a gap left by the disappearing "everything stores." It’s better quality than the dollar stores but cheaper than Target.

Comparing to Nearby Locations

You could go to the one in Fair Lawn or the one in Garfield. Why stick with Elmwood Park?

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  • Fair Lawn: Often smaller and feels more cramped.
  • Garfield: Can get incredibly busy because of the surrounding shopping centers.
  • Elmwood Park: Usually has the best stock of "niche" items like the skincare line (the TonyMoly masks and the Freeman stuff).

Actionable Advice for Your Visit

If you're planning to head to Five Below Elmwood Park NJ, don't just wing it.

Check the app first. The Five Below app is surprisingly good at showing "In Stock" status for the Broadway location. It isn't 100% accurate, but it’ll save you a trip if you're looking for a specific high-demand item like a weighted blanket or a specific anime figurine.

Bring your own bags. New Jersey’s bag ban is in full effect. While they sell those reusable bags for a buck or two at the register, those costs add up if you're a frequent shopper. Keep a stash in your trunk.

Go early or late. The 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM window on Saturdays and Sundays is pure mayhem. If you want a peaceful browse where you can actually look at the screen-printed designs on the shirts without someone breathing down your neck, go at 10:30 AM on a Tuesday.

Inspect the packaging. Since it’s a high-traffic store, sometimes the boxes get beat up. If you’re buying a gift, dig toward the back of the shelf to find the mint-condition packaging.

Check the return policy. You can return most things with a receipt, but it’s a lot easier if you just make sure the item isn't broken before you leave the parking lot. Test the electronics in your car. If they’re duds, walk back in immediately. It saves you a second trip.

Everything in that store is designed to be "grab and go," but a little bit of strategy goes a long way in making sure you actually like what you bought once you get it home to your living room. The Elmwood Park store is a solid, reliable anchor for the area. Just keep your eyes peeled in that parking lot.