You wake up on January 1st with that fuzzy, post-celebration feeling and realize you desperately need a phone charger, a bag of Haribo Goldbears, or maybe just a cheap yoga mat to kickstart those resolutions. Naturally, your mind drifts to that neon-lit haven of extreme value. But then the doubt creeps in. Is Five Below open New Year's Day, or are the doors locked tight while the employees recover from their own midnight countdowns?
The short answer is yes. Usually.
But "usually" is a dangerous word when you're driving across town in holiday traffic. Most Five Below locations do open their doors on January 1st, though you shouldn't expect the standard 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM marathon. Holidays in the retail world are less about corporate mandates and more about local logistics. While the corporate office generally gives the green light for New Year's Day operations, the specific hours are often left to the discretion of the district manager or the specific lease agreements of the shopping center.
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Why Five Below Stays Open When Others Close
It's actually a smart business move. While big-box giants might see a dip in sales as people recover from Christmas spending, Five Below thrives on the "New Year, New Me" energy. Think about it. Everyone is trying to organize their desks, start a fitness routine, or find cheap distractions for kids who are still out of school for winter break.
Walking into a Five Below on New Year's Day is a specific vibe. It’s a mix of parents looking for craft kits to survive a rainy afternoon and teenagers spending the gift cards they found in their stockings a week prior.
Historically, Five Below stays open because their overhead is manageable and their product mix is perfectly aligned with January 1st impulses. They aren't selling $2,000 refrigerators; they're selling $5 storage bins. When you're in that "I need to fix my life" mindset that hits every January, a Five Below run feels like a low-stakes win.
The Hours Might Surprise You
Don't just roll up at 8:00 AM expecting the "open" sign to be lit. On New Year’s Day, most stores operate on a Sunday schedule or a modified holiday block. Frequently, this means 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Every year, I see people tugging on the locked doors of the Five Below near the local mall because they assumed "open" meant "business as usual." It doesn't. If you’re planning a trip, aim for that sweet spot between noon and 4:00 PM. That is your safest bet for avoiding a wasted trip.
Is Five Below Open New Year’s Day Everywhere?
Not necessarily. Geography matters more than you’d think. In some regions, particularly in smaller towns or areas with strong local blue laws, the entire shopping plaza might shut down. If the anchor store (like a Target or a major grocery chain) decides to close, the smaller shops often follow suit because the foot traffic just isn't there to justify the labor costs.
Specifically, if your local Five Below is inside a climate-controlled mall, you are at the mercy of the mall's holiday hours. If the mall closes for the holiday, Five Below has no choice but to stay dark. Conversely, standalone stores in "power centers" or strip malls have more autonomy. They might stay open even if the neighboring dry cleaners or boutique shops are closed for the day.
Checking Before You Drive
I know it sounds old-school, but the most reliable way to confirm if Five Below is open New Year's Day is to use the store locator on their official website or, better yet, the app.
The Google Maps "Holiday Hours" warning is notorious for being hit-or-miss. It often says "Hours may differ," which is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. If you want the ground truth:
- Open the Five Below app.
- Select "My Store."
- Check the "Holiday Hours" section specifically.
- If it's still unclear, a quick 30-second phone call to the store on New Year's Eve will save you twenty minutes of driving the next day.
What to Shop for on January 1st
Let's talk strategy. If you're heading there, you aren't just looking for random knick-knacks. New Year's Day at Five Below is arguably the best time to find specific categories of items that usually sell out by the second week of January.
The Fitness "Five Beyond" Section
Five Below has leaned heavily into their "Five Beyond" branding—items that cost $6 to $25. On New Year's Day, this section is a goldmine for adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and high-density foam rollers. If you wait until January 5th, the "resolutioners" will have picked the shelves clean.
Organization and Storage
This is the sleeper hit of the holiday. While everyone else is fighting for $15 bins at Target, Five Below usually has a massive stock of stackable crates and drawer organizers. Honestly, their tech organization pouches are surprisingly durable for the price.
Post-Holiday Clearance
This is the secret. Many stores start aggressive markdowns on December 26th, but by January 1st, they are looking to clear the floor for Valentine’s Day and Spring inventory. You can often find holiday-themed candy, gift wrap, and "stocking stuffer" electronics for 50% to 75% off the already low price.
The "Five Beyond" Factor
It’s worth noting that the store's identity has shifted. It’s no longer strictly "everything is five dollars." This matters on New Year's Day because you might be looking for higher-ticket "affordable" tech. Their Bluetooth speakers and gaming accessories are popular New Year's grabs. Just keep in mind that the $5 price point is now more of a baseline than a ceiling.
Comparing Five Below to Other Retailers
How does Five Below's New Year's schedule stack up against the competition? It’s pretty standard for the "value retail" sector.
- Dollar Tree: Usually open, but hours vary wildly by location.
- Target: Almost always open, but they tend to have much larger crowds and longer lines on the 1st.
- Walmart: Open, though some 24-hour locations (where they still exist) might have service desk closures.
- Costco: This is the big one. Costco is closed on New Year’s Day. If you were planning a Costco run and realize they're closed, Five Below often becomes the "Plan B" for people looking to get out of the house and browse. This actually makes the stores surprisingly busy in the early afternoon.
Real-World Logistics: Staffing and Stock
Working retail on New Year's Day isn't exactly a dream job. Expect the stores to be a bit leaner on staff. This might mean the checkout lines take a little longer, or the shelves aren't perfectly faced.
Also, don't expect a massive restock on New Year's Day. Logistics and shipping companies usually take the holiday off, so whatever is on the shelf on January 1st is likely what was left over from New Year's Eve. If you're looking for a specific high-demand item—like a certain Five Below Squishmallow—you're better off checking the inventory levels on their site the night before.
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Is it worth the trip?
If you're just looking for a reason to leave the house and spend $20 on things that make your life slightly more organized or entertained, then yes. It's a low-stress shopping experience compared to the chaos of the pre-Christmas rush.
However, if you're expecting a massive "New Year's Day Sale" with doorbusters, you'll be disappointed. Five Below's whole model is "low prices every day," so they don't really do the traditional holiday blowouts that department stores do. The "sale" is simply the fact that the stuff is already cheap.
Expert Tips for Your New Year's Visit
After years of tracking retail trends and navigating holiday schedules, I've picked up a few nuances that most people miss.
- The "Curbside" Trick: If you aren't sure if the store is open, try placing a "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) order on the app. If the store is closed, the app will usually prevent you from selecting a pickup window for that day.
- Avoid the "Hangover Hour": Stores are usually ghost towns from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The rush starts around 2:00 PM when everyone finally gets out of bed and looks for something to do. Go early to have the aisles to yourself.
- Check the Neighborhood: If your Five Below is located next to a major movie theater, expect it to be packed. New Year's Day is one of the biggest movie-going days of the year, and people love to sneak in their own (much cheaper) Five Below snacks.
Nuance in the "Open" Status
Sometimes, a store might be "open" but the registers are down for end-of-year system updates. It's rare, but it happens during the transition from one fiscal year to the next. If you see a group of people standing outside a brightly lit store, that’s probably why.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. If New Year's Day brings a blizzard or extreme icing, Five Below corporate is generally quick to authorize weather-related closures to keep employees off the roads. Unlike grocery stores, which are considered "essential," Five Below is a specialty retailer. They won't risk staff safety just to sell a few more fidget spinners.
Actionable Steps for New Year’s Day
To ensure your New Year's Day shopping goes smoothly, follow this quick checklist before you head out:
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- Verify via the Official App: Ignore third-party "holiday hours" websites. They are often outdated or based on old data. Use the Five Below app for the most current store-specific information.
- Call After 11:00 AM: If you decide to call, don't do it at 9:00 AM. If they are on holiday hours, no one will be there to answer. Wait until the likely opening time to confirm a human is actually on-site.
- Check Mall Access: If your local store is in a mall, check the mall’s website. If the mall is closed, the Five Below is closed. Period.
- Prioritize Your List: Focus on the "New Year" essentials—fitness gear, planners, and storage—before these items are picked over by the Monday-morning resolution crowd.
Five Below is a staple for many because it’s a guilt-free way to shop. Knowing their New Year's Day status helps you plan your first day of the year without the frustration of a "Closed" sign staring you in the face. Most locations will be ready to welcome you, provided you don't show up too early in the morning. Enjoy the hunt for those $5 treasures and the start of a new year.