You're halfway through flipping burgers when you realize the backyard vibe is totally off. Maybe the kids popped the last inflatable pool float, or perhaps you just realized you're out of those giant patriotic lawn games. It happens to the best of us. Naturally, your mind goes straight to that treasure trove of affordable chaos we all love. Is Five Below open on Memorial Day?
Honestly, the short answer is yes.
Most people assume that because Memorial Day is a federal holiday, the whole world just shuts down. That isn’t how retail works, especially not for a brand like Five Below that thrives on seasonal impulse buys. While post offices and banks are locking their doors, Five Below is usually ready for the "I forgot the sunscreen" or "I need a $5 Bluetooth speaker" crowd.
But there is a catch. You can’t just roll up at 9:00 PM and expect the lights to be on.
The Reality of Five Below Memorial Day Hours
While the stores are open, "open" is a relative term on a holiday. Most Five Below locations operate on a modified schedule. This isn't a corporate conspiracy; it's just standard retail practice. Usually, you’re looking at a 10:00 AM opening and an early closing time, often around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
Normal Monday hours might see them open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, but Memorial Day is different.
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Staffing a store on a holiday is tricky. Managers try to let their teams get home for their own barbecues. Plus, foot traffic tends to drop off significantly once the sun starts going down and the fireworks—or just the neighbors' loud music—begin.
Why Your Local Store Might Be Different
Location is everything. If your Five Below is tucked inside a massive suburban mall, you aren't just at the mercy of Five Below’s corporate policy. You’re at the mercy of the mall management.
Malls often dictate the hours for every tenant inside. If the King of Prussia Mall or the Mall of America decides to close at 5:00 PM for the holiday, Five Below has to pack it up too.
On the flip side, if you're visiting a standalone store in a strip center next to a Target or a grocery store, they have more leeway. These "power centers" usually stay active later because people are still grabbing last-minute hot dog buns and charcoal.
- Standalone Stores: More likely to stay open until 7:00 PM.
- Mall Locations: Often tied to the mall's 6:00 PM (or earlier) closure.
- Urban Spots: High-traffic city locations might stick closer to regular hours if the streets are packed.
Is Five Below Open on Memorial Day in Every State?
You might think a national chain has a universal rule, but local laws—kinda old-school ones called "Blue Laws"—still exist in some pockets of the country.
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Take Bergen County, New Jersey, for example. They have some of the strictest retail laws in the nation. While many of those laws focus on Sundays, certain holidays can trigger weird scheduling quirks. It’s rare for Memorial Day, but it’s a reminder that "national policy" doesn't always mean "your neighborhood policy."
What Should You Actually Buy There on Memorial Day?
Let’s be real. You aren't going to Five Below for a new refrigerator. You’re going because the "Summer" section just exploded with color and you need stuff that will likely only last until August.
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. Five Below knows this. They stock up on:
- Water Gear: Inflatable floats, goggles that the kids will lose in ten minutes, and those reusable water balloons that are actually pretty cool.
- Outdoor Lighting: Solar-powered path lights that cost $5 and actually look decent for a season.
- Patriotic Swag: If you need a t-shirt with a dog wearing sunglasses in front of a flag, this is your mecca.
- Snacks: Let's face it, their candy aisle is elite. If you’re heading to a parade, grabbing a bunch of $1-$2 theater boxes is a pro move.
How to Confirm Hours Without Driving There
Don't be the person pulling on a locked door while a confused employee mops the floor inside. It's awkward.
The most reliable way to check if Five Below is open on Memorial Day is the official store locator on their website. They usually update the "Holiday Hours" section about a week before the actual date.
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If the website looks vague, just call. Seriously. A 30-second phone call saves you a 20-minute drive. Just keep in mind that if you call at 11:00 AM on the holiday, they might be slammed with people buying bubbles and sidewalk chalk, so be patient with whoever answers.
The Five Below Holiday Schedule at a Glance
To give you some perspective, Five Below is actually one of the more "available" retailers. They only truly shut down for the big ones.
- Thanksgiving: Closed.
- Christmas Day: Closed.
- Easter: Usually open, sometimes reduced.
- Labor Day: Open (similar to Memorial Day).
- New Year's Day: Open (usually starts a bit later in the morning).
Essentially, if it’s a holiday where people are expected to be outside or throwing a party, Five Below wants your business. If it's a holiday where people are supposed to be sitting at a dining room table eating turkey, they give their staff the day off.
Actionable Tips for Your Memorial Day Shopping
If you’re planning a run to Five Below this Memorial Day, here is the best way to handle it:
- Go Early: Aim for that 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM window. The shelves will still be somewhat organized, and the "last-minute panic" crowd hasn't arrived yet.
- Check the App: Sometimes the Five Below app has "In-Store Only" coupons or alerts that pop up for holiday weekends.
- Verify the Location: Remember that mall stores and standalone stores are different beasts. If you have the choice, go to the standalone one; they usually have better stock on the big summer items like chairs and sports gear.
- Have a Backup: If you're looking for something specific, like a particular pool float, check their inventory online first. Memorial Day weekend wipes out their summer inventory fast.
Basically, you’ve got the green light to go. Just don't wait until the sun starts setting to make your move. Grab your $5 finds, get back to the grill, and enjoy the long weekend.