PHILADELPHIA, PA — Five Below Inc. (Nasdaq: FIVE) is recruiting more than 50,000 seasonal employees across its stores and distribution operations as the Philadelphia-based discount retailer prepares for the 2026 holiday shopping season with promotional events, expanded gift assortments and merchandise starting at $1.
The hiring campaign covers retail locations and the company’s Ship Centers, supporting increased staffing needs during the year-end shopping period. Applications are being accepted at stores and online at careers.fivebelow.com.
Five Below is also scheduling four one-day, in-store promotional events on November 14, November 27, December 5 and December 12, targeting holiday shoppers with discounts on toys, plush products, crafts and other merchandise.
The November 27 event coincides with Black Friday, when customers spending at least $30 will receive a free mystery dumpling collectible while supplies last.
The seasonal campaign reflects Five Below’s reliance on lower-priced discretionary merchandise, including toys, licensed products, accessories and home decorations, to attract consumers shopping for holiday gifts.
Chief Executive Officer Winnie Park emphasized affordability as a central part of the retailer’s holiday strategy.
“This holiday season, shoppers want gifts that feel special without the sticker shock, and that’s exactly where Five Below lives,” Park stated.
The holiday assortment includes licensed merchandise featuring Peanuts, Bluey, Sanrio and KPop Demon Hunters, along with collectibles, apparel and plush products.
Five Below is also stocking sensory toys and novelty products, including Dumplings, Taba-licious, NeeDoh Cool Canes and SLIMYGLOOP, alongside LEGO sets, Squishmallows, remote-controlled vehicles and craft kits.
Other seasonal categories include Christmas decorations, ornaments, stockings, inflatable displays, advent calendars, loungewear, beauty accessories, speakers and digital cameras.
Candy, small collectibles and stocking stuffers are among the merchandise categories with items priced from $1.
The retailer is using the combination of licensed entertainment properties, toys and low-cost gift merchandise to compete for holiday spending across multiple consumer categories.
In addition to its sales campaign, Five Below is continuing its partnership with Toys for Tots for a 17th consecutive holiday season.
Customers can make donations at store checkouts from November 1 through December 24 to support the organization’s holiday toy distribution efforts.
The hiring initiative, promotional calendar and seasonal merchandise expansion form the company’s operational preparations for the holiday shopping period, when retailers compete for consumer spending and manage increased store traffic and fulfillment demand.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.