You’re driving down Corridor G, the sun is hitting the hills just right, and you realize you desperately need a charging cable that doesn't cost forty bucks. Or maybe your kid just remembered they have a birthday party in two hours. We’ve all been there. If you’re hunting for a Five Below Charleston WV fix, you probably already know the drill, but there’s a lot more to these spots than just $5 bins of kinetic sand.
Honestly, the retail scene in Charleston is... weird right now. With the Town Center Mall basically in a state of "will they, won't they" redevelopment, everyone is flocking to the Southridge area. It's become the unofficial capital of Kanawha County shopping. But if you just GPS "Five Below," you might end up circling a parking lot wondering why the sign looks different than you remembered.
The Reality of Shopping at Shops at Trace Fork
First off, let's get the logistics straight. The primary hub for Five Below Charleston WV is actually tucked into the Shops at Trace Fork. If you aren't from around here, people just call this whole strip "Southridge," even though it technically spans across South Charleston and Charleston proper.
Located at 36 RHL Blvd, it sits in that massive retail corridor that houses everything from Target to HomeGoods. It’s a strategic spot. You can grab your $5 graphic tee and then walk over to get a coffee or browse for furniture.
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Why Trace Fork is the Go-To
The inventory at the Trace Fork location stays surprisingly fresh. While some discount stores feel like they haven't seen a new shipment since the 90s, this Five Below is a "Five Beyond" hybrid.
This is the big thing people get wrong: it’s not all under five bucks anymore. You’ve probably seen the "Five Beyond" signs. These sections have items—usually the bigger tech gadgets, weighted blankets, or high-end Hello Kitty merch—that can go up to $25. It’s still a deal, but don't walk in with a single five-dollar bill and expect to walk out with a Bluetooth speaker.
Hours and Peak Times
They usually open at 10:00 AM and lock the doors by 8:00 PM (they close an hour early at 7:00 PM on Sundays). If you go on a Saturday afternoon, prepare for chaos. It’s the local haunt for middle schoolers and parents on a budget. If you want a peaceful stroll through the candy aisle, Tuesday morning is your best friend.
What’s Up with the Charleston Town Center Mall?
This is where the confusion starts. People keep searching for a Five Below in the downtown mall. As of early 2026, the Charleston Town Center is a shell of its former self. Mayor Amy Goodwin has been vocal about the city’s plans to acquire and "re-envision" the mall into a multi-use space—think housing, offices, and maybe some smaller retail.
There is no Five Below there.
If you're looking for that specific "treasure hunt" vibe downtown, you're better off heading to the shops on Capitol Street, though you won't find the $5 price point. For the actual brand-name experience, you have to make the trek up the hill to Southridge.
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The Secret "Other" Locations
If Trace Fork is too picked over, Charleston shoppers have a few backup plans. You’ve got the Middletown Commons location up in White Hall or the Martinsburg spot if you’re traveling, but those are a haul.
Locally, the most common "backup" for Charleston residents isn't actually a Five Below at all—it’s the Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Dunbar or the Gabe's on MacCorkle Ave. They offer that same "cheap but trendy" thrill, though with way less organization. Honestly, though, if you have your heart set on the specific viral Squishmallows or the Korean skincare dupes that are blowing up on TikTok right now, the Trace Fork store is your only real bet.
Shopping Smart: What to Actually Buy (and What to Skip)
I’ve spent way too much time in these aisles. Not everything is a "steal."
The Wins:
- Phone Accessories: The charging cables are surprisingly durable for the price.
- Seasonal Decor: Their Halloween and Valentine's Day sections are elite. In early 2026, they've been leaning hard into "LoveShackFancy" dupes that look way more expensive than they are.
- Fitness Gear: $5 yoga blocks and dumbbells are exactly the same as the $20 ones at sporting goods stores.
- Snacks: They carry weird, international candy you can't find at Kroger.
The Skips:
- Budget Headphones: Unless they are in the "Five Beyond" section, the sound quality is... let's just say "tinny."
- Pet Toys for Heavy Chewers: If you have a Lab, that $5 squeaky toy will be fluff in three minutes.
- Basic Kitchenware: You can often find better quality stuff at the Dollar Tree for even less.
Navigating the Southridge Traffic Nightmare
Look, we need to talk about the traffic. RHL Blvd is a bottleneck. If you're heading to Five Below Charleston WV on a weekend, do yourself a favor and use the back entrance by the Walmart Supercenter. It saves you from the light at the main Southridge entrance which feels like it stays red for an eternity.
Also, check the app before you go. The Five Below app is actually decent at telling you if a specific viral item is in stock at the South Charleston location. It saves you a trip up the hill only to find out the Hello Kitty pajamas sold out at 10:05 AM.
Your Charleston Shopping Game Plan
If you're planning a run to the store this week, here is the most efficient way to do it:
- Check the Five Beyond Inventory: Use the website to see if the "Beyond" items you want are actually at the 36 RHL Blvd location.
- Aim for the "Sweet Spot": Go around 2:00 PM on a weekday. The morning rush is over, and the school crowd hasn't arrived yet.
- Bundle your trip: Since you're already at Trace Fork, hit the TJ Maxx or the Target right next door to finish your errands in one loop.
- Watch the labels: Remember that not everything is $5. Look for the "Beyond" signs so you aren't surprised at the self-checkout.
- Park near the end: Don't try to park right in front of the door. The parking spots near the Five Below entrance are notoriously tight and people in Charleston love their big trucks. Park a few rows back and enjoy the walk.
Next time you're stuck wondering where to find a cheap gift or a last-minute party favor, just remember that the "Charleston" location is technically South Charleston, but the deals are very real.