Five Below Gearing Up to Open Long-Awaited Northport Location

A specialty discount store targeted towards teenagers is finally getting ready to open its long-awaited Northport location after it was announced in late 2023.

As the Thread previously reported, Tuscaloosa County's second Five Below store is planned for the Northwood Crossings shopping center near McFarland Boulevard's intersection with Highway 69 in Northport.

Known locally as either the Publix or the Hobby Lobby shopping center, the new store is being built out now in the closed Dollar General store there at 2300 McFarland Boulevard.

Now, a year and a half since former council president Jeff Hogg announced the new store, obvious renovations are underway at the closed Dollar General, and a sign is up indicating the discount store is now hiring staff for its Northport location.

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Like the Tuscaloosa store that opened in the Shoppes of Legacy Park, the Five Below in Northport will focus on items priced between $1 and $5 with a regularly rotating inventory of toys, candy, tech and more marketed towards the ever-shifting interests of teenagers and 'tweens.'

The Pennsylvania-based business boasts more than 1,800 stores in 44 states, according to its press kit.

Locally, Northport council president Christy Bobo said the city is ready for the store to finally arrive on their side of the river.

"Our community is excited to welcome Five Below to the City of Northport! As Northport continues to grow, it’s encouraging to see new businesses choosing our beloved city as their home," Bobo told the Thread. "Five Below brings more than just fun and affordable shopping options, it brings jobs, energy, and new opportunities for our residents."

No official word yet on when the store will open, but they have jobs listed for both part-time retail associates and for a handful of managerial positions at the new store even as work continues on getting the sign up and the store stocked.

Bobo said Five Below is one of several which coming soon to the city.

"We’re grateful for their investment in our city and thrilled to welcome them alongside other new businesses planting roots here," she said. "Northport is open for business, and we’re proud to be a city where companies and families alike can thrive."

For more coverage of restaurant and retail news in west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.