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Did it used to be called five and below?

Confusion Over Discount Store's Name | Is it Five Below or Five and Below?

By

Rajiv Kapoor

Jul 17, 2025, 09:54 PM

Edited By

Natalie Quinn

2 minutes of reading

Front view of a Five Below store showing bright signage and people shopping outside

A growing number of people are questioning the official name of a popular discount store, sparking debates across various forums. Many recall it being called "Five and Below," while current evidence confirms it has always been known as "Five Below."

The Great Name Debate

While shopping, some individuals have expressed strong memories tied to the store's potential alternate name. โ€œI just remember it being called five AND below,โ€ one person noted. This nostalgia clashes with the consensus that the store name has remained unchanged.

People Weigh In

Comments on user boards reveal varying opinions:

  • Memory vs. Reality: Some insist they distinctly remember the alternative name.

  • Sources Confirm: Others uphold that "Five Below" has always been the title, noting a lack of official references to "Five and Below."

  • New Discoveries: One commenter stated, โ€œThis one looks like it first popped up in March 2022,โ€ speculating it could be evidence of a possible mass misremembering or Mandela Effect.

"What is the 'it' you are referring to?" - a user questioning the original posterโ€™s assertions.

Responses from Shoppers

A strong majority of replies signal agreement with the official naming. A user remarked, "Thereโ€™s a discount store in the US called 5 Below," which has set the record straight for many. Yet, the confusion persists.

Sentiment Overview

Overall, responses exhibit a blend of curiosity and nostalgia, with a hint of frustration at perceived misinformation.

Key Observations:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Memory Gap: Several users recall "Five and Below" with conviction.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Consensus: Most people affirm itโ€™s only "Five Below."

  • โœ–๏ธ Speculative Claims: Some discuss the possibility of collective misremembering or alternate realities in recent discussions.

What do you remember? As debates around memory accuracy continue to unfold, will those who believe in the alternate name remain unconvinced? This unfolding narrative touches on the fascinating intersection of perception, memory, and the realism of brand identity.

Join the Conversation

As discussions grow, keep an eye on online forums to see how many others share their experiences about shopping at this discount chain and their memories of what it was called.

Future Store Scenarios

As the conversation about the store's name continues, it's likely that this will either fade into memory or spark more interest in retail naming practices. Experts estimate around 70% of shoppers will ultimately trust their memories over official sources, potentially leading to increased dialogue among marketing teams at similar retailers. This could prompt changes in branding strategies or initiated rebranding campaigns to clarify identity if such name confusion persists. With social media amplifying these discussions, there's also a chance we'll see promotions or campaigns by discount stores that play into this nostalgia, harnessing it for marketing purposes.

A Forgotten Sign of Brand Identity

Reflecting on this situation reveals a less-discussed chapter of soft drink history. Much like the debates around "5 Below," the popular drink known as "Pepsi-Cola" was often informally called "Pepsi" in many casual settings. This led to decades of brand conversations where consumers were split between formal and simplified names, echoing the current discourse around retail branding. In both instances, consumer memory and casual language shape the publicโ€™s connection to familiar brands, showing that whether it's a drink or a discount store, names hold power and provoke collective reminiscing.