5 Below is a national dollar store chain known for selling a wide variety of merchandise for $5 or less. In recent years, they have expanded their offerings of trading cards, including baseball cards from popular brands. Baseball cards have been a collectible hobby for over a century and remain popular with both casual and serious collectors. 5 Below offers an affordable entry point for new collectors or those looking to add to their collections on a budget.
Some background – Baseball cards first started being inserted into packages of cigarettes and candy in the late 1800s as a marketing gimmick. Their popularity exploded in the post-World War 2 era as the modern baseball card collecting hobby was born. Iconic brands like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss released annual sets featuring the biggest stars and rookies each year. By the 1990s the baseball card boom had gone bust. Fewer kids were collecting and the overproduction of cards in the 80s glutted the market. Many manufacturers went out of business.
In the 2000s, the hobby started to regain popularity among older collectors seeking nostalgia. Newer brands like Upper Deck and Score also entered the market. Loose packs of cards were still primarily found at hobby shops and card shows, out of reach for many casual fans. This is where 5 Below saw an opportunity. In the late 2010s, they started stocking a variety of trading card products at extremely low price points. Some of the brands they offer in their baseball card selection include:
Topps – The longest running and most iconic baseball card company, known for their iconic design aesthetics. 5 Below carries both modern and retro reprints of Topps sets.
Donruss – A classic 80s/90s brand focused on action photography that has seen a revival in recent years. Their sets at 5 Below include both new releases and reprints.
Bowman – The Topps subsidiary known for featuring top prospects and future stars early in their careers. Their 5 Below products tend to be reprints of past years.
Leaf – A mid-tier brand producing affordable sets with colorful photography and parallels/short prints. Leaf is well-represented at 5 Below.
Stadium Club – A premium Topps brand praised for its high-end photography. 5 Below carries their more affordable reprint lines.
Allen & Ginter – A quirky non-sport release featuring historical figures and oddities alongside players. Their retro reprints are available.
In terms of specific product lines, 5 Below stocks a lot of value packs containing 10-30 loose cards as well as various blaster and hanger box configurations from the brands above. Prices range from $1-5 per item, offering an easy way for anyone to rip packs. They also sell discounted “lot” bundles of 100+ unsorted commons from years past for under $5, perfect for new collectors.
While the cards themselves won’t be worth much monetarily, 5 Below offers an affordable entry point for those just looking to enjoy the fun of collecting without breaking the bank. Their selection appeals to both kids and adults seeking a nostalgic blast from the past. Because the products are cheaper reprints or penny sleeved commons, there’s also less pressure to “pull” an expensive hit. It’s simply about enjoying the chase of the card rip at an accessible price.
For those building basic sets or looking to fill out team and player collections on a budget, 5 Below can be a valuable resource. Their frequently changing stock ensures a variety of players, teams and years are represented at different times. Casual collectors can have fun searching through dime boxes and value packs without a huge investment. And who knows, you may even get lucky and pull a rookie card of a future star!
While serious graders may scoff at the lower end reprints and commons, 5 Below has undoubtedly reignited passion for the hobby in younger and more budget-conscious fans. Their presence in malls and strips centers nationwide means baseball cards are now within arm’s reach for almost anyone with a few dollars to spend. Whether it’s nostalgia, team affinity or just the thrill of the rip, 5 Below makes card collecting a fun experience available to all. For those new to the hobby or looking for an affordable way to add to collections, their baseball cards are worth a look.
In conclusion, 5 Below has carved out an important niche by making baseball cards affordable and accessible again after the downturn of the 90s. While not for serious investors, their loose packs, boxes and bundles provide an easy entry point for casual collectors. By stocking classic brands alongside budget products, they offer something that can appeal to both kids and adults. As the hobby continues to regain mainstream popularity, dollar stores like 5 Below will likely play an ongoing role in introducing new generations to the timeless fun of baseball cards.
