Area Development
Five Below, a merchandise retailer to the teen and pre-teen markets, opened its new $2 million distribution center in the former Mazda building in Olive Branch, Mississippi, creating more than 100 new jobs.

“This is a great day for DeSoto County and north Mississippi as Five Below opens its distribution facility and creates new job opportunities for the area’s workers,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “North Mississippi is a prime location for companies that need easy distribution access to markets around the country, and I am pleased to officially welcome Five Below to our state.”

Five Below CEO and co-founder Tom Vellios said he believes Olive Branch serves as an excellent location for the distribution center and plans to increase hires by the end of 2013.

“DeSoto County has already proven to be a great place to do business, and we’d like to thank Governor Bryant and all state and local officials for their support in preparing our new distribution center to open for business,” said Vellios. “This location will be crucial to the growth of our company as we expand our presence to new western markets. We’re happy to report that we’re fully staffed and have everyone in place to make this distribution center a success, though we will likely look to add additional associates in the fourth quarter of this year," said Vellios.

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for recruiting, training, equipment freight and installation, relocation expenses or other activities related to the company locating in Olive Branch.

“We are happy to have been able to assist Five Below with its location to Mississippi, and we are grateful to the company for its investment in Mississippi and in our workforce,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA congratulates Five Below and our partners in DeSoto County on this exciting occasion.”