Value-focused lifestyle retailer Five Below has appointed retail executive Rodney Lastinger as its new Chief Retail Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company advances its long-term expansion strategy.
Lastinger joined the company on 22 June and will oversee operational performance across Five Below’s growing network of nearly 2,000 stores.
Prior to joining Five Below, Lastinger served as Chief Operating Officer at GNC, where he managed operations across more than 2,200 corporate and franchise stores nationwide. Earlier, he was President of Retail at Conn’s Home Plus, leading store operations, supply chain, merchandising, in-home sales and service, and real estate. He also spent 18 years at Target Corporation, progressing through several leadership roles before becoming Senior Vice President of Stores.
Commenting on his appointment, Rodney Lastinger said:
“I have long admired Five Below’s unique ability to connect with its core customer through trend-right product at exceptional value in a fun store experience.”
Five Below continues to expand its retail footprint. The company ended its fiscal year in February with approximately 1,920 stores, after opening 150 net new locations in 2025.
The retailer plans to open another 150 stores this year, while its long-term strategy targets a network of 3,500 locations.
Financially, the company reported strong growth during the previous fiscal year. Comparable sales increased 12.8%, while fourth-quarter comparable sales rose 15.4%. Full-year net sales climbed 23% to $4.76 billion, with fourth-quarter sales increasing 24.3% year over year to $1.73 billion.
Commenting on the appointment, Winnie Park, CEO of Five Below, said:
“Rodney brings exceptional operational leadership and a proven track record of driving results and building high-performing teams across large, multi-unit organizations. His fresh perspective and customer-focused approach will be invaluable as we continue our store expansion and further enhance our store experience.”
