Wantagh 5 & 10

After 25 years, I went back to the Wantagh 5 & 10 on Saturday. Someone had posted on FB that they were closing. This place was THE store for those of us who lived in Wantagh (and apparently some surrounding areas). I felt I had to go before they closed forever (which will be December 31st). I walked though the back door and stepped back in time. It looked almost exactly the same as about 25 years ago – minus the cashier at the back of the store – now it’s just the register up front. What I noticed even more than the feel of the same old door and seeing the same old floor tiles, the sight of the store with the key cutting section on the left and then the many narrow aisles filled with EVERYTHING was the SMELL. I didn't realize that the store had a specific smell until I took my first breath and thought, “I KNOW that smell” – it is the smell of trips to the store after church, of wandering the aisles with my friends, of running in to pick up a card for a birthday, or anniversary, for picking out a gift for a teacher, a parent, a Christmas school grab bag gift. It took me back to roaming around in there with my friends when I was little (our church was at the end of that shopping strip mall, so we were allowed to walk over there after church when we were fairly young). My body immediately turned me to the right and went to the aisle at the far right (not even knowing WHY) - but that's the toy aisle, so that's probably where I went for many of the years I shopped there. We think we forget, but our mind remembers. I browsed around with so many others who seemed dazed at the loss of this local treasure and marveled at this place that sells buttons, zippers, tools, shoelaces, snow shovels, toys, greeting cards, clothes, shoes, decor, curtains, kitchen items, holiday gifts and decorations, and toiletries. There is really nothing else like it anymore. And that is a shame. We seekers of memories walked around buying up tangible tokens of days gone by - for 50% off - wandering around lost in our own memories, holding on to decorations, toys, cards, snow shovels, leftover containers and caught each other's eyes with a look of happy days gone by, mixed with a bit of loss and shock at the loss of this institution. You move on with your life, but you want these places to remain - a steadfast bulwark defending the way of life that once was, a fortification of childhood and days gone by. Sigh – this is a place that will be missed by many. Thanks for all the memories Wantagh 5 & 10.
Sep 13th, 2020

The Wantagh 5&10 is a popular store for all locals and has been for over 50 years. The owners Jack and Ana always have a answer for your questions. Offering a variety of discounts and specials. The store offers everything from shovels to balloons. You can often find members of the 5&10 staff on hand in the store to assist you. The 7 day refund policy is a convenient feature. And should you ever have a question; feel free to call during store hours and speak with a store representative. Where you will speak with a person and never a robot. However the store DOESN’T offer to change watch batteries. They do however sell watch batteries. Overall the Wantagh 5&10 is a friendly family store that always has exactly what you are looking for.
Nov 20th, 2019

Aug 4th, 2019

I used to get best matchbox cars here circa 1969.
Aug 1st, 2019

Great go to store. Has a little of everything and inventory changes with the seasons. Staff is extremely helpful.
Jul 21st, 2019