Long Island is basically one giant suburb stuck between the sound and the sea. If you live here, you know the drill. You're either heading to the beach or trying to find a patch of woods that hasn't been turned into a strip mall yet. For a long time, if you wanted serious outdoor gear, you had to drive into the city or cross the bridge into Jersey.
Then REI on Long Island finally became a real thing, and it kinda changed how local hikers and paddlers get their stuff.
But there’s a lot of confusion lately. Between rumors of store closures in the Northeast and the general chaos of retail in 2026, people are asking if the co-op is actually sticking around. Honestly, the answer depends on which part of the island you're standing on.
The Two Spots for REI on Long Island
Right now, you’ve got two main options if you want to touch the gear before you buy it. You have the Carle Place location and the newer spot in Huntington Station.
Carle Place is the OG. It's tucked into that busy stretch of Glen Cove Road, right near the Roosevelt Field madness. If you’ve ever tried to turn left out of that parking lot on a Saturday afternoon, you know exactly what kind of nightmare I’m talking about. But inside, it’s a different world. They’ve got the full bike shop, the ski shop, and that wall of hiking boots that makes you feel like you should be climbing a mountain instead of just walking through Bethpage State Park.
Then there’s Huntington Station. Located at 350 Walt Whitman Road, it’s a bit more "North Shore" and honestly a lot easier to breathe in.
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- Carle Place: 144 Glen Cove Rd. It’s the workhorse store.
- Huntington Station: 350 Walt Whitman Rd. Great for anyone coming from Suffolk.
You've probably heard the news about REI closing the SoHo flagship and some other Northeast spots like Paramus in 2026. It’s a bummer, for sure. But as of right now, the Long Island stores aren't on that specific "chopping block" list. They seem to be holding steady because, let’s be real, where else are we going to go?
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Membership
Is the $30 lifetime membership actually worth it?
Yeah, mostly.
You get 10% back in "rewards" every March on full-price stuff. If you’re buying a $600 kayak or a high-end Arc'teryx shell, that’s $60 back in your pocket. Plus, the "Re/Supply" section in these stores is where the real deals are. People return stuff for the weirdest reasons—"this tent was too green"—and you can snag it for 50% off.
Members also get 20% off shop services. If you’ve ever paid full price for a bike tune-up or a ski wax on Long Island, you know it’s basically highway robbery. Using the co-op discount at the Carle Place or Huntington shops makes it actually affordable.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping Here
People think REI on Long Island is just for hardcore mountaineers.
That’s a total myth.
Most people I see in there are just looking for a decent pair of walking shoes or a cooler that won't leak in the back of their SUV at Jones Beach. You don’t need to be planning an Everest expedition to shop there. In fact, a huge chunk of their floor space is dedicated to "lifestyle" gear—basically stuff that looks like you’re going on a hike but you’re actually just going to Starbucks in Huntington Village.
Also, don't sleep on the workshops. They do these "How to Ride a Bike" classes for kids and "Wilderness Medicine" seminars that are surprisingly legit. In a place as crowded as Nassau County, having a spot that teaches you how to actually survive outside is kinda nice.
The Bike and Snow Shops
If you’re a cyclist, the Carle Place bike shop is one of the better ones on the island. They handle everything from basic tube replacements to full-on E-bike diagnostics.
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- E-Bike Tune: Around $336 for members.
- Road & Gravel Tune: Usually about $356 if you’re a member.
- Ski/Snowboard Wax: Often free for members during certain promos, or heavily discounted.
It's busy, though. Don't just roll in on a Friday and expect your bike back by Saturday. You’ve gotta book those appointments ahead of time, especially when the weather starts getting nice in April.
Finding the Good Stuff Near the Stores
The best part about having an REI on Long Island isn't the store itself; it's what you do after you leave. If you’re at the Huntington Station location, you’re only a short drive from West Hills County Park. It’s got the highest point on Long Island (Jayne’s Hill), which... okay, it's only 401 feet, but it's the best we've got.
If you’re at Carle Place, you’re basically a straight shot down to the South Shore. You can grab some new paddling gear and be in the water at Freeport or Wantagh in twenty minutes.
The Future of the Co-op on the Island
Retail is weird right now. Everything is shifting online, and even big names like REI are feeling the squeeze. But Long Island is a unique market. We have a ton of people and a surprisingly high demand for premium outdoor brands like Patagonia, HOKA, and On Running.
The fact that REI is shuttering SoHo while keeping the Long Island locations active tells you everything you need to know about where the customers are. We're out here in the burbs, buying $200 rain jackets to walk the dog.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning a trip to either store, here's how to not waste your time:
- Check Local Stock Online First: Use the "Pick up in store" filter on the website. The Carle Place inventory is usually deeper, but Huntington is less picked over.
- Bring Your Old Gear: Both stores participate in the trade-in program. If you have a decent North Face jacket or a sleeping bag gathering dust, bring it in. They’ll give you credit on the spot if it’s in good shape.
- Go During the Week: If you go on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll be waiting 20 minutes just to talk to someone in the shoe department. Tuesday nights are a ghost town—that's when you go.
- Join the Co-op: If you haven’t yet, just do it. The $30 pays for itself the first time you buy a big-ticket item or need a bike repair.
Long Island might not have the Adirondacks or the Rockies, but we have enough coastline and trails to make the gear worth it. Just make sure you check the hours before you go—Carle Place usually closes at 8 PM on weekdays, which is earlier than you’d think.