New stores open on Long Island: Clothing, books, beauty and more 

New shopping and dining experiences are popping up around Long Island. From clothing boutiques to toy stores to spas and salons, shop 'til you drop at these new stores and look out for what's coming soon. 

Splendid Stitch in Sag Harbor 

Elizabeth Redleaf is in the business of keeping hands — and minds — busy at her new needlepoint store in Sag Harbor, which opened in May. The Splendid Stitch is a "full-service shop that provides everything you need and education," says Redleaf, who’s in her happy place with a needle and thread. Those supplies, plus hand-painted canvases and more, fill up the store.  Canvases with every motif under the sun run from $25 to $600 at the shop. There are 60-plus lines of thread. They cost between $2 and $7. "You can do one small section of a canvas at a time," says Redleaf. "You don’t have to buy supplies all at once." Redleaf shares more tips in her beginner’s class ($80), which includes everything you need to stitch your first project. Check @splendidstitchhamptons on Instagram for the schedule. "The whole needlepointing industry has changed, not only in terms of the beautiful and contemporary designs available now, but also in the amount of threads to use," said Redleaf. "It’s much more exciting than it was;" 11 Bridge St., Sag Harbor, 631-899-3363, thesplendidstitch.com.

Of the Sea in Ocean Beach 

Jewelry maker Nicole Dubensky has joined the tight-knit retail scene in Ocean Beach, Fire Island with a new gift shop: Of the Sea.

From 2010 to 2014, the former Ocean Beach resident was a server at the village’s Mermaid restaurant. In 2015, she began selling jewelry under the name Sweetpeas & Gypsies and every August sold her creations at the village art show. She now handcrafts jewelry from her Rockaway studio and sells the pieces at her shop.

"I have a strong following of customers in the area; it’s a place that aligns with my style and brand," Dubensky says. She spends half the week at a friend's apartment on Fire Island to run the shop. "I wasn’t looking to open a store. It would've been a dream if something became available." That dream came true this summer — Of the Sea opened in June. The shop sells her handmade earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. It also offers permanent jewelry.  Dubensky’s refined bohemian-style jewelry is sterling silver and 14-karat gold with all-natural gemstones. The pieces range from simple stacking rings and bracelets to statement earrings and necklaces, which also vary in price. The amount of time to make the jewelry varies. Beaded jewelry can take 10 minutes and some rings and cuffs can take six-plus hours. "My jewelry has a beachy style. I make jewelry with cowrie shells, shells I find on the beach, lots of turquoise and gemstones," she says. "It aligns more with people who find themselves at the beach; my customers always seem to be that kind of person." In addition to jewelry, shoppers will find other makers’ items, such as candles, macramé, perfume, beach bags, body scrubs and housewares ranging from $40 to $400; 153 Bay Walk, 516-820-2980, sweetpeasandgypsies.com.

Dino-Mite Vintage in Wantagh

Alongside racks of Y2K fashions and groovy 1960s frocks at Dino-Mite Vintage in Wantagh, shop owner Jaina Shaw likes to stock an upbeat vibe and positivity. Inside the bright and airy space, merchandise is concentrated around clothes from the 1960s to 2000, including plus-size pieces for women, vintage sheets and towels, denim jeans, and, yes, dinosaur toys and statues.The inspirational spark for the shop’s name was lit by Shaw’s favorite movie, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” a kooky 1985 comedy that strikes serious notes about self-acceptance and resilience. A roadside dinosaur attraction plays a key role in the film. Shaw prides her shop on being kid-friendly and affordable. Prices for vintage denim for men and women run around $20 to $100; towels and sheets sell for $10 to $30. Vintage tees cost $5 to $40; dresses run $20 to $60. When it comes to sheets and towels, customers often use their purchases in creative ways. “I primarily sell to people who upcycle them to other things like dresses and bags,” says Shaw, a proponent of finding fresh uses for old items. As such, she’s transformed a parking area behind her shop into her “T-Rex Tiki Patio” with lawn chairs, umbrellas, and a giant dinosaur from a miniature golf course that would have made Pee-wee smile. She plans to use it for birthday parties and events; 2099 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-469-1400.

Cuffed in Commack

Between the vibrant blue and purple walls, bold cheetah-print accents and shiny disco balls at the just-opened jewelry boutique Cuffed in Commack, it’s obvious why the owners call it “very vibey.” “We want girls to come in and have fun and take cute selfies with their bracelets and friends,” says Alexa Posa, 33, one of several businesswomen in the beauty industry who joined forces to launch the shop. In addition to eyebrow specialist Posa, aesthetician Desiree Wetzler, 32, and hairstylists Gabriella Testani, 26, and Jasmine Rivera, 34, complete the founding foursome. The shop opened on June 22 at Phenix Salon Suites, where they have professional spaces. Permanent jewelry is made using a small, precise welder to fuse the ends of the jewelry chain, creating a seamless piece. This process is quick, painless, and ensures the jewelry — bracelets, necklaces, anklets and rings — stays securely in place. In a pinch, you can always snip the chain. Cuffed offers a variety of gold and silver chains at various price points. Bracelets run around $40 and up, depending on the style (such as sterling silver or gold-plate) and chain length. Charms ($15 per charm) can be added for a one-of-a-kind look. Cuffed staff are available to travel for parties and events; 118 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Commack. For an appointment, contact Instagram @cuffed.ny or email cuffed116@gmail.com.

Fórea boutique in Plainview

Fórea — which sells seasonal clothing and accessories — offers shoppers the option to customizes various items including jeans, denim jackets, T-shirts, baby tees, bandeaux, shorts, sweats, hoodies, water bottles, game day apparel and accessories. Customers can fill out a form with their requests. Grabovenko and Linardos use custom designs or iron-ons to create each piece. They regularly create custom pieces for engagements, bridal parties and bachelorette parties. Prices range from $12 to $200, with the most popular items being loungewear, matching sets, denim and sundresses; 1127 Old Country Rd., Plainview, 516-324-2842, shopforea.com.

Bewitched Beauty Bar in Farmingdale

Farmingdale’s Bewitched Beauty Bar, which opened in the spring, is not your average hair salon. Customers can walk in for their hair appointment and walk out with a handful of healing crystals. The space features a beauty bar and a crystal shop in one. Owner Melissa Romano, 30, of Massapequa Park, was inspired to combine her two passions following a personal experience with crystals. The salon offers a range of hair treatments and services, including haircuts for kids and the Magic Sleek straightening system (starting at $300). The most popular treatment is full highlights, which start at $120. The shop hosts events and workshops such as reiki healing and vision board making. The space also sells paintings by local artists, which double as salon décor with items ranging from $5 to $400; 336 Main St., Farmingdale, 631-626-0540, bewitchedbeautybarli.com.

Great Shapes in Roslyn

Great Shapes has a new home. The bathing suit and lingerie store, a well-known 30-year-old resource in Roslyn Heights, has pulled up roots and opened a swanky new boutique in Roslyn Village at the former home of lifestyle store SHAG. While the location has changed, the fashionable inventory remains somewhat the same with a strong focus on swimwear. Owner Joel Weinberg, 76, has partnered with Dan Burns, 41, a financial adviser, who says, “I’ve always been inspired by fashion, design and art.” For his part, Weinberg, who has been in the business for 45 years at other sites, is excited about the new digs which houses some 30-plus curated swimsuit brands, some hard to find. But even more than the vast assortment which includes names from all over the world like Maryanne Mehlhorn (Germany), Heidi Klein (London) and Seafolly (Australia) along with staples such as La Blanca, Carmen Marc Valvo and Miraclesuit, is the focus on fit. Prices here go from $90 to $400; 17 Lumber Rd., Roslyn Village, 516-484-4555.

Veronica Beard in East Hampton

Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard (a Long Islander) have opened this swanky, year-round boutique (their second in the Hamptons; their Southampton store opened in 2021) stocked full of the brand’s wearable, versatile and elegant classics. This is power dressing without a whiff of cliché. In fact, the “Veronicas” say their collections are for “women who make it happen.” Find everything from the crisp tanks and tees (starting at $128) to charming straw “market totes” ($398) to the cult classic “Dickey Jacket” ($695). Along with these, discover outerwear, dresses, jeans, skirts and footwear within the fashionable assortment. The 1,088-square-foot space is luxurious but not intimidating, boasting a country coastal vibe with its eclectic mix of vintage pieces and polished brass finishes, floral textiles, custom jute and rag rugs along with an antique farmhouse oak trestle table to anchor the front room; 66 Newtown Lane, 631-463-0175, Veronicabeard.com.

180 the Store in Amagansett

For eight years, Denise Williamson, 180 the Store's owner, has run an emporium at that numeral address on Duane Street in TriBeCa, Manhattan, doing occasional pop-ups in the Hamptons. “They were very well received,” she says. That led her to opening an Amagansett shop set in an 850-square foot house, marked by an oversized Japanese lantern, where shoppers will enter “a place of discovery.” Williamson’s inventory is often exclusive, featuring various designers from around the world.  There are Italian glassware sets ($140); mouth-blown vases from Germany, some that can stand alone ($3,500); and apothecary from Copenhagen-based company Frama including scented candles ($70), hand creams ($90) diffusers ($220). Fashion here includes jeans from small-batch denim brand Chimala of Japan and ultra-soft cotton T-shirts from Sunray ($90) manufactured on vintage loop wheels. Among other clothing lines, (many with a hipster vibe) find Arpenteur, AODress, Bode and Yaser Shaw. And visitors to the store won’t get bored. Williamson plans to have a rotating assortment of products featuring new items every week; 303 Main St., Amagansett, 180thestore.com.

Village in Sayville

Shop owner Ashley Kost looked to the saying “it takes a village” to name her retail baby in Sayville. It turns out that a strong support system has been essential at Village, her store catering to mom clientele. “It takes help,” says Kost, who adds that her husband, cousin, mom, mother-in-law and uncle all pitch in at her retail endeavor. “I feel lucky for all of it.” At Village, customers will find pregnancy and postpartum products, soothing teas and educational books, running around $20 to $30, mom-forward T-shirts and sweatshirts — “Don’t mess with mama” reads one logo — and personalized charm necklaces. In addition to selling apparel, homewares and jewelry, Kost hosts fun and informative events; 36 Railroad Ave., Sayville, 631-256-5571, Instagram.

Eastport Retro in Eastport

“Upcycle and repurpose” is the motto behind Eastport Retro, an Eastport shop that specializes in art, vintage and thrift that opened in April.“There’s already enough clothing on the earth to clothe the next six generations of people,” says Nancy Alamia, of East Moriches, who owns the store with her niece Mollie Alamia, of Montauk. The duo hand-pick items at estate sales and auctions and accept donations. Eastport Retro carries men’s flannels, sports jerseys and T-shirts. For women, there are dresses, jackets and other clothing items, and some jewelry. For kids, there are sports jerseys and a curated selection of vintage clothes and dresses, as well as art supplies and retro games like dominoes, pick-up sticks and tiddlywinks.  The shop accepts donations of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, furniture and housewares. Prices start at $2 for an old-fashioned flipbook and go up to $1,400 for a leather couch; 510 Montauk Hwy., Eastport, 631-801-2880, eastportretro.com.

Apricot Lane Boutique in Smithtown

A lifelong love of clothes led Christine Martin to share her passion for fashion in her Apricot Lane boutique which opened in April in her hometown of Smithtown. A franchise of independently owned boutiques, this is its first Long Island location. Apricot Lane is known for its humanitarian causes. The shop partners with fashion accessory company Noble Venture, which sells 3 Strands bracelets all handcrafted by girls rescued from human trafficking and those in at-risk communities. The boutique offers clothing for all ages, from young girls to women, ranging from sizes XS to XL. Prices start at $7 for a 3 Strands bracelet and go up to $250 for Paige designer jeans; 43 NY-111, Smithtown, 631-406-6661, apricotlaneboutique.com.

Purethread on Shelter Island 

The shop, which opened in March, is conveniently located near the entrance and exit to the North Ferry from Greenport on Shelter Island. Purethread sells a variety of pieces, including knitwear made of cashmere and cotton, coats and jackets, shirts, skirts, loungewear, trousers, dresses, denim and T-shirts, in addition to accessories like fine jewelry, bags, belts and scarves. Prices range from $100 to $5,000; 181 North Ferry Rd., 2nd floor, Suite C, Shelter Island Heights, 631-880-6420, purethread.com.

Everly & Co. in Babylon

Everly & Co., which opened in March, has its own special blend of clothes and accessories. “The vibe is kind of southern charm meets classic Hamptons,” says owner Chelsea Walters. Racks and shelves display clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags “that look expensive and luxurious,” she adds, “but won’t break the bank.” Selections include dresses for a special event, getaway, or celebration. “You can also find something to wear to work,” she says. “You change one piece and then you can go out to dinner with your girlfriends. You’re covered either way.”Walters prides herself on her and her staff’s low-key, easygoing approach. “I’m not there to sell everybody on everything,” she says. Dresses range from around $48 to $104, blouses and sweaters run from $34 to $78; sandals are around $38 and boots are $102; 13 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-526-9108, everlyandcoboutique.com.

Envy by Melissa Gorga in Huntington

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star opened a boutique in March in Huntington. The easy-on-the-wallet inventory includes trendy women's accessories, dresses, jeans and swimwear. "There are so many amazing jeans, everyone will be able to find a great pair of jeans to bring home with them. We have beautiful spring dresses and the Envy gear,” her Envy-branded line of casual hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants and more, “is a fan favorite,” Gorga says; 389A. New York Ave., Huntington, 631-602-7133, envybymg.com.

Katie's Vintage Rose in Stony Brook

The products owner Katelyn Hart’s sells here are not vintage, but vintage-inspired. The shop owned in March and Hart’s vision is crystal clear — feminine with a capital "F," frothy, and kind of magical. The bulk of her business is for grown-ups and includes loads of dreamy dresses from various brands — mostly pastel, flowery with lots of ruffles and tulle. These, she says, are getting snapped up for all kinds of occasions, including baby and bridal showers, engagement shoots and milestone birthdays; 142 Main St., Stony Brook, 631-285-2339, katesvintagerose.com.

The K9 Shop in Massapequa

Owners Anya and Robert Tucker now have Massapequa and Bohemia stores and independent franchisee locations in East Northport, Lynbrook, Manorville and Greenville, South Carolina. In March, they moved their Massapequa operation to a new storefront. The shop is twice as big, allowing them to hold seminars and carry more brands of raw meat mixes, bones and treats like yak milk chews. “Who would have thought that I was simply looking for better food for my dogs, and it would snowball into this,” says Tucker, who also works as an art teacher in Brooklyn. “It makes me feel good knowing that my work is benefiting the health of so many dogs and cats.” The shops also carry raw food for cats, a growing segment of her business.1073 N. Broadway, Massapequa, thek9shop.com, 516-400-3729.

The Snooki Shop in Huntington

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi LaValle of the “Jersey Shore” reality TV franchise opened a boutique in February. Fans can shop loungewear, accessories and merch inspired by the reality show. Clothing, catering to ages 16 to 45, will include seasonal outfits and lots of lounge wear and accessories will include colorful Snooki sunglasses and Snooki slippers; 42 Gerard St., Huntington, thesnookishop.com.

Einstein’s Attic in Huntington 

The toy store opened in February and sells a curated collection of baby clothes, gifts, and toys that owner Lori Badanes says “inspire imagination and curiosity.” The store also boasts a large selection of the latest educational toys, as well as online gifting. Fun merchandise for teens and tweens includes Jellycat toys, StickerBeans, Taylor Swift activity books and tumblers, board games, art supplies and sports cards. Prices start at $3.99 for books to $585 for a fully furnished doll house. Additionally, The store offers complimentary gift wrapping; 267 Main St., Huntington, 631-549-8743, shopeinsteinsattic.com.

American Thrift in Farmingville

Long Island bargain hunters have a new place to shop for resale treasures. American Thrift, a store that specializes in “gently used” clothing and household goods, opened in January at the Expressway Plaza in Farmingville. About half the store is dedicated to clothing for men, women and kids. They also carry small appliances, homewares and other items. Average prices run around $4 to $5; 2280 N. Ocean Ave., Farmingville, 516-202-0817, americanthrift.com.

Encore Une Fois in Oyster Bay

A thrift shop in Oyster Bay that caters to teens and beyond — Gen Z and Alphas among them — has appointed a 14-year-old as the director of style. Encore Une Fois (it means “once again” in French), which opened in December 2023, is the second store in town owned by Matthew Ruiz, 46, and his wife, Natascha, 49. The director of style happens to be their daughter, Madeleine, a freshman at Oyster Bay High School. At Encore the average price point ranges from $15 to $24. Set in a renovated 1,200-square-foot space where the signature color is Tiffany Blue accented with rose gold, there are jam-packed racks of clothing (some new with tags), accessories and even decorative items. Find brands such as Levi’s and AG jeans; a Zara jacket; Steve Madden shoes; Kate Spade handbags and Vineyard Vines’ ties. In the mix: charms for Crocs, on-trend shield sunglasses, bracelets, frames and more; 103 South St., Oyster Bay; 516-922-1086.

Neverending Story in Babylon

Babylon's thriving Main Street kicked off 2024 with a new bookstore. The Neverending Story, a roughly 1,000-square-foot independent shop, features hundreds of books of all genres. For the store's owner, Colleen Kinneary, it's also the latest chapter in a career that's been devoted to her passion for books. The shelves are stocked with classics, bestsellers, children's' books and more; 9 W. Main St., Babylon, 631-526-9620.