REI shutting down SoHo store, its only NYC location

"The Washington state-based outdoors retailer announced the closure of its 35,000-square-foot SoHo flagship along with two others in Paramus and Boston. The SoHo store, located in the historic Puck Building, represented one of the chain's "most extensive restoration projects" when it opened in 2011, according to a company statement at the time. REI hired architecture firm Callison to redesign the space, incorporating elements from the original construction."

"Customers at the store on Wednesday shared their disappointment at the looming closure. Queens resident Maria Null had just finished testing the zippers on all the rain jackets at the massive three-floor store when she learned the news. 'I like to come into the store and try things on and like figure out exactly what I want, 'cause everything's always an investment,' she said."

REI will close its 35,000-square-foot SoHo flagship in the historic Puck Building in late 2026, and will also shutter locations in Paramus and Boston. The SoHo store underwent an extensive restoration when it opened in 2011, with architecture firm Callison redesigning the space and incorporating original construction elements. OpenAI secured a 90,000-square-foot lease in the building last year. Customers expressed disappointment at the planned closure, noting the convenience of trying and buying gear in person. REI reported $3.53 billion in net sales in 2024, down from $3.85 billion in 2023, and announced layoffs and the end of adventure tourism packages.

Read at Gothamist