Outdoor gear retailer REI has just announced that three of its stores will close in 2026. For longtime shoppers and members, especially in Boston and New York City, this news will feel like a big loss. The co-op says the decision was not easy, but it is part of a larger effort to adapt to changing markets and customer needs.
Which REI stores are closing in 2026
REI shared that three locations will shut their doors in 2026:
- Paramus, New Jersey – closing in the first three months of 2026
- Boston, Massachusetts – closing in late 2026
- New York City, New York – the SoHo flagship store will close in late 2026
In a statement, REI said: “We are deeply grateful to our teams, our members and customers, and the stores’ communities for their support over the years. As markets and customer needs evolve, we must adapt to position the co-op for long-term success. We will continue serving members and customers at these locations until closing, and at our other stores across the New York and Boston regions.”
If you shop at these stores, you will still be able to do so until the announced closing dates.
Why REI is closing stores
The decision to close stores is not just about specific locations. The entire outdoor retail industry has been struggling. Consumer spending habits shifted after the pandemic, and inflation has made shoppers more cautious with discretionary purchases like outdoor gear.
The closures can be attributed to a few main factors:
- Financial difficulties: In 2024, REI declared a net loss of $156.4 million, and their sales have decreased by 6.2% compared to the previous year.
- Less favorable sales trends: The ex-CEO of REI Eric Artz said, “The specialty retail for outdoor has gone through four quarters of decrease – and the situation is getting worse.”
- Challenges across the sector: Competitors such as Orvis and Eddie Bauer have similarly reduced their retail presence.
So while REI is still opening new locations in certain areas, these closures reflect how the company is reshaping itself for the future.
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How will this affect customers in boston and New York
For shoppers in Boston and New York, these closures will hit especially hard. The Boston store has been a community hub for years, and the SoHo flagship in New York City is one of REI’s most well-known locations.
If you are used to stopping by for gear, classes, or events, you will have to look for alternatives once these stores close. REI has said it will continue to serve members at other stores in the region, as well as online. Still, for many customers, the in-person experience of walking into these flagship stores will be hard to replace.
What is REI’S plan for the future
Despite these closings, REI is not pulling back completely. In fact, the company has opened new stores in both 2024 and 2025. New CEO Mary Beth Laughton, who stepped into the role in February 2025, has laid out a three-year strategy called “Peak 28: Ascending Together.”
In her message to employees, she said: “Making these shifts will not be easy; they’ll require us to fundamentally transform, make difficult choices and evolve the way we work over the next few years.”
That means REI will still be around, but it will look different. The company is working on becoming a leaner, more focused retailer, aiming to remain the go-to store for outdoor enthusiasts.
