Massapequa to Merrick: Explore the vibrant shopping scene on Merrick Road
Zachary Wilson, 11, of Queens, shopping for "Star Wars" items at Fantastic Toyage in Massapequa. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Shopping for items all over the map — clothes, housewares, toys and so on? Merrick Road offers a savvy one-route-fits-all solution.
Between Massapequa and Merrick, the South Shore stretch is lined with stores ranging from national chains to small boutiques offering fashion, home decor, beauty, wellness and more.
"There are definitely a lot of stores on Merrick Road and they’re all very different," says Lauren Pizzimenti, who runs Reign, a boutique in Merrick. "They hit all sorts of target markets."
We’ve charted destinations worth checking out along this vibrant local shopping hub.
Massapequa
Stock up on makeup at Sephora
4966 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park
When it comes to makeup, skincare and fragrances, Sephora offers a wide range of brands. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
For makeup, skincare products and fragrances, set your GPS for Sephora. Personal care and beauty products are the focus of this multinational retailer that carries hundreds of brands like Lancôme, Estée Lauder and its private label.
Personalized beauty services such as makeup applications, brow waxing and beauty lessons are also available.
More info: 363-200-0228, sephora.com
Indulge your inner child at Fantastic Toyage
5288 Merrick Rd., Massapequa
The merchandise is as playful as the name at this 25-year-old shop for new and vintage toys, games, action figures and novelty items. Prices range from 99 cents to $20,000.
Fantastic Toyage sells "Star Wars," "Peanuts" and more pop culture merchandise and toys. Zachary Wilson, 11, of Queens, shops with his dad, Peter.
"Whatever category you’re interested in, we have a little something of it in the store," owner Alex Kuvish says. Bolstering its already wide array of "Star Wars" collectibles, the shop has items related to the new movie, "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
More info: 516-882-9250, fantastictoyage.com
Stock up on noshes at Nos Exotics Snack & Drinks
4344 Merrick Rd., Massapequa
Snack time is tastier thanks to this specialty store for rare, trendy and international treats. Popular picks that run around $5-$7 include roasted chicken drumstick Cheetos, ramen noodle Lays potato chips and strawberry soda.
"I like to travel and I’ve been to a number of countries," says Paul Nosworthy, whose world travels inspired his 3-year-old business. "We also carry viral toys, like squishies."
More info: 516-206-7761, nos-exotics.com
Seaford
Build your wardrobe at Uniquely Yours
3839 Merrick Rd., Seaford
This boutique has specialized in stylish tops, jeans, dresses and more for women in a range of sizes from petite to plus-size since 2016. Personalized customer service is a hallmark.
"We make you feel like family when you come in," owner Linda Rhoads says. New summer arrivals include casual tie-dyed tank tops ($28), V-neck jumpsuits ($52) and floral dresses ($39).
More info: 516-221-2246, shopuniquely.com
Focus on your playful side at Fun Stuff Toys
3639 Merrick Rd., Seaford
Celebrating its big 4-0 on June 21, the store takes kids and grown-up toys seriously — from trendy squishies and electronics to jigsaw puzzles and family games.
"We’re going into summer, so a big focus now is on the outdoor, backyard, beach," says owner Michael Timko, whose customers include parents who’ve been coming to the store since they were children.
Warm-weather picks include kites ($17.99 and up), beach footballs ($16.99) and mini golf sets ($44.99).
More info: 516-409-8697, fstoys.com
Discover treasures at Found Vintage & Antiques
3444 Merrick Rd., Seaford
Clothing, housewares and collectibles are bestsellers at this 2-year-old business that launched with 15 vendors and now boasts 40. Prices run the gamut, just like the customers.
"We have teenagers that look for records and T-shirts and we have people furnishing their first home," says proprietor Laura Hauben. "We have older people that have built a collection and they're always looking for something else."
More info: 516-587-3403, foundvintagestore.com
Wantagh
Refresh your closet at Boutique 360
3274 Merrick Rd., Wantagh
Tucked inside Salon Scarpello since 2013, Rose Levy’s boutique specializes in women’s clothing — pants, tops, jackets and hats — plus jewelry and accessories that are contemporary and reasonably priced.
"Butter yellow is a trendy color this summer," Levy says. Skirts ($56) and tank tops ($48) in that warm shade are now in store.
More info: 516-655-9880, @boutique360_salon
Pick out new looks at What a Girl Wants
2947 Merrick Rd., Wantagh
Customer Jeanine Reale, of Wantagh, left, is assisted by salesperson Ellia Moscato, of Massapequa, at What A Girl Wants. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Back on Merrick Road after several years on Wantagh Avenue, the boutique offers trendy and affordable women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Plans are in the works to also feature home items and tabletop accessories.
"We’re looking at the move as a chance to do a refresh," says owner Carissa Alfieri, 33. "We’re going to now offer engraved silver and gold jewelry and small gifts." Jewelry pieces are $18 and up, with customized bracelets starting around $45.
More info: 516-809-9270, shop.whatagirlwantsli.com
Explore flower power at Abby’s Parkside Nursery & Florist
3333 Merrick Rd., Wantagh
Stop and smell the roses and the hydrangeas. Annuals, perennials and houseplants are mainstays at this deep-rooted family business since 1989.
"We’re a boutique garden center," says owner Eric Abolafia, whose father and grandfather launched the business six decades ago in a different location. "We hold your hand if you don’t know what you’re doing — or even if you do, we're going to show you new stuff."
Flats of annuals sell for around $24.99.
More info: 516-221-1133, abbysnursery.com
Shop for kids at Koukla Children’s Boutique
3317 Merrick Rd., Wantagh
The shop’s thoughtfully curated selection of children’s clothes are for newborn through age 10, as well as teens. Besides apparel, Koukla ("beautiful doll" in Greek) offers toys, accessories, candy and treats. Clothes run $18 and up, toys are $4 and up.
The shop regularly features in-store activities like bracelet-making and teddy bear-styling as well as a studio space for private events. "Every detail is designed to feel personal, elevated and memorable," owner Nicole Petris says.
More info: 516-490-4002, @koukla.ny
Bellmore
Catch a wave at Ahloe Cal Cruz Surf Shop
2779 Merrick Rd., Bellmore
Beach-inspired apparel including shorts and T-shirts, plus vacation wear, surf gear and boards are the name of the game at this shop celebrating 40 years of business this summer.
Launched by Brian Keane in 1986 in Merrick, the store moved to Bellmore three years later. While the name gives off a tropical vibe, it’s actually short for "a local cruise."
"Growing up in Oceanside, I surfed all through my teens and 20s," Keane says. "That inspired the shop."
Brisk sellers include Tommy Bahama linen button-downs (around $118), O’Neill surfwear (around $55) and Reef sandals ($64 and up).
More info: 516-781-2222, @ahloe_cal_cruz
Indulge your sweet tooth at Chocolate Works Bellmore
2350 Merrick Rd., Bellmore
Joe Whaley, founder of Chocolate Works, at his Bellmore store. Credit: Yeong-Ung Yang
How sweet it is. Handmade chocolate confections, gifts and workshops are specialties in this Willy Wonka-like world.
Chocolate-covered pretzels, graham crackers and marshmallows (each $7 per quarter pound) are a tiny sampling of what’s in store. The shop is known for chocolate parties and events — birthdays, field trips, grown-up gatherings — where you can craft and personalize your own sweet treats.
More info: 516-900-1119, bellmorechocolateshop.com
Gear up at Denny’s x Lester’s
2788 Merrick Rd., Bellmore
Summer-camp season is right around the corner, and this family-friendly chain is a go-to destination for everything from apparel and accessories to gear and duffel bags for fun in the great outdoors.
Kids clothes and hot-right-now trending toys — including squeezables and squishables shaped like gummy bears, sticks of butter and dumplings (around $7.95 and up) — are other specialties.
More info: 516-221-3187, shopdennys.com
Dress for special occasions at Runway Couture
2464 Merrick Rd., Bellmore
Susan Candia, 52, tries on a little black dress with the help of Kimberly Towers, owner and designer at Runway Couture in Bellmore. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
"Never let them forget the moment you walked through the door."
That’s the motto of this formalwear women’s boutique that’s all about the wow factor. Designers and co-founders Kimberly Towers and Blanca Fuentes have made lasting impressions for 16 years with their exclusive looks for weddings, proms and other special events. "We’re very well known for our high-end, red-carpet and unusual designs," Fuentes says. Prices range from $800 for ready-to-wear to $5,500 and up for custom gowns.
More info: 516-308-4639, runwaycoutureny.com
Merrick
Carry on in style at Let’s Bag It
2203 Merrick Rd., Merrick
Julien LaSalla arranges a display of hand-painted bags at Let’s Bag It. Credit: Linda Rosier
Established in 2000 and run by mother-daughter duo Lauren Harris and Julien LaSalla, the boutique offers handbags in a far-reaching range of styles and prices — from around $45 to $500. Jewelry and giftware are also featured.
"Everyone who comes in will leave with something," says LaSalla, who expanded her role to full-time partner in 2025.
For summer, raffia crossbody, shoulder and totes are popular, along with silver jewelry and charms to customize bags
More info: 516-223-1977, letsbagitonline.com
Update your style lineup at Reign
2009 Merrick Rd., Merrick
Founded in 2009 by Wendy DaCosta, this trendy boutique has become a go-to retail destination for women’s fashion, accessories and statement pieces. These days the shop’s styling videos on social media have become popular.
Recently, the store's fashion videos shared on social media have gained popularity. Credit: Reign
"Our customers are mothers, daughters and grandmothers. They’ve all come to know us for everyday luxury and timeless style," saysPizzimenti, who became a partner in 2021. "We’ve become a global presence on social media for our styling videos."
Popular right now: Bishop Stretch Wide Leg Trouser from Another Love ($98), Contour tank tops ($38) and genuine leather belts ($48).
More info: 516-442-2485, reignboutique.com
Dress for fun at Mixology Clothing Company
1644 Merrick Rd., Merrick
Open since February 2025, this location of the multistore chain features casual-chic apparel and accessories for women. Selections emphasize comfortable styles suitable for everyday and social occasions.
From left, store manager Crystal Christopher and Mixology president and head buyer Gabrielle Schwadron at Mixology Merrick. Credit: Mixology Clothing Company
Popular picks include Robertson + Rodeo printed pants ($90), W.A.P.G. We’re All Pretty Girls eyelet button-down blouse ($104) and smocked mini dress ($120).
More info: 516-896-4969, shopmixology.com
