New stores coming to Roosevelt Field mall in 2026
Eleven new businesses are set to open in Roosevelt Field mall this year. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Exciting new retail, dining and entertainment destinations coming to a trio of busy retail centers has things looking up.
"In 2026, we will elevate the lifestyle experience at Roosevelt Field, Walt Whitman Shops, and Smith Haven Mall," says Nancy Gilbert, regional vice president of marketing for Simon, which covers the malls.
Rolling out is a curated combination of new arrivals. It’s a blend of "global fashion leaders like Zara," adds Gilbert, "with innovative concepts such as BYLT’s first-to-market apparel and immersive entertainment from The Escape Game — ensuring every visit offers discovery and excitement."
New stores are slated to open this year at Roosevelt Field. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Big picture, 11 new businesses land at Roosevelt Field, three at Walt Whitman Shops, and two at Smith Haven Mall, which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Fresh options are designed to make these retail centers vibrant community hubs. Openings are also on the horizon for Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, where a redevelopment rollout, estimated to cost between $130 and $150 million, is slated to bring new tenants by Black Friday 2026, Newsday previously reported. Expected tenants include Sephora and Tony's Tacos.
The diverse mix of new offerings reflects smart business and a strategic approach to keeping outlet traffic buzzing, according to marketing professor Dinesh Gauri, who teaches at the University at Buffalo.
Infusions of new stores, eateries, and fun spots like theaters and activity centers supercharge mall appeal. "People go to shopping centers for the experience. Otherwise, we can just shop online and get items delivered," says Gauri, adding that the elements of "assortment and discovery" are key.
Current figures, according to the National Retail Federation, show that in-store retail sales significantly outpace e-commerce, with online sales making up about 20% of total retail.
Fresh 2026 arrivals will broaden the already vibrant selection of stores and restaurants at the centers, where shoppers can look forward to new options for apparel and jewelry, immersive gaming attractions and gourmet casual bites.
Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove is undergoing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Ugly Dumpling, a laid-back spot for Shanghainese street food, debuts its flagship Long Island location at Smith Haven Mall — part of the company’s Northeast expansion. Its only other New York site is in the Bronx.
"We’re really looking to bring some excitement to the culinary scene in these areas," says Ugly Dumpling marketing vice president Margaret Monahan Farrell.
Like the vibe of the three shopping centers, the mood at Ugly Dumpling is designed for maximum appeal and magnetism.
"It’s warm, it's comfortable, it's vibrant," says Monahan, who adds that the color palette and use of bamboo adds textures. "We’re using a lot of really fun lighting to allow us to change the dynamics and bring it to life."
Which sounds like what the upcoming changes will have at all three properties. Between the mix of merchandise and price points, 2026 brings shops with broad styles and affordability to suit anyone.
New at Roosevelt Field in Uniondale
Coming in Quarter 1
Jollibee
The Asian-inspired fast-food chain buzzes thanks to its popular fried chicken, burgers and sweet spaghetti as well as for its bright, family-oriented casual mood.
Vivaia
Sustainable, stylish, comfy footwear — flats, sandals, heels — recycled from plastic bottles is what this eco-friendly brand is about.
Aritzia
The chic fashion boutique, famed for beautifully tailored in-house brands, expands to a bigger space this spring.
Coming in Quarter 2
Perfumania
The brand offers a wide selection of fragrances and accessories for women and men. BYOB — bag your own bottle.
BYLT
Curated clothes, footwear and accessories for any occasion are hallmarks of BYLT — pronounced "built" — debuting in New York.
Tecovas
Handcrafted cowboy and work boots, plus leather accessories and apparel, are the specialty here — and they’re made for walking and impressing.
Coming in Quarter 3
Ana Luisa
The brand’s got a ring to it, and bracelets and necklaces. This New York-based jewelry and watch specialist crafts affordable, sustainable, trendy pieces.
Vuori
Inspired by coastal California lifestyles, versatile activewear and athleisure — joggers, tank tops and pants — shine thanks to softness, stretch and comfort.
The Escape Game
Immersive 60-minute escape rooms blend puzzles, storytelling and teamwork for epic adventures.
Great Big Game Show
Dive into a live-action game show packed with trivia, chance, and prop challenges.
New at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
The lively Mexican restaurant, which opened its first Long Island location in December, serves authentic Mexican food, 150 varieties of tequila (another round of Margaritas, anyone?), a festive decor and mood to match; roccostacos.com, 631-802-8226
Florida Mexican eatery Rocco's Tacos opened their first Long Island location at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. Credit: Newsday/Marie Elena Martinez
Coming in Quarter 1
[solid-core]
The boutique fitness brand offers high-intensity, low-impact strength training on custom Pilates-inspired reformer machines to build lean muscle and endurance.
Pop Mart
The Chinese toy company, renowned for blind box collectibles, features signature characters like Labubu, Molly and Skullpanda.
Pop Mart, makers of Labubu, the popular collectible toy, is set to open a location in Walt Whitman Shops. Credit: Pop Mart
New at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove
Zara
Set to open in September, Zara is a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer that specializes in trendy fashions.
Ugly Dumpling
Creative and delicious dumplings, no surprise, are the star attractions at the dining spot slated to launch in February.
