HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – April 20, 2026
Fortunoff Backyard Store has opened at 269 Old Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station, taking over the former Sam Ash building and introducing a full showroom of outdoor furniture at a range of price points.
The store carries patio seating, dining sets, umbrellas, fire tables, and accessories built with materials like cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, all-weather wicker, and teak wood – built for durability and long-term use.
CEO Curt Littlejohn, who flew in from Texas for the Grand Opening, explained that “most of our products are shipped in a fully assembled manner… before they even leave the factory, the parts are welded together,” adding that the goal is to offer furniture customers won’t need to replace every few seasons. He added that “if you go to a lower price retailer, they’ll come flat packed in a box… and you put it together,” noting that Fortunoff offers solid warranties on frames, finishes, and cushions.
What Sets It Apart
Staff at the store are trained to guide customers through how they plan to use their furniture, whether it is near a pool, exposed to the elements, or used by families with children or pets. Littlejohn said that “they really learn the product… based on how you intend to use your furniture,” helping customers find what fits their space and needs.
Grand Opening Sale
The Huntington Station store is currently running a grand opening sale with discounts ranging from 30% to 60%, giving customers a chance to bring home high-quality pieces at a discount.
Why This Location and How It Fits with Melville
With an existing store just a few miles away, the opportunity to take over the former Sam Ash building created a larger presence along this retail corridor near Walt Whitman Shops.
Littlejohn explained that “every time a lease comes up there’s an opportunity to reconsider,” adding that this location offered “a very strong and thriving mall across the street, a very busy road,” and a building size that suited their needs.
For the time being, the Melville location remains open, but the two stores are expected to take on different roles. He noted that “the Melville store is going to take on much more of a clearance focus, and that way these two stores can coexist,” giving customers the option to shop current collections in Huntington Station or find discounted inventory in Melville.
Inside the Renovation
The interior has been completely reworked from its Sam Ash days.
What was once a series of smaller rooms and tucked-away spaces where musicians could sit and play has been opened up into a wide, continuous showroom.
The updates focus on clear sightlines, improved lighting, and a more retail-focused layout. Littlejohn pointed to the use of track lighting throughout the store, explaining that “it creates a different feel,” and that lighting is “one of the things that we’ve done really well in these stores.”
A Recognizable Name with Long Island Roots
The Fortunoff name dates back to 1922, when the original store opened in Brooklyn before expanding to Westbury and becoming a Long Island institution known for quality merchandise, particularly jewelry and home goods. The original retail business closed in 2009.
Today, Fortunoff Backyard Store operates under a licensed agreement and is part of Chair King Backyard Store, one of the largest outdoor furniture retail groups in the country. As Littlejohn explained, “together, we represent the largest specialty retailer of patio furniture in the United States.”
Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting marked the Grand Opening, with Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin welcoming Fortunoff Backyard Store to Huntington Station alongside company leadership and store staff.
Visit Fortunoff Backyard Store
Fortunoff Backyard Store is located at 269 Old Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station, New York.
Photography by Diane Schaber and June Margolin.
