Matera's Italian Market and The Loft Close Permanently

The long-standing Rutherford business has shut its doors after fourteen years of service in the community.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Gouache-painted illustration of a rustic wooden crate with olive oil and herbs, representing a local business closure. — Matera's Italian Market and The Loft have closed permanently in Rutherford, ending a fourteen-year tenure on Park Avenue for the local business. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Matera's Italian Market and The Loft, a local staple located at 72 Park Ave., has officially closed its doors for good. The business announced its permanent closure on social media following over a decade of operation in Rutherford.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a 14-year run for the local merchant, which had recently returned from a temporary summer break. The sudden announcement brings a permanent halt to operations at the well-known Park Avenue storefront.

The business operated for 14 years at its location at 72 Park Ave. The decision to close follows a summer hiatus that ended in late September.

The players

Matera's Italian Market and The Loft

This was a long-standing local business in Rutherford that operated for 14 years.

The details

The establishment, known for both its market and The Loft, communicated the news directly to its customer base via its official social media channels. This follows a period of summer maintenance and vacation that had initially seen the doors reopen just one month prior.

August 11, 2026: The business closed for summer vacation and maintenance.
September 25, 2026: The business reopened to the public.
October 26, 2026: The business announced its permanent closing.

Market Landscape

This closure aligns with the post-pandemic small business attrition rate reported by the NFIB, as many long-term local merchants face renewed operational challenges. It highlights the vulnerability of independent retail storefronts in regional downtown corridors.

Local residents and regular patrons will no longer be able to access the goods or services previously provided at this Park Avenue location. Customers who relied on the market should seek alternative providers for their Italian grocery needs in the Rutherford area.

The takeaway

Supporting local businesses often requires ongoing community engagement, especially for shops operating in competitive retail environments. Residents should monitor local business directories for updates on potential new tenants at the vacated 72 Park Ave. site.