New Bedford’s Amaral’s Market Quietly Closes After Decades

Back in the day, New Bedford was filled with small neighborhood markets. People would walk to their local store, pick up what they needed, and head home. For many, it was one-stop shopping. For others, it was a special trip for a specific item.

Sadly, the era of these beloved neighborhood markets seems to be slipping away.

Amaral’s Market Shutters After Decades of Nostalgia

If you live near Belleville Avenue, you’ve probably already noticed that Amaral’s Market has permanently closed. Nikki Allaire of Acushnet said it’s been about six to eight weeks since she last shopped there, but she already feels the loss.

“I liked going there because it reminded me of my grandparents,” Allaire said. “We used to shop at stores like that for Portuguese foods. It was so old-fashioned. It was so nostalgic.”

She first saw the “Closed” sign on the Amaral’s Market door about a week and a half ago. When she saw it again today, her heart sank. Uh oh, she thought. They're done, too.

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Other reported that Amaral's hours have been sporadic over the past month or so, more closed than opened.

"I tried going last weekend and they seemed to be closing," Anthony said.

"I used to go there to get my Portuguese peppers," said George Santiago.

A New Bedford Staple Says Goodbye

A quick Google search now lists Amaral’s Market as “Permanently Closed.” No one answered the business phone line. The store sat in complete darkness at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Inside, the lonely shelves were stripped nearly bare with only a few scattered paper plates and napkins remaining, waiting for a party that will never happen. The freezers were emptied. The lights are out.

There will be no Amaral’s meat pies served today.

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Remembering a Familiar Jingle

For many locals, Amaral’s Market wasn’t just their neighborhood market. It was a part of the soundtrack of daily life.

“I remember Fun 107 and WBSM playing their commercials back in the late ’90s,” one listener recalled. “Amaral’s has it all. Amaral’s Market!”

Those days are long gone now, but the memories remain.