The Country Store in River Vale, NJ Closes After Over a Century

End of an Era in River Vale

• 💔 The Country Store, a community staple in River Vale, New Jersey for decades, has closed its doors for the final time.
• 🕰️ The store was a reminder of the "good old days" and times long past, serving as a place for connection for over a century.

Reasons for Closure

• 📉 The current owners, who ran the store for over four decades, are being forced to close due to rising costs.
• ⛽ Specific examples include propane and oil for heat costing $5 a gallon, making the business unsustainable.

Customer Impact and Nostalgia

• 😥 For customers, the closure represents the loss of a daily ritual and a place that felt like home.
• 🤝 The store was known for its sandwiches, quick lunches, friendly banter, and even occasional odd favors, highlighting its deep community role.
• 😢 Longtime customers expressed deep sadness, with one customer noting it was the "saddest day of my life" after 40 years of patronage.

Heartfelt Goodbyes

• 👋 As the final cups of coffee were served, goodbyes were heartfelt, with customers being asked to remember the store during their quiet moments.
• 🎤 Eyewitness News reporter Lauren Glassberg covered the final moments of this beloved local establishment.