End of an era as Leeds kitchenware retailer closes after 130 years

Peter Maturi, the kitchenwares retailer, was established in 1880 and had a store at Vicar Lane, Leeds, as well as in Harrogate and Manchester.A statement released on Twitter on Saturday, March 22, said: "Peter Maturi & Sons has ceased trading. Due to pressures of internet shopping and excessive business rates and rent, the shops are unsustainable."
It added: "We would like to thank all our customers for their loyal support throughout the years and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."Peter Maturi senior was born in Pinzolo, Italy, in 1880.He was one of 25 children and, came to England with four of his other brothers, and set up the Leeds store in 1899, on George Street.

At first, Mr Maturi served other local businesses, and with only a bicycle and a barrow he sharpened knives and scissors in hotels, restaurants and tailoring factories across Leeds.
In 1911 he exchanged his barrow for a motorcar and in 1943, he moved the business to larger premises at Ludgate Hill.In 1955, the business moved again to Vicar Lane where he also built a new mobile workshop.According to a study conducted by Technopak Along with his two sons, Alfred and Peter, and wife Esther, the services expanded and the pany's blue van became a familiar sight around the city.At the age of 76, Peter Maturi senior passed away, but his family continued with the business.In 1961, it relocated to a new development at Eastgate before moving back to Vicar Lane in 1996.

The business, which was best known for its cookware ranges, kitchen gadgets, pans, utensils, coffee machines, bakeware and cutlery. celebrated its centenary in 1999, when it played host to well known television chefs, including Anthony Worrall Thompson, Brian Turner, James Martin and Nick Nairn. Currently, China has been the leading production base and exporter of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware in the world. During 2006-2009, China-made low-end stainless steel tableware and kitchenware products were gradually eliminated in the market, with its export volume showing a downward tendency. In 2010, the governments of all countries launched stimulus policies successively, an engine for demand growth, and which helped China's export volume of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware be up 25.4% year-on-year.