Beyond Black Friday: Family Retailer P.C. Richard & Son Sticks to Tradition, Prioritizes People

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – As the holiday shopping season gears up, most major retailers are already planning their Black Friday blitz, extending hours and staffing up for a relentless push for sales. But one family-owned business is bucking the trend, sticking to a tradition spanning over a century: closing its doors on Thanksgiving Day. P.C. Richard & Son, a regional appliance and electronics retailer, is once again forgoing potential revenue to give its nearly 2,700 employees a day with their loved ones.

This year marks the 116th consecutive year the company has remained closed on Thanksgiving, a commitment that feels increasingly radical in an era defined by 24/7 accessibility and the constant pressure to consume. While the company’s decision isn’t new – it predates the modern Black Friday phenomenon – it’s drawing renewed attention as consumers and employees alike question the cost of extended holiday shopping.

“We believe that Thanksgiving Day is a holiday meant to be spent with family and friends,” states Gregg Richard, President and CEO, in a press release. “We have closed our doors on Thanksgiving for 116 years and that decision is rooted in our values, placing family first and honoring our employees with a meaningful day of rest.”

A Retail Anomaly?

The decision puts P.C. Richard & Son at odds with much of the competition. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target – all giants in the retail landscape – consistently open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, launching sales to capture early holiday spending. While some consumers welcome the opportunity to start their shopping early, a growing chorus of voices is pushing back, arguing that extending shopping hours on a major holiday is exploitative to retail workers and erodes the spirit of the season.

“It’s a stark contrast,” explains one retail industry analyst who asked to remain anonymous. “Most of the big boxes are laser-focused on maximizing revenue, even if it means asking employees to work on a holiday. P.C. Richard & Son is taking a different approach, prioritizing employee well-being and reinforcing its brand values.”

That approach seems to be resonating. Research indicates that employee morale at P.C. Richard & Son is consistently high, with many praising the company’s commitment to work-life balance. “It’s huge for us to have that day off,” said one long-term employee who wished to remain anonymous. “It makes you feel valued, and it allows you to actually enjoy the holiday with your family.”

Beyond Tradition: A Strategic Advantage?

While tradition plays a significant role in the company’s decision, some experts believe there's also a strategic element at play. In a competitive market increasingly dominated by online retailers, building a strong brand identity and fostering customer loyalty are crucial. P.C. Richard & Son’s commitment to its values could be a key differentiator.

“Consumers are becoming more discerning,” explains a marketing consultant specializing in retail branding. “They’re looking for companies that align with their values. P.C. Richard & Son is effectively signaling that it cares about its employees and its community, and that’s a powerful message.”

The company’s emphasis on customer service also reinforces this image. Unlike some larger retailers focused on volume, P.C. Richard & Son prides itself on providing personalized attention and building long-term relationships with its customers.

“We’re not just trying to make a sale,” says a company spokesperson. “We’re trying to earn a customer for life.”

A Shifting Tide?

While P.C. Richard & Son remains an outlier, there are signs that the retail landscape may be slowly shifting. In recent years, a growing number of retailers have experimented with closing on Thanksgiving Day, responding to pressure from employee advocacy groups and consumer backlash.

“We’re seeing a bit of a reevaluation,” says the retail industry analyst. “Companies are starting to realize that employee well-being is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a business imperative.”

However, closing on Thanksgiving Day remains a risky move, and many retailers are hesitant to abandon the potential revenue stream. For P.C. Richard & Son, the decision isn’t about short-term profits, it’s about upholding a long-standing tradition and reinforcing its brand values.

“It’s about doing what’s right,” says the company spokesperson. “We believe that our employees deserve a day with their families, and we’re proud to stand by that commitment.”

As the holiday shopping season unfolds, P.C. Richard & Son’s decision will undoubtedly spark debate. Is it a relic of the past, or a glimpse into the future of retail? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: in a world obsessed with consumption, P.C. Richard & Son is reminding us that some things are more important than the bottom line.