Route 17 is a beast. If you've ever driven through Bergen County on a Saturday, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a gauntlet of neon signs, aggressive lane mergers, and more retail per square inch than almost anywhere else in the country. Right in the thick of that North Jersey chaos sits PC Richard and Son Paramus New Jersey, a showroom that somehow manages to feel like a neighborhood staple despite being surrounded by massive corporate giants.
It's weirdly comforting. In an era where we’re all supposed to be buying our refrigerators from a smartphone app while sitting on the couch, this place is still packed. People actually go there. They touch the knobs on the stoves. They sit in the massage chairs. Why? Because honestly, buying a $2,000 washing machine without seeing it in person feels like a massive gamble most of us aren't willing to take.
The Paramus location isn't just another store; it’s a high-stakes battlefield for appliance sales.
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The Reality of Shopping at PC Richard and Son Paramus New Jersey
You have to understand the geography to understand the vibe. Located at 451 Route 17 South, this specific showroom deals with a very particular kind of customer. We’re talking about homeowners from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, and Paramus who don't just want a microwave—they want a kitchen that looks like a Pinterest board but functions like a commercial laboratory.
The first thing you notice when you walk into PC Richard and Son Paramus New Jersey is the sound. It’s a mix of humming compressors, the clacking of laptop keys, and that specific "sales floor" energy where everyone is trying to figure out the difference between "Stainless Steel" and "Black Stainless Steel." It’s a lot. But the staff here usually knows their stuff. Unlike the big-box hardware stores where you might find a teenager who was working in the lumber department ten minutes ago, the folks at PC Richard are often career appliance people. They know the repair rates on Samsung ice makers. They’ll tell you if that LG WashTower is actually going to fit through your narrow basement door.
That’s the nuance people miss.
Paramus is a competitive environment. You’ve got IKEA right down the road, Best Buy vying for your attention, and boutique appliance shops tucked away in the side streets. PC Richard survives on a "honestly, we’ve been here forever" reputation. Founded in 1909 by Peter Christiaan Richard, the company is still family-owned. That matters in a place like Bergen County where people value a bit of history, even if it’s wrapped in a yellow-and-black corporate logo.
What the Blue Shirt Guys Won't Tell You
Let’s talk about the "Price Match Guarantee." Everyone has one nowadays, but at the Paramus location, it's basically a sport. Because of the sheer density of retailers in the area, the sales associates are authorized to be aggressive. If you show them a lower price from a legitimate competitor, they usually won't just match it; they’ll try to sweeten the deal with a protection plan or a discount on the installation.
But here is the catch.
Delivery in North Jersey is a nightmare. If you live in a multi-story apartment in Hackensack or a house with a winding driveway in the hills of Upper Saddle River, you need to be incredibly specific about your delivery needs. The PC Richard crew has their own delivery and installation teams—they don't always outsource to random third-party contractors like some of the online-only retailers. That is a massive distinction. When something goes wrong (and with appliances, something often goes wrong), you want one neck to wring. Having a physical store in Paramus means you can actually go down there and talk to a human being instead of being stuck in a "press 1 for support" loop for three hours.
Navigating the Showroom Floors
The layout of the Paramus store is designed to overwhelm you just a little bit. It’s a psychological tactic, sure, but it’s also functional.
- The Designer Kitchen Section: This is where the Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances live. If you’re looking for a fridge that costs more than a Honda Civic, this is your corner. It’s quiet, it’s sleek, and the lighting is better.
- The Main Floor: This is the bread and butter. Rows of GE, Whirlpool, and Maytag. It’s loud and bright.
- The Tech Hub: TVs and computers. Honestly, this section feels like it’s fighting a losing battle against the internet, but it’s great for seeing exactly how a 85-inch OLED looks from six feet away before you commit.
- The Mattress Gallery: Because apparently, if you’re buying a dishwasher, you might also be in the market for a Tempur-Pedic? It’s a weird retail pivot, but it works.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the "Scratch and Dent" potential. While they don't have a massive outlet section like some of their dedicated clearance centers, the Paramus store frequently has floor models or "open box" returns that aren't advertised heavily online. You have to walk the floor. You have to look for the yellow tags. Sometimes a tiny scratch on the side of a dryer—one that will be hidden by a wall anyway—can save you $400.
The Sunday Situation
We cannot talk about PC Richard and Son Paramus New Jersey without mentioning the Blue Laws. For the uninitiated: Paramus is famous (or infamous) for its Sunday closing laws. Almost everything on Route 17 shuts down on Sunday.
It is the only day the street is quiet.
If you are planning a weekend shopping trip, you have to do it on Saturday. And let me tell you, Saturdays in Paramus are a specialized form of chaos. If you want any kind of personalized attention from a salesperson at PC Richard, you either show up at 10:00 AM sharp or you go on a Tuesday evening. If you walk in at 2:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to be waiting. You’ll be standing around a kitchen island display feeling awkward while three different families argue over whether they need a French door or a side-by-side refrigerator.
Beyond the Sales Pitch: Expert Insights
There’s a misconception that PC Richard is just for "old school" shoppers. While it’s true that your grandmother probably bought her first Zenith TV from them, they’ve pivoted hard into smart home integration. The Paramus location has specific displays for connected homes—fridges that tell you when your milk is expired and ovens you can preheat from your office in Manhattan.
But should you buy the extended warranty?
This is where the nuance comes in. Modern appliances are, frankly, built with a lot of plastic and sensitive sensors. They aren't the tanks your parents owned in the 70s. An expert would tell you that for a high-end dishwasher or a front-load washer, the PC Richard protection plan is actually one of the better ones in the industry because they use their own service technicians. They aren't just selling you a piece of paper; they're selling you a spot in their repair queue.
How to Win at PC Richard Paramus
If you're heading down to Route 17, don't go in blind. You need a strategy to get the best out of PC Richard and Son Paramus New Jersey.
First, do your homework on the model numbers. Manufacturers create specific model numbers for different big-box stores that are almost identical but have slight variations to prevent easy price matching. PC Richard tends to carry the standard "national" models, which makes it easier to compare apples to apples.
Second, ask about the "bundle." If you’re doing a kitchen remodel, never buy one piece at a time. The real margin for these guys is in the volume. If you buy a range, a fridge, and a dishwasher together, the manager has significantly more wiggle room to shave off several hundred dollars or throw in free installation.
Third, check the "Ready for Pick Up" status. One of the perks of the Paramus location is its proximity to their major distribution centers. If they don't have it in the back, they can usually get it there faster than a standard shipping window from an online retailer.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just wander in and get blinded by the shiny stainless steel. Take these steps to ensure you actually get what you need:
- Measure your doorways, not just the appliance space. This is the number one reason for returns in Bergen County. Your kitchen might fit a 36-inch fridge, but your 1920s hallway might only be 32 inches wide.
- Photograph your current hookups. Take a picture of your gas line, your 220V outlet for the dryer, and your dishwasher's plumbing. Show these to the salesperson. It prevents "installation day surprises" where the tech arrives and tells you they can't finish the job because you have the wrong valves.
- Check the "Energy Star" rebates. New Jersey frequently offers state-level rebates for high-efficiency appliances. The Paramus staff usually has the forms printed out, but you should verify on the NJ Clean Energy website before you buy.
- Ask about the "Last One" floor models. If a new model year is coming out (usually around September or October), they are desperate to clear the floor. That’s your leverage.
The Paramus retail corridor is constantly changing, but this showroom remains a cornerstone for a reason. It bridges the gap between the old-fashioned "handshake" deal and the modern need for high-tech gear. Just remember: stay in the right lane on Route 17, watch for the yellow sign, and for heaven's sake, don't try to go on a Sunday.
By focusing on the local expertise and the specific logistical advantages of a brick-and-mortar presence in a high-density area like Paramus, you can navigate the appliance buying process with way less stress. It’s about more than just the price tag; it’s about the support system that comes after the delivery truck leaves your driveway.
Actionable Next Step:
Measure your existing appliance dimensions and the "path of entry" from your front door to the kitchen. Once you have those numbers, visit the PC Richard and Son Paramus showroom on a weekday morning to speak with a senior sales associate about "bundle pricing" for your specific brand preferences. This avoids the Saturday crowds and gives you the best leverage for a customized discount.