About Puritan Cape Cod

A Century of Style and Service

For more than 100 years, we’ve been honored to serve you. Our grandfather founded Puritan in 1919 with a simple philosophy: “I’d rather make a friend than make a sale.” That belief still guides us today, and we’re humbled by the hundreds of lasting relationships we've built with our customers, community, and team over the decades.

As we continue writing the next chapter in our story, we remain rooted in our core values while embracing the innovation that keeps Puritan modern and relevant. Step into our stores and you’ll see the evolution: contemporary renovations, a thoughtfully curated selection of elevated brands, and new experiences like our café, fine dining restaurant, and spa — all under the roof of our Hyannis Flagship Store.

Through the decades, our mission stays the same: Earn the relationship. It’s the heart of everything we do, and it’s what drives us forward each day. We know you have many choices when it comes to where you shop. Thank you for choosing Puritan — yesterday, today, and in the years to come.

With gratitude,
Richard Penn & James Penn

In 1919, Abraham Penn opened the doors of a small clothing store in Plymouth, Massachusetts. With a vision rooted in quality, service, and integrity, he named the store “Puritan” as a nod to New England’s history and values. In 1925 Abraham recognized the opportunity to sell uniforms to the Coast Guard and opened his second store in Chatham, MA in the very building Puritan is today, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved fixture in the community.

From the very beginning, Abe Penn believed deeply in the power of relationships. One of his most enduring sayings—“I’d rather make a friend than make a sale”—was more than a motto, it was a way of doing business. That mindset shaped the culture of Puritan for generations to come. Customers weren’t just customers—they were neighbors, friends, and part of the extended Puritan family.

By the 1950s, Abraham’s sons, Howard and Milton Penn, had joined the family business. Together, they deepened Puritan’s reputation for fine menswear and exceptional customer service. The store was more than a place to shop—it was a gathering spot, where relationships mattered and customers became friends.

In 1967, Puritan moved into its now-iconic location at 408 Main Street in Hyannis. The new space allowed for growth and innovation, becoming not only a cornerstone of the town’s retail landscape but also a symbol of the revitalization of downtown Hyannis.

As fashion evolved, so did Puritan. In the 1980s, the third generation—cousins Rick and Jim Penn—joined the business, bringing fresh energy and modern ideas. They expanded the store’s offerings beyond menswear to include women’s fashion, shoes, and lifestyle collections, carefully curating brands that balanced contemporary style with timeless quality.

Puritan expanded again with a store in Mashpee Commons, reflecting the company's continued growth and ability to adapt to the Cape’s shifting retail landscape.

The heart of Puritan has always been its people—its team, its customers, and its community. As it approached its 100th anniversary in 2019, the store celebrated not just a century of business, but a century of relationships, milestones, and shared traditions—like complimentary gift wrapping and tailoring that has remained a beloved touch.

The 2020s brought challenges no one expected, testing the resilience of local businesses everywhere. But Puritan responded with agility, launching new digital initiatives, enhancing personal shopping services, and continuing to create warm, welcoming experiences for its customers at a time where connection was most needed.

Today, over 100 years later, Puritan Cape Cod remains family-owned and operated. The Penn family continues to honor Abraham’s founding values while looking to the future—blending fashion, community, and personalized service in ways that make every customer feel at home.