ENHANCING EVERYDAY LIVING WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME

For 70 years, Queen City Audio Video & Appliances has built its business on one principle: “to set the standard for serving our family and yours.” It’s a mission that comes naturally to those who work at the family-owned company, founded in 1952 by Woody Player.

“We want to make sure we are best in class in everything we do,” says Roddey Player Jr., one of the three generations of the Player family behind the brand. To do that, Queen City stocks more than $27 million in local inventory — most of which can be delivered the same or next day — and guarantees its prices are the most competitive in the market. “It sounds cliché, but we really care about what we do,” Player says.

That dedication — and Queen City’s commitment to charitable causes throughout its history — solidified Player’s decision to join the business after working for several years at local media companies. He grew up at the store, helping during summer breaks and holidays, and attributes much of the company’s success to its longtime employees.

“Their buy-in to our company and seeing the growth of their families has been incredibly rewarding. It’s well worth hearing the ‘I remember when you were this big’ stories,” Player says with a smile. His family has grown too, as he juggles work and family life with wife Meredith, a buyer at Belk, and their 16-month-old daughter Hollis.

What started as a TV repair shop is now an elite audio, video and appliance company with seven stores in Charlotte, Morganton and Winston-Salem. Along the way, it has racked up accolades Player is proud of, like Top Workplace and Best Appliance Store. As the Carolinas continue to welcome newcomers, he hopes to introduce the Queen City brand to them, too. “We want to get in front of all the new faces and make sure they know us, just like the rest of the community.”