Chief executive Richard Brasher said in a statement on Thursday that the group will donate all profits made on the day of Mandela's funeral to charitable causes.
He said all of South Africa is united in wanting to honour Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life and legacy.
“In this tremendously diverse nation, people are choosing many different ways to reflect, pay their respects and decide what their contribution will be to upholding his legacy."
Brasher said he considered closing the store but staff and customers wanted to do more. “We are proud that we have found a way to do so."
He said that stores will be manned only by staff who chose to work.
“Indeed, many of our staff tell me that they welcome our 'Day for Madiba' because it enables them to honour Mandela’s legacy while also working and earning for their families.
"Similarly, our many customers who rely on us to be open on Sunday will be able to shop with us, knowing that every purchase will benefit a good cause," he said.
The response on Twitter shows the donation was a welcome surprise for many.
@PicknPay Now that's BRILLIANT!! Well done Pick and Pay! Other Retailers should be embarrassed! #Woolworths #Checkers
— Wayne G (@MrGads2) December 12, 2013
@PicknPay Fantastic gesture! You get my Randela's this sunday :) #DayForMadiba
— Keenan Kyle Harduth (@KeenyKeenz) December 12, 2013
@PicknPay we'll done pnp, leading the way!! Christmas shopping planned for Sunday 15th!
— Nikki Jonckheer (@njonckheer) December 12, 2013
However, it also come under criticism.
@MrGads2 @PicknPay mere profit before humanity syndrome, hypocracy, unpatriotic & worst worker oppression, we must boycott this retailer
— Sandi Mtshemla (@msandanaconnect) December 12, 2013
FNB will also not be operating.
"Traditional branches as well as dotFNBs will be closed," FNB corporate communications spokesperson Steve Higgins told Fin24.
On Wednesday, retailers Woolworths and Clicks joined Massmart in closing all shops across the country on Sunday as a sign of respect to the late icon.
Mandela will be buried in his hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape.
- Fin24