Our Story

Welcome to this page. Rangachari Cloth Store is an exclusive shop for South Indian Traditional wear stationed in Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Dindigul.

We are thrilled to welcome you here! By visiting this page, you give us the opportunity to share a journey that began not just half a century ago, but one that spans a millennium.

The History

Being part of the textile world has never been merely a business for us; it is a way of life. As Saurashtrians, we have been weavers and merchants since our origins in the lands of Dwaraka, Gujarat. Our homeland flourished with cotton, and we mastered the art of spinning it into the finest threads for exquisite fabrics. Over time, we expanded our expertise to include silk, earning the distinction of being the world’s finest weavers, known as ‘Pattunool Kars,’ meaning ‘silk thread weavers.’ In the 11th century, we moved south and were honored to serve as Royal Weavers for kings and later for the Nayakars. Continuing the traditions of our ancestors fills us with pride, as we derive great satisfaction from providing the finest clothing, a legacy that dates back to our very existence. At Rangachari, we strive to create garments that not only embody style but also reflect tradition, craftsmanship, and ethnicity.

The Journey

In a field marked by constantly changing trends, having a strong core is essential to navigate a versatile market. A solid foundation must have deep roots to withstand the inevitable changes, improvements, and additions that arise over time. Our founder, Thiru R. Rangachari, did more than establish such a foundation; he laid the groundwork for a business journey capable of embracing change and evolving continuously, all while minimizing financial risk. This was made possible by his unwavering enthusiasm for the textile industry, a clear vision, and a strong work ethic.

His journey began in the 1940s in Dindigul, his hometown, where he and a few friends opened a small textile showroom as a partnership firm. However, this venture proved inadequate for a man who thrived on action, and the income was barely sufficient to support his growing family. In the early 1950s, he decided to move to Madras to explore new business opportunities. Traveling alone with just a bicycle and a carrier full of sarees, he was determined to sell each one. He peddled from house to house, gradually building his own customer base. His charisma attracted people, and he formed a close bond with a family that became fond of him. The elder of the family, Smt. Rajalakshmi Ammal—whom he affectionately called ‘Ammane’—offered him a place to stay.

This connection allowed him to set up a small store in a shed provided by the generous Ammane, and his business flourished. The customers he initially approached began seeking him out, and word quickly spread, outgrowing the shed's capacity. Within five years, he was able to purchase a piece of land from Ammane’s family and established a shop and residence in Mylapore. As his business expanded, so did his ambition. He ventured to Coimbatore and Madurai to rent spaces, eventually buying his own location in Ram Nagar, Coimbatore, within the next few years. With the support of his three sons, he successfully managed the stores. The family moved permanently to Madras in the 1970s. Meanwhile, after the partnership in Dindigul dissolved, he acquired the shop, bringing the total to four stores running across Tamil Nadu within twenty years. The Bangalore branch followed in 1999, marking the fifth store established in the next two decades.

The Belief

Established in the 1940s, Rangachari Cloth Store has a remarkable history of minimal advertising over its nearly 70 years of existence. Our advertisements have primarily focused on our biannual sales, a tradition we still uphold. Occasionally, we have used radio ads to reach a broader audience, but we have always relied on word-of-mouth promotion, believing it to be the most effective way to cultivate long-term customer relationships.

Even after all these years, we have customers who have shopped with us for four generations, from great-grandparents to great-grandchildren. These families return to us with a sentimental attachment that surpasses any goodwill we could generate. Such loyalty inspires us to continue our work. We foster this bond by maintaining a personal rapport with our customers, ensuring they have an experience that resonates deeply with them.

Every piece in our showrooms and online has been carefully handpicked, reflecting the suggestions and feedback we receive from our valued customers. This approach not only enhances the shopping experience but also ensures that we offer the collections they expect from us.

The Experience

In the increasingly competitive landscape of this saturated industry, there is a constant need to upgrade and adapt to changing trends. Today, creating an inviting shopping environment and showcasing stunning displays are just as important as offering a wide variety of products. While modernizing our interiors is certainly beneficial, we believe it is both wise and innovative to preserve the traditions that have defined retail shopping since its inception. There is an innate appeal to the past, a fascination with "what was," that endures.

This essence remains at the heart of our identity. Our customers continue to shop seated on the floor, on "Paai" (mats), with sarees displayed for them on these very mats. We have upheld this tradition since the 1940s, long before the era of hangers and self-service displays. We believe that traditions are not only reflected in what we wear but also in where and how we choose to shop. For instance, There is a distinct difference between dining at a restaurant that serves Chinese food and experiencing a meal in a restaurant in China. We deeply value the significance of ethnicity, and our goal is to extend that appreciation to our customers. In essence, shopping with us offers a journey into the past rather than just a modern retail experience.

Special Thanks

To Mr. Raghupathy (grandson of Ammane) and Mrs. Sudharani Raghupathy for their generosity and support.
To our employees who have been with us for many years and whose loyalty has been our foundation.
To our customers who have chiseled and shaped us into what we are today.