Vasanth & Co: The Man Who Changed Tamil Retail

A Vision Beyond Products: How One Man Transformed South Indian Retail

Before the age of malls and mega-chains, when most households still saved up for months to buy a television or refrigerator, a man from Tamil Nadu decided to make quality consumer appliances accessible and affordable. That man was Harikrishnan Nadar Vasanthakumar, the founder of Vasanth & Co—a name now synonymous with trust, affordability, and a unique connection to Tamil homes.

Who Was H. Vasanthakumar?

H. Vasanthakumar was born on April 14, 1950, in Agastheeswaram, a small town in Kanyakumari district. He came from a modest background. He was the first in his family to start a business. At a time when few imagined it, he dreamed of building a retail network that linked towns, villages, and cities. He didn’t just want to sell products—he wanted to sell hope.

With little more than a strong work ethic and an unshakable dream, he laid the foundation for what would become one of India’s largest consumer durable chains—Vasanth & Co.

The First Store: A Modest Beginning in Chennai

In 1978, Vasanthakumar founded the first Vasanth & Co showroom in Chennai. Back then, purchasing electronic items like a TV, fan, or fridge was considered a luxury, reserved for the upper-middle class.

What truly set him apart, however, was his strategy: offering competitive pricing, providing easy EMI schemes, and focusing on customer trust and service.

This customer-first approach quickly turned heads. The model worked so well that it soon began to multiply.

The Expansion Era: From a Single Store to 100+ Locations

Over the next few decades, As a result of these efforts, Vasanth & Co became a household name.. With a well-organized supply chain, regional pricing models, and strategic branding, it rapidly grew its presence in:

Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Puducherry

Today, Vasanth & Co boasts over 100 outlets, and its consistent advertising slogan, “The name you can trust” continues to resonate with generations.

Why Vasanth & Co Became a Brand People Trusted

1. Local Language Communication

The company didn’t use highbrow marketing. Instead, they used Tamil-based ads and regional campaigns, making every shopper feel at home.

2. Affordable Finance Models

Vasanth & Co made it easier for people to buy home appliances. Customers didn’t need to pay the full price right away. They could take home a TV or washing machine with a small down payment.

3. Service-Oriented Culture

While many companies sold products, Vasanth & Co built relationships. Their after-sales service team became a major strength, ensuring that trust turned into long-term loyalty.

The Political Chapter: Businessman to Public Servant

Vasanthakumar didn’t limit his influence to business. He entered politics through the Indian National Congress and was elected:

MLA of Tamil Nadu
MP from Kanyakumari in the 17th Lok Sabha

Even in politics, he stayed rooted in the values that built his business: service, accessibility, and integrity.

Business with Heart: Philanthropy and Empowerment

He also founded Vasanth TV, a Tamil-language satellite television channel focused on regional issues and social upliftment. His ventures were not just profit-driven—they were people-focused.

From sponsoring education initiatives to creating thousands of jobs, his empire was also an engine for empowerment.

Legacy That Lives On

Sadly, H. Vasanthakumar passed away on August 28, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. But his vision didn’t end there.

His family continues to run Vasanth & Co, upholding the legacy of trust and accessibility.., upholding the legacy of trust and accessibility. The company has embraced digital transformation, offering online shopping, delivery, and customer support, while still keeping its neighbourhood-store feel.

Final Words: A Retail Pioneer Remembered

H. Vasanthakumar stood for community, consistency, and connection in a world driven by competition. His story is more than just entrepreneurial success—it’s about transforming access to technology, lifting rural economies, and building a retail experience rooted in culture and care.

“He didn’t just sell products—he delivered dreams to every home.”

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a curious consumer, the journey of Vasanth & Co is a reminder that big things start small, but grow when led by heart.