Why are the racks in this store always so crammed with inventory? Abundance = good, however wrinkly clothes are bad. Akira seems to be setting the example that wearing wrinkled clothes is okay but IT IS NOT. Speaking of wrinkles, last winter my sister bought a dress at Akira and when she went to iron it, THE DRESS MELTED. What kind of synthetic sh*t are these clothes made out of?!? I went with her to return the dress the next day. They refused to take it back AND they were rude as hell. Eff that. read more

My daughter and I came here on the recommendation of fellow Yelpers. I had asked for suggestions of fun, cool clothing stores for my 15 year old daughter. She's a special kid and deserved a special treat! We were given several good suggestions, and decided to stop in Akira first. I suppose some day we'll get to the other stores, but I was pretty impressed with the service and selection at Akira. My daughter found a bunch of great items, including a pleated skirt which she wears all the time, as well as an adorable red top that has a cartoon of an Asian girl. So many cute things, and my daughter, being the cute thing herself, looked fabulous! Thanks again to the wonderful Yelpers who pointed us toward Akira. Being an old lady, I had no idea about this place at all. Thanks also to the incredibly helpful staff for helping to make our shopping spree a fun one! read more

I had to take down my previous 4-star review and start from scratch. I have vowed to never shop here again. They have the most RIDICULOUS return policy ever: must be returned within 7 days for store credit only. After speaking to a manager, I was able to return my items purchased two weeks ago "just this once" if I exchanged for something purchased THAT DAY. So I begrudgingly bought a pair of jeans and that will be the last purchase I ever make there. Another annoyingly ridiculous thing about Akira is their security. Do you really need to search my bag as I walk in your store? Is there something about my appearance that screams shoplifter? If security is that much of a problem, why not invest in those plastic anti-theft devices? Akira, I am soooo over you!!! read more

I have a good time browsing this boutique. Attractive store with a room devoted to jeans, another to (mostly) dresses. Big main room with sunglasses (shades were quite a bit less expensive than Details by Akira) and accessories, and more clothes. Many pretty dresses with cuts and patterns reminiscent of the 50s classic modern period - dots, loops and lines. I fell in love with a dark red dress that would have flattered Bettie's figure, if only it were available in a larger size. Some serious mini dresses...the kind you can't sit down in, or should wear over pants. Very sexy. Low prices - I wonder about the quality. Get there early for the size large, which translates to an 8 or so. Larger than that, you probably don't want to shop here. Being on that cusp, I would feel lucky to find the right dress. 7/27/07 update: yep, everything I bought last year (and I shirt I just bought a couple months ago and wore twice) has defects. I'm over Akira for clothes. Even after laundering with gentle care, they failed me! read more

I am really confused by this place. I am shocked that they are able to get some of those brands in their high end dress section. As a formal retail person -I have worked in and with the highest end (NM)- I have this feeling something is shady. (Any retail peeps out there- you know what I am talking about) And there low level stuff is junk. I stopped back in recently and could not believe the poor quality. read more

I should preface this by saying that of the Akira stores...this is my least favorite. Since i'm WAY over 21 Akira is kinda my version of forever 21...Cheap clothes that i'll only wear for one season (if that). Disposable fashion so to speak. I think they do a pretty good job in that respect. Lots of colors, styles and fits. I can usually find a handful of things I want to try on. I wish they carried more styles for us girls with gi-normious breasts...but since no one carries too many styles for us i'm trying not to begrudge them that. The customer service isnt as good here as it is at the shoe store across the street but they are friendly...all the male employees seem a little too "gayer/hipper than thou" for my taste...but that's how young people do things now-days...and i'm just a (relatively) old fuddy duddy... but in the end...i give them props for doing what they do well....and they carry rock and republic jeans....which i love read more

Not a single store or customer service line answers the phone!!! I place an order on Aug. 21 and when I checked it there's a - ON HOLD notification. I have not been contacted on why it's on hold and can get through to someone to find out why it's on hold. Terrible customer service. I'm so pissed it been 6 days since I ordered and it hasn't been shipped out. read more

Alex was the best! Helped me out so much and is strongly passionate about fashion and helping one find what looks best and makes them feel best. I told him I was going to a baby shower so he brought out so many cute outfits that fit the occasion, simple & beautiful for me to try on. He guaranteed I'd leave content and I absolutely did. This location has a large selection of clothing styles and it's the biggest one I've been to. All the outfits I peeped online were here and I was so glad I got to try them on. I'm going to a wedding soon and I know I'll be back for sure! read more

A bunch of crap. The service is horrible. Even the cheap stuff is over priced for the quality. They work on commission and because I wear a backpack they think I don't have money so I get ignored. Anybody that has seen Pretty Woman knows that that approach is no good. I'm sure that none of the girls have seen that movie since it came out before most of them were born. It all knock offs of real designer made in China with the Akria label slapped on it. AND they play shitty music!!!! I will say that the shoe store is pretty okay. They have a much better staff and a decent selection. read more

Girl's night out Saturday and after dinner at a BYOB place we all wanted to go shopping, but it's 8pm, what's opened? Not realizing Akira was in the area until after we parked, the 5 of us headed on over and their sales rep was amazing. Extremely helpful, tentative, and friendly. She never once rushed us even though the store closed at 9pm and we there until about 9:30pm. We ransack their sale section (Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off!) and the sales rep gladly grabbed our items and started a fitting room for each of us. (I really wish I got her name.) She seriously was one of the best sales rep I ever had. Her customer service was top notched. She gladly grab different sizes for us and constantly made conversation with us. I got a few awesome pieces for an amazing price, a dress for $5 (need a little sewing, but nothing major), a top for $15 (missing a button), and another dress for $10 (need to take it in), but the minor things don't compare to the deal I got on them! Less than $35 for all three! When normally they would cost me $200+! Akira ain't that cheap y'all and not all of their clothing are good quality, but their clothing are unique and many of the pieces you can mix and match. 4 stars for the great customer service from the sales rep and awesome prices. Missing the 5th because of the minor set backs and the cashier's rude attitude. read more

I find Akira totally frustrating. You can go from one rack of Wet Seal quality $20 shirts, to a table of $200 wraps. Where's the consistency?? What is your niche? I mean, they do have some cute, quality things, but it's just a lot of work trying to find them amidst the surplus of cheap rags and overpriced labels. Too much. They do have a great selection of jeans though and I love the room with the cocktail dresses. The staff is also very friendly. read more

Well, Akira certainly owns this street, doesn't it? I was excited by the wide array of clothing, in vibrant colors, that they carry here. I certainly don't fit their demographic; they seem to cater to twenty-somethings with their style of clothing. However, I still left here with a couple of cute sweaters and shirts, and so inexpensively priced! And, I am now absolutely in love with their tank tops - I bought one, and wore it yesterday with jeans, and it fit like a glove everywhere! I was the perfect length, and I plan to get one in every color! read more

Oh, man. Akira women's clothes blow. The styles are cute, but the quality suuuuucks! As if low quality weren't bad enough, the prices are ridiculous. I once purchased two dresses, a sweater, and a shirt here, all of which began to fall apart the first or second time I wore them. Their service leaves something to be desired, too. However, please do not confuse Akira clothes with Akira shoes, which are better quality (usually), sold to you by friendlier people, located a block or so to the west. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! I am from Boston and I came to this store recommended by my coworker that lived in Chicago for 5 years. She knew I wanted to hit up a boutique with affordable and stylish clothes. I tend to stay away from chain retail just because I want to....besides I'm short and Asian and clothes don't fit me the same way it would any other ethnicity. ANYWAY.... I would like to say the clothes here are AFFORDABLE STYLISH. .. and best of all.....AWESOME QUALITY. You walk in and feel the fabric and it's def good quality. Not like Forever 21 where u use it once wash it and have to toss it. LOL. Not trying to be funny but it's true. I also love love love the ppl I met here. The first girl that approached me was very sweet and helped me start a room. (Same as should all retail employees are expected to do when you're holding more than 5 pieces of garments). But later after was done and decided to purchase one maybe 2 things..... I was walking and saw this one skirt that was what started it all. to quickly summarize it was because of the one black fitted skirt, I spent another hour with ERIC BALAGA trying on more shirts to match it, in addition to more outfits simply because I loved how he was dressing me! I needed the push to get out my niche of style and.... yup $250. later..... I was super happy with all my purchases. Now after being back home in Boston, I plan to still shop AKIRA online and now plan to have a serious style relationship with ERIC because I trust he'll dress me awesomely! Oh and I have to mention TIGRANNE such a sweet sweet person he helped send me the correct size crop top when I mistakenly got it one size bigger. I sent my large size back and he mailed the correct size back here to me in Boston! I love this place! thank you Eric and Tigranne Oh matter of fact, I got pictures of clothing recommendations from Eric right now! read more

My review is for the Akira women's store on North Ave. (not the separate women's shoe store). This store is huge, with one room devoted to dresses, another to jeans, and the third largest one to everything else. Akira is extremely well organized (often by color in addition to type of clothing), making it easy to shop if you are looking for something in particular. You can find casual, youthful business, or dressy items here. My favorite items here are their jackets and coats. I bought a fantastic orange winter coat at Akira last year (see my profile photo with the Blueman Group) for less that I had seen it in another local shop. The prices run the gamut from $20 - $100 for a nice looking shirt, so it is a good place for many different budgets. read more

Erikka, John and Eric are quite the entrepreneurs with a handful of stores all on the same street within walking distance from each other! And the Akira empire increases as we speak. One location will offer you clothing, one will offer shoes and accessories, one will cater to the men...I won't be surprised if an Akira for babies opens up somewhere soon, or a maternity-catering Akira, or even an Akira for computer geeks (um...not sure how that one would work, but I'm sure they can make it happen). What can I say? Even when there was only one, tiny Akira location years ago, it's been an establishment for some unique and beautiful finds, and not outrageous in price (well, depends on how designer you want to go -- some jeans, for example, can empty your checking account in one shot!). I've met nothing but friendly staff, eager to help you find what works well for you -- even past the days of old when you would see the owners running the floor or registers. I sometimes really LOATHE shopping, but the Akira staff makes it kind of fun. ;) Congrats Erikka, Jon and Eric, for the success, and thanks for giving us something different to wear. read more

Why, oh, why have I not yet learned my lesson of shopping here?? I have yet to find a single piece of clothing worth purchasing and yet I continue to be drawn in. Moving to a new place off North Avenue means I walk by Akira all the time now. Some occasions, I am merely strolling down the street and pop in for a browse, while others I am in a mad dash to find a Saturday night outfit and come in out of convenience. No matter the reason I come in, I always leave the same way...disappointed. Granted the bulk of the store is too trendy to still be in style by the time you walk out of the store, I've found plenty of dresses, skirts and such that are worth the trip to the fitting room. Said pieces tend to look great on the hanger and yet completely unflattering and poorly cut once tried on. The quality leaves a bit to be desired as I once tried on a black dress and the zipper got stuck. The attendant had to help me out and needless to say, her technique was not great. "Wow, this looks super cute on you! Are you going to take this one?" Yes, Candy, I'll take this one with the cheaply made zipper. Can you also sell me a pair of pants with a missing button and a dress with a busted strap? No more Akira, I will resist your siren songs. This shopping fiend's ship has sailed. read more

I love this store!!! The staff is so friendly, patient, and definitely go above and beyond to help you. They have a great selection in the for 'Sale' section. Yaree was helping me style some pieces and set up the wardrobe beautifully by clothing type and color :) Definitely coming back for the Black Friday Sale Thank u guys for being so helpful and staying open a few mins late for me to check out tonight :) read more

I like coming here when I have to to go somewhere nice. I'm glad they made it into a bigger store. I usually need a couple of hours to look around and try stuff out. They have items by colors which is great. I like the other store (Details), usually I get gifts for friends here. Makes it easy. read more

I walked into shopping bliss when I set foot in this store. From the minute I walked in, I was greeted and assisted. I was almost surprised at how attentive some of the saleswomen were. One helped choose between sizes as I'm in between and magically appeared every time I needed a second opinion. They have a little bit of everything here. The prices slide across the board too. Items can range from $15 to well in the hundreds. Definitely stop by if you're in need of a dress, their selection is fabulous. The one thing I'm not too happy about is their return policy. It is a bit restrictive as you only get a week. Make sure it's really something you want before purchasing. Also, I wish they would blast their air conditioning a bit more on these humid summer days. read more

I've walked past Akira maybe a million times (living just a few blocks away) but I've always felt too intimidated to step in. I'm not much of the "boutique" type, so I always just assumed it was a great place for those who are ok with dropping $200 on a going-out dress = not me. Well today was a new day and from across the road I see that they were having a sidewalk sale with some unexpected prices- Racks labeled $5, $10, and $15! This was enough to beckon me over.. Lo and behold I found a cute dress in my (pre-pregnancy) size for $10. I decided to give myself some post-baby workout motivation and buy it! In order to buy it, we needed to go in, and as it turns out, the place is full of cute, unique clothes that come at a range of prices that actually aren't that intimidating.. :-) Too bad it took me so long to give this place a shot- I've been walking past it with hardly a sideways glance for almost a year now! read more

Oh Akira....it's truly a love-hate relationship with you. I love some of your dresses (when they fit me right), but I hate your store policy and the fact that you're really just a glorified forever21. Case in point: bought an adorable black & white print fit and flare dress. Wore the dress- fabric was so cheap that multiple tears/rips occurred during the 3 hours that I wore it. Most stores would take the dress back without question, but Akiras policy is "14 days WITH tag attached". No exceptions. I'm gonna test my luck and try getting my money back- or maybe even a store credit. We shall see.. read more

Let's say you need an outfit for a particular occasion. Let's say you need to be able to wear this outfit to a client meeting and also to a wedding and maybe to a bar. Go to Akira on North. Ask for Jonathan and let the man work his magic and then be fucking awed at how dead on he is with his styling and how great you look in everything he picks out. I want this man to dress me every day of my life in adorable Akira clothes (of which there are TONS). You can thank me later, ladies. read more

OK, so I am in love with Akira on my first visit to the store! I walked in and instantly found a ton of black and grey stuff that I tried on and fit my body PERFECTLY. It was like some of the sweaters were made specifically for me. Very cute, and all the shirts I bought were only about $35 each. I really liked the affordability of these designer-looking clothes, and I plan on going back every chance I get! I am also a little biased because my very first pet rat was named Akira, and so I get all sentimental when I see the store. Thank you Akira! Update: I guess it's only the fall and winter stuff that I like, because their spring dresses are ridiculous. The majority of the clothes are of the exact same quality as H&M just double the price. I still go in occasionally, but not as much as I used to. read more

I might be biased, since I work at the Akira Men's store occasionally. So instead of giving you my opinion, here are some facts: 1. The first Akira store opened its doors in Wicker Park 5 years ago 2. Akira carries hard to find brands like Black Halo, Voom, Jaloux... 3. The employees who work there will give you their honest opinions 4. Prices range from $ to $$$$ (Jean Paul Gaultier) 5. The owners are always scouting for up and coming local designers If you still doubt the sincerity of the employees or quality of the clothes you should feel free to bring it up to the owners/managers. They are really very accommodating. Happy shopping! read more

I felt the need for retail therapy today and Akira was on my list of places to go check out. I walked in and I had that immediate feeling like I was being watched. Mind you, there's honestly no reason because I've never stolen anything and I was dressed up slightly (which in my experience helps slightly b/c sales associates think you'll buy). However, like I said, the minute I walked in I felt like I was being followed the WHOLE time. Which made me NOT want to be in the store. I hate being bothered. Also, other than color-coding they don't have a method to their madness, which might also explain why they have four different locations for one store (each store being completely dedicated to a category) If you have a lot of time and don't mind looking at every piece of clothing then this is the store for you. Otherwise, I'd stay away from here. read more

My go-to store to find a unique, fun dress that won't make my credit card weep. Whenever I wear a dress from Akira, I get compliments from both men and women, even strangers passing by. Now these are not classic styles by any means. I won't exactly be able to wear my purchases three seasons later and the construction/fit aren't immaculate. But since they weren't expensive to begin with, I don't mind. You have to search for something that will fit you. They also carry higher end items if you can afford them. The stores can get really hectic and often times it's hard to find the correct size. Shopping here can be long process, but when I find something worthwhile, I'm a happy girl. Luckily for me, I enjoy shopping! read more

Seemed a bit chaotic and crowded. A lot of the staff was running around and there were wayy too many people in there to comfortably browse. Also, music was too loud. I wasn't really approached and they weren't too friendly which is opposite from other Akira stores I've been to read more

This is basically an overpriced forever21...with the exception of designer denim that you could get at a dept store (bloomies, nordstom, etc...) In addition to that you'd be better off going to said dept store to get the denim because it would be cheaper... Seems as if since Akira's invasion across the city has taken place, the quality has just went down, down, down... =/ read more

I went here the other day with my Fiance. The neighborhood is fun and there are plenty of places to explore if you have the time. My boo boo (LOL she would hate me if she was reading this) was looking for an outfit for later that night. I really enjoyed the fact that one of the employees gave her great personal attention (thanks KENNY). She was definitely satisfied with her purchase and we left that store with an enjoyable moment. Like I have said before in my other reviews, the place always gets a thumbs up from me when there are personable people serving you who you can tell enjoy what they do. Kudos to Akira for having someone like Kenny =) read more

I live right by Akira and whenever I walk by it, I think, why don't I shop there more often? And when I stop in, I instantly remember why. Take the last time I was there. I was in the accessories section of the store, where a girl was dominating the mirror, trying on a bunch of stuff. I understand how that goes when shopping, so I waited my turn and when she finally walked away, I stepped in front of the mirror to look at a scarf I was considering. Surprisingly, the same girl came BACK to the mirror to preen and try on more stuff, without respecting my personal space. I gave up and walked to the register. A couple minutes later, who walks behind the register but mirror girl herself. She worked there! I thought that was incredibly weird behavior for an employee. The employees in this store are such an incredible turn-off that I won't be returning again. I don't know if they're trained to be this way or what, but they're aloof and unhelpful, so I will take my money elsewhere. read more

OVER IT. I was all about it a couple of years ago when it was small and fun and I had fun shopping there regardless of whether or not I could find what I wanted/needed. The sales people were great -- they were honest and we'd all sing along to the music. Now, I get a headache every time I walk in the store. read more

Loud music, valet, an assortment of trendy dresses....I wasn't at a club, I had my first Akira experience yesterday. I had a friend in from WI this weekend and she was in hopes of finding a summery dress, so we gave Akira a try since our dinner reservations were right around the corner. Every store needs to separate clothes by color like Akira. I found that to be quite helpful as I just bypassed the racks of orange and neon yellow dresses. (Not that they weren't cute styles, I'm just too pasty pale). I could have done without the loud music, but she found a dress and we were out in around 15 minutes. Ehhh. Not sure I'd go back, but I'm glad she found something she liked at a reasonable price. read more

Like a pretty girl with no personality, this is how I feel about AKIRA. I love this store but what runs it kind of makes me nauseous. Customer service is somewhat a joke - more so on the corporate level i.e. no response to my inquiry, really? Completely absurd way to run a business. Oh and don't get me started on the "stylists personal shoppers" ummmmmmmmmmmmm more like cashier and shirt folders. Come on really? 1. I don't need you to style me and 2. You're like 15! Back off and let me shop. I love Chicago. I like AKIRA. I dislike retail employees who forgot to wipe their ass and pretend like nothing be stinkin. Online shopping is the way to go if you don't want to be a part of the commission hunger games. read more

So, let's see here: The music wants to make me gouge my ears out -- seriously, what is this, a store or an extension of the area's shitty clubs? The clothes are cheaply made, tacky shit. The place is a disorganized clusterfuck. Most of the employees are clueless, commission-fueled, trendoid zombies. The combination of said factors will probably have you leaving Akira with a splitting headache. However, I AM actually giving it 3 stars for the GORGEOUS Ben Sherman trenchcoat I purchased there. Fair warning: they do not accept returns and only do exchanges/store credit within 7 days. For that reason, I waited a few weeks & did some comparison shopping first before throwing down the $300 on it. Deciding everything else did indeed suck, I returned a few weeks later to take a look at it again. Fantastic timing, as it was 20% off that weekend. OK, I'm sold. I am still foaming at the mouth over how cute I look in said coat a month and a half after getting it. I also lucked out by getting a $5 Stila foundation at the front desk, so all in all I had a favorable experience at Akira, unlike so many others. If you want inexpensive, fairly durable and stylish clothes, you're way better off going to Pitaya just a few blocks down or even H&M and Forever 21. It's worth giving Akira a shot now and then to see if they have any good higher end stuff in, but even then don't rush into making an expensive purchase until you're 110% certain that you want that particular item. You do NOT want $300+ of store credit there, oh god. read more

I've never been a fan of the Clark location because the sales associates have been snooty to me on a few occasions. I checked out the new Bucktown location today and liked it much better. The sales associates couldn't have been friendlier and if anything I felt I was being helped too much! At first I saw so many cute things and brought at least 20 skirts and dresses into the dressing room. However, I ended up settling on just one skirt. Everything looked cute on the hanger, but the quality is pretty cheap and just doesn't fit me right. However, if you are looking for cute summer dresses they do have a great selection and maybe you'll have better luck with the way they fit you. read more

Good selection, I didn't find *quite* as much as I had hoped, but it was such a good experience I don't mind going back every once in a while to see what's new. I got a really cute, UNIQUE dress that didn't break the bank and the sales associates were very helpful. I am so used to being treated like garbage at stores that this was a refreshing treat! This goes too for the Akira shoe store I went right to after I got the dress and got a great pair of sandals on sale! Pleasantly surprised. read more

How could I forget this place? When I'm looking for something pretty to cheer me up, Akira is right there. They have some great sales racks and they have rooms dedicated to jeans and another to dresses. Sales rack - last time I went - I found two skirts for $10 - yes, they had a sale - 2 for $10 - how great is that? I love being a woman and finding cheap clothes deals. Their dresses are something out of this world - they have so many Betsey Johnson dresses and every girl needs a Betsey Johnson dress. There are so many pretty dresses for almost any and every occasion. The dresses aren't cheap but if you can get a sale and don't mind splurging a little for a dress that you many only wear once (or maybe 2-3 times depending on how creative you are) then, Akira is for you. Side note - love Justin - every time I go there, he somehow knows exactly what I have in mind! Oh - tip! They even have valet for Akira - $3 for a validated purchased, $10 without. read more

I am so surprised and in awe of how Akira has grown. I was first introduced to this place about 3 years ago. I went to the one in Lincoln park. I found some really cute and different stuff. Then I went to the one on North Avenue and I've been hooked ever since. I always get compliments on the clothes I get from there. For a long time I refused to tell people where I got it from. I felt like it was my little secret. However, since the expansion explosion (as I like to call it) I feel like my little secret is now everyone's little secret. lol The good thing is that Akira hasn't lost it's uniqueness, which makes me very happy! I was just in there the other day and I had THE most helpful salesgirl whose name is Brooke. She was very attentive and helpful as I was looking for a white dress. She even brought me items that were only in the back. I think the prices are reasonable although some things are just outrageous. Also, I would have to agree with another yelper who said that it's a wide price range. Prices can vary from 15 to 200 bucks! lol So please make sure to check the tag before you get too attached. UPDATE 7-1-2007******************************************************* So I went into Akira yesterday because a dress I had purchased last week had a snag in it. I didn't notice it at the store. When I got there the manager was very nice and she told me that it was the last dress and the snag was probably why it had been on sale. She apologized profusely and even gave me a $10.00 off gift certificate (which i used immediately! lol) She then offered to try and steam the snag out for me. So I gave her the dress. When she brought the dress back to me it looked pretty good even with the snag. I really appreciate the manager being so helpful and really giving me great customer service. Just another reason why I will be back again and again. One bad thing...the place was packed! Ugh! What happened to my little boutique? My own little secret place?? I felt like I was in Express. Yuck. read more

Akira (both Clark and North Ave) is kind of hit or miss. Great variety but very the limited number of sizes make it difficult. How many times have I picked up a top that I liked and all that were left were two sizes too small or large. A sales rep told me they stock limited sizes so not everyone is wearing the same thing...great idea for the four size Smalls and two Mediums out there. I agree with fellow Yelpers that on one rack there will be Forever 21-esque shirts and on the table next to it will be $200 Rock & Republics. I guess that's why people flock to the Akira Empire (seriously empire, they dominate North Ave now)- lots of variety in prices and style. My advise, skip the Clark street location- snooty sales reps on the floor who have difficulty hiding their judging eyes when you come out of the dressing. Not the helpful judging like you want either. One sales rep was so obsessed with helping ANOTHER sales rep try on clothes that she completely disregarded the fact I needed another size. But alas, they probably didn't have it anyway... read more