Akira

This place is just bad. It’s constantly dirty and dingy, and the sales associates had such an attitude it was unbelievable.
I know most Akiras try to provide you with a good customer experience by setting up a room for you and giving you suggestions, but these girls acted like my presence in the sore was such an inconvenience, even though I was one of only two customers shopping. Their attitude alone made me uncomfortable and want to leave ASAP. It was like if you were trying to talk to the mean girls in high school, all judgements and bad tone.
Also, one of the workers had their dog in the store the whole time, and granted he was really cute, but if I had an allergy I’d be pretty uncomfortable.

When it comes to finding that perfect outfit for that specific event I am going to, it always seems like a task. This Akira has made this task a lot easier for me. The sales associates at this Akira are amazing! They bring me a variety of outfits to try on that they think that I will like. It is fantastic because a lot of the stuff they bring me are clothes that I would normally not try on because on the hanger they do not look like my style. Every time, I am presently surprised and always find something great. I have boughten dresses for weddings here, for a night out with the girls, and even comfy clothes. I recommend telling the sales associate what type of outfit you are looking for or if the outfit is for something special because they will know exactly what outfits to pull for you. There is metered parking however the area is a little crowded during peak hours but I usually can find parking. I have been to a few other Akira locations however this one is very close to me and has the best customer service thus far.

I went in here after checking out the Urban Surplus store across the street, another Lincoln Park gem in the rough. I was immediately greeted by a friendly employee who informed me of their sales. The store is not well organized, but it’s easy to find good deals there with a little patience. The salesgirl was incredibly helpful; A+ for service!

I frantically decided last minute to exchange my NYE dress for a different size. I called this shop and Shannon was so incredibly patient, helpful, and sweet. I’m usually used to the (slightly aggressive) personal shopping experience when I go into Akira stores, but this was not at all intimidating. The staff give you space to check things out but are very friendly to bounce outfit ideas off of. The location feels most like a boutique than any other Akira shops I’ve been to, but they’ve got a great selection of clothes, jewelry, and shoes. HIGHLY recommended

I would give this location 1 star but I have purchased things for there before so I can’t say it’s horrendous. Having said that, I’ve been to many different Akira locations in the city and this is by far the most rude staff. I actually really enjoy the staff at the other locations but for whatever reason, almost every sales associate I’ve interacted with here has been very rude — and not because «they keep asking me if I need help» as some people complain. To me, that’s not rude. I understand that’s part of the job. Here, I’ve experienced eye-​rolling at customers, rude comments, extremely pushy sales techniques, etc. For example, once I was in the store and looking for a dress to wear to a friend’s wedding. The associate kept bringing dresses to me that were a little too revealing or flashy for a wedding but I said thank you anyway. I ended up purchasing a dress I had picked out and when I brought all the dresses to the check-​out and said that the others didn’t work out she asked, «did you even try them on?». It was very awkward and just a bizarre comment. I then went on to say that I did like some of them but they just weren’t right for a wedding and then she proceeded to ask me why I didn’t want to buy another dress «just to have». It awkwardly went back and forth for a few minutes as I kept declining the notion I needed two dresses at the moment.
The thing is that this experience seems to be pretty common. Amongst all of the women I know, this seems to be the Akira location known for rude behavior.

I think they require their employees to be rude to customers. I swear, every time I’ve gone in there the employees walk past me like I’m invisible.
Last time I went to the counter and the girl asked if anyone helped me. I said no because literally no one helped me, they just strutted around me. She didn’t believe me and rolled her eyes and goes ‘well didn’t you try this on?’ Nope. I did not. No need for you to be rude.

Which I could give 0 stars!
Ordered something from a different store and had to pick up at Akira clark and fullerton location… went in, said my name, asked for my time they couldn’t find it…
I waited over 30 mites for them to figure out where my item is and in the meantime I used the restroom! BIG MISTAKE! trashiest dirtiest bathroom ever seen in my entire life!
Then I looked around and realized what a dump this place is!
Took pics of the cash wrap too and the entrance and asked the employee how come they don’t sweep or vacuum…
Also Akira when you clip off the tags and replace them with your own AKIRA brand, please make sure you don’t leave any marks or holes — IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT YOU SWITCH THE ORIGINAL TAGS WITH YOUR OWN TAGS!
other than that… the staff is nice and friendly, some clothes (very few clothes) are decent and worth buying — probably the ones over $ 60.

I love Akira. This is the second time I’ve shopped at this location, and I had a fabulous experience both times. Honestly, since I work at home, I tend to just wear the same thing over and over and when I shop I look to replace items that have worn out – with nearly identical items. Obviously, this strategy slowly results in a look that’s a bit outdated. Ruth really helped me update my look by selecting great items that I probably wouldn’t have picked out myself, but that really suited me. She has a real instinct for style and is a good listener, so she understands what your needs are. She’s also friendly, genuine, and intelligent. What a great shop, all intelligently laid out and with good music too (I thought so, anyway). They have a way of showing you a lot of options without ever making you feel pressured to buy stuff, which for me is a total buzz kill. I came in for a pair of jeans, and left with a great pair; also two shirts, two pairs of shoes and a skirt! Hours later I’m just as thrilled with my purchases as I was when i left the store. Yay!

I’m actually OBSESSED with this Akira. I’ve never walked out once without buying something. I understand that for some people, having the sales people follow you around and constantly check up on you can be annoying or invasive. But for someone like me who could use some help/​fashion advice, I love this!
The old manager Dane ~I think he’s gone now:(~ took one look at me and brought me about 6 items of clothing that were exactly my style. It actually blew my mind. I also love having people help me put accessories with my outfits. I’ve tried this at other stores and have been met with death glares by employees.
Bottom line: If you want a second opinion while shopping and you can’t bring a girlfriend with you, this store gives you a way to get that «girlfriend’s opinion» even though you’re in there alone. also GREAT ACCESSORIES:)
Oh and they always seem to have some sort of deal going on. I rarely pay full price for everything.

Based on Lincoln parks location ONLY!
I have always loved Akira and I am a frequent shopper at different locations BUT because I work in the area for about a year and a half now and I now live in the area I WAS frequently in the Lincoln Park locations.
Long story short I have been in this location in Plenty of times on breaks and weekends. The last time I was in this location a couple weeks ago I was followed around the store like a well known thief! There were other women in the store an none of the employees watched and «helped» them they way they did me. I have never felt the way I felt while shopping in This store or any of the locations.
I have seen the new employees before and I wasn’t too happy with them but never any issues that made me not want to come in ever again like this one.
Very disappointed in the change of employees! They SuCK! And the guy the has the dog that follows him around as well as customers even in the dressing rooms! Not cool!

I went in here last night. I really like Akira and shop there frequently however not anymore. There was a basket marked everything in here $ 1-​$ 5 and an additional half off. There were lots of tights which I love! I grabbed two pairs and when I went to check out I was told they were $ 25 even though every other pair was $ 5. I was told they were misplaced and so they wouldn’t honor the price. This is an unacceptable business practice.

LOVE DAVID! Ask for him. He is awesome and amazing. I had a black tie event for the Bears. I thought I could wear something in my closet but last min I realized nothing fits like it used to… UGHHH Thanks to my late 20’s I no longer have the ability to dress last minute. I ran to Akira in a panic. I not only got a dress, but got accessories and SPANX :) I was ready to go! David was great. He got me in and out and I even bought some work clothes! I got a ton of compliments on my new dress and felt great in it!
The whole team was very friendly and the music was great. I even got some champagne while changing/​trying on outfits.
Love Akira!

I wish I could give them Zero Star! Do not order from them.
I order few dresses, some jumpsuits and shirts on their website and I received some of these items without tags attached to them. When I tried to return them because they didn’t fIt (either too large or small), they refused to process my refund because they were no tag attached to the clothes! I hate dishonesty! Why would you send clothes without tags and when we try to return it, you ask for tags!!! I emailed them and I never got an answer. I have never been treated like this ever!

If you need a stylist, ask any associate. If you don’t they’ll leave you alone! That’s hard to find when shopping in small boutiques. I’m a bargain shopper and I managed to find my New Years dress for $ 15 when It was originally $ 50. They have so many options and the associates really create the atmosphere. If you are new to Chicago or just visiting this is a MUST.

Love this clothing store! Priced right fashion forward clothes with impeccable service!

So far every Akira I’ve been to has been awesome and this Clark location is no different. I was greeted right away and after a few minutes of browsing I’m asked if I needed help then once I had an arm full of items the associate happily starts a fitting room for me. I’m never rushed and spent most of my time spent in the clearance section since it was Buy 1 get 1 FREE!
Of course the dressing room is something I dread because so many things can look beautiful (or ugly) on the hanger, but not quite so on me. But luckily the shopping gods were with me. I was able to snag TWO dresses, TWO tanks, a belt, and a scarf for only $ 50 bucks! (I also had a $ 20 off $ 50 coupon.) My kind of shopping!
Next time I’m in the city. I’ll definitely stop by.

Ugh. If only the staff at (all) Akira stores didn’t stalk you while you browsed.

Akira has trendy, hip, and stylish clothing and accessories. Akira Black label is very reasonably priced. I bought a dress for $ 42.00 and a blouse for $ 34.00 from the Black label. The quality is nothing like Anthropologie, but more than Charlotte Russe. It is similar to Express, but not as durable. The service in the store was nice. The sales associate helped my friend and I find the perfect outfits and accessories to match them. He knew the store like the back of his hand – he was awesome! He was like a genie – everything we asked for, he made come true!
My complaint would be that they forgot to put my blouse in my bag after they charged me for it. The next morning, I was packing to leave Chicago and I realized my blouse was not in the bag. I called the store and spoke to a sales associate and expressed my concern. He put me on hold for ten minutes and then replied that this incident was impossible and that no one would forget to put something in the bag. I requested to speak with the manager who told me that I could come back to the store with the receipt and they would give me 20% off the same shirt. 20% off a shirt that I had already paid for and never received?! I returned to the store that day and retold my story hoping I could get my shirt back this time. The sales associate looked for my shirt in the pile of clothing behind the cashier and voilà, my blouse was sitting there the whole time!

I went in here tonight during one of their «parties» — wherein they serve alcohol and have sale deals on clothes. I noticed a lot of the clothing seemed a bit poorly made, and that some of the sales associates were dragging dresses on the ground when taking them to and from fitting rooms.
I was shopping for a dress for a special occasion, and I found one that I loved, but was on the fence about because of the price.
As I was wondering whether or not to buy the dress, I came across some green earrings. I picked them up and walked to the checkstand with every intention of buying them and the dress. Just then, a male employee came up to me:
Him: «Oh, those earrings come with a necklace.»
Me: «Oh cool, what necklace?»
Him: «That one — we were looking for those earrings.»
*points at a girl across the room, then holds out his hand waiting for me to give him the earrings.*
Me and my friend were totally dumbfounded. I gave him the earrings, but I was so pissed off about the experience that I decided not to buy the $ 75 dress. So they lost out on a sale. I won’t be going back.

Imagine. You only have 3 days in Chicago and it’s your first time visiting and you gotta get everything in those 3 days (Wrigley, Sears, Deep Dish, the Bean, Chi Style Dog, Michigan Ave, Jordan Statue, 2^nd City… etc etc ETC)…
I SPENT 5 HOURS IN THIS DAMN STORE.
So me and 3 of my ladies walk in and are intrigued. It’s like a upscale F21 with Zara prices and selling premium denim. So here we are perusing the racks of clothes… a lovely person (Cynthia) approaches me and takes the clothes from my hands and prepares a fitting room for me. Fantastic. Ready to try on my pickings, I walk into my fitting room with my choices, but denim and other suggestions she made based on what I initially selected also were sitting in the room for me. Smart, Akira, smart. Trying to upsell me with your premium Hudson and 7 for all Mankind Jeans — I will not cave!
So there I am trying on clothes, enjoying every minute… and what happens next? Cynthia (who I eventually, after 5 hours in the damn store start to lovingly refer to as my personal minion) appears with MORE clothes for me to try on. This ensues for like 2 hours… my girls and I (who also had a minion of their own) had hangers upon hangers upon hangers of clothes that were ready for purchase.
Then my minion starts creating outfits for my ladies… and then we were there for so freakin long another minion’s shift ended… so $ 1000s of dollars later between the 4 of us, we walked out fulfilled.
So they’re not MINIONS, they’re stylists… but wow, for their superior service and attention to detail of our own personal style to more than convince me to stick around for 5 hours out of our already full agenda of eating and exploring our way through Chicago… that speaks volumes.
So next time I’m in Chicago, I know to tack on an extra day just for this spot.

Sales are this girl’s BFF. They were having their summer sale and items were so reasonably priced. Lots of fun dresses.
LOVE this store.

Akira, thank you for always having cute dresses for every occasion! Although some of the other trends are hit or miss, your dresses are fabulous. The friendly, helpful staff is a huge bonus. This particular store is jam packed with wall to wall clothing and if you don’t have a shopping mission in mind, it’s easy to get lost in there. I prefer the layout of the Diversey LP store, but the staff at the Clark St store is the best!
On this occasion, I walked in looking for a holiday party dress. A girl, let’s call her «super shopper», quickly asked my size, likes/​dislikes and proceeded to find a number of cute dresses and promptly put back the «NO’s» without forcing them into the dressing room. I found THE DRESS and checked out in under 45 minutes… AMAZING. I could have never done it without their help.
About the quality of clothing, the «Akira Black Label» brand is good quality. Otherwise the regular Akira brand is priced right to find something really cute for a night out. Love the originality of the clothing. GREAT ACCESSORIES!
P. S. Get new «try on» heels and maybe some plain black pumps in smaller sizes. Your current selection of shoes by the mirror are gross.