--- title: 'AKIRA: Fashion Retail Innovation Leader' description: AKIRA is a Chicago-based fashion retailer with 30+ stores across 12 states. Join 1,000-5,000 team members in retail, eCommerce, and wholesale careers. type: company url: https://www.foundrole.com/companies/akira-shop-akira-com date: 2025-11-06T22:04:05Z og_description: AKIRA transforms American fashion retail from Chicago headquarters with 30+ stores nationwide. Discover careers in retail operations, eCommerce, and wholesale with a culture celebrating individuality, creativity, and expert styling. Join a brand putting Chicago on the fashion map. og_image: https://www.foundrole.com/img/pages/v40cga/akira-shop-akira-com.png?v=1 breadcrumbs: - label: Home url: https://www.foundrole.com/ - label: Companies url: https://www.foundrole.com/companies --- # AKIRA: Fashion Retail Innovation Leader | | | |---|---| | **Industry** | Retail Apparel & Fashion | | **Rating** | 2.7 | | **Size** | 1,001-5,000 employees | | **Headquarters** | Chicago, IL | | **Founded** | 2002 | | **Website** | https://shopakira.com/ | ## About From a single trendy boutique in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood in 2002 to a nationwide fashion powerhouse, AKIRA has transformed the American retail landscape. Founded by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, Sarah Hughes, and Gordon Liao, this dynamic fashion retailer now operates over 30 stores across 12 states, a thriving eCommerce platform, and a growing wholesale business-all while employing 1,000-5,000 passionate team members committed to breaking down traditional retail barriers. ### Fashion Innovation Redefining American Style AKIRA specializes in statement-making, uber-trendy pieces that help customers turn heads. The company carries sought-after brands like adidas, Champion, and I.AM.GIA alongside exclusive private label collections. By challenging East and West Coast dominance in fashion retail, AKIRA has successfully put Chicago on the fashion map through original thinking and expertly curated styles that set industry trends. ### Career Opportunities Across Growth Areas - Retail Operations: 30+ stores across 12 states with continued expansion - eCommerce Platform: Serving customers worldwide with digital innovation - Wholesale Business: Growing B2B operations and partnerships - Fashion Expertise: Styling and merchandising roles for fashion enthusiasts - Entrepreneurial Environment: Positions that encourage risk-taking and creative problem-solving ### Culture Built on People and Individuality At AKIRA, business is fundamentally about people selling things to people. The company maintains a rigorous selection process, ensuring every team member eats, sleeps, and breathes fashion. This commitment to hiring experts creates a culture where employees thrive through diversity, personal growth, and out-of-the-box thinking. AKIRA empowers team members to take ownership, challenge conventional norms, and make significant impacts on the brand's journey. The supportive and inclusive environment celebrates individuality-both in fashion and in people. Employees are encouraged to be themselves while delivering unforgettable customer experiences that make AKIRA customers look good and feel good. Whether you're passionate about fashion, entrepreneurship, or creating exceptional retail experiences, AKIRA offers a rewarding career that combines your love for style with genuine professional growth. ## Mission AKIRA breaks down traditional retail barriers by putting Chicago on the fashion map through original thinking, expert curation, and a culture that celebrates individuality in both fashion and people.## Open Positions 0 open positions at AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com. [View all AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com jobs →](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/akira-shop-akira-com?tab=jobs) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many stores does AKIRA operate? AKIRA operates over 30 stores across 12 states with continued expansion plans. The company has grown significantly from its original single boutique in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. ### Where is AKIRA headquartered? AKIRA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, where it was founded in 2002. The company maintains its roots in the trendy Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood while expanding nationally. ### How many employees does AKIRA have? AKIRA employs between 1,000-5,000 team members across its retail stores, eCommerce operations, and wholesale business divisions. ### What brands does AKIRA carry? AKIRA carries popular brands including adidas, Champion, and I.AM.GIA, along with exclusive private label collections featuring statement-making, trendy pieces. ### What types of career opportunities are available? AKIRA offers opportunities in retail operations, eCommerce, wholesale business, fashion merchandising, styling, and leadership roles across its growing national footprint. ### What is AKIRA's company culture like? AKIRA's culture celebrates individuality, creativity, and diversity. The company hires passionate fashion experts through a rigorous selection process and empowers employees to take risks, challenge norms, and make significant impacts on the brand. ### Does AKIRA have an online presence? Yes, AKIRA operates a thriving eCommerce website (shopakira.com) serving customers worldwide, alongside its 30+ physical retail locations. ## Related - [Browse all companies](https://www.foundrole.com/companies) - [Fast Retailing Jobs & Careers — Global Apparel Retail](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/fast-retailing) - [MANGO: Global Fashion Retail Leader](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/mango) - [G-III Apparel Group Jobs & Careers — Fashion & Apparel](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/g-iii-apparel-group) - [Michael Kors: Luxury Fashion & Accessories](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/michael-kors) - [Nordstrom Jobs & Careers — Luxury Retail](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/nordstrom)