Akira, trendy Chicago women's retailer, opens at Green Acres Mall ahead of holiday shopping season

Akira, a Chicago-based women’s clothing chain, has opened its first Long Island location just in time for the annual Black Friday shopping rush.

The privately owned fast fashion company, which sells trendy clothes and apparel in more than 30 stores across the country, celebrated its grand opening at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream earlier this month, according to a company announcement.

The new location is the chain’s second New York location.

"As a brand born in Chicago over 20 years ago, opening our second New York location at Green Acres Mall has been such a wonderful milestone," Eric Hsueh, co-founder of Akira, said in a statement. "This store represents the brand's continued growth, and we're excited to welcome a whole new community into the bold world of Akira."

Akira has stores in 12 states, according to the company’s website.

"We are excited to add Akira to the retail mix at Green Acres as we continue the transformation at the center," Rich Madramuthu, vice president of leasing at Macerich said in a statement issued to Newsday.

Akira, founded in 2002 as a single-location women’s clothing boutique, has attracted an audience with its "quite reasonable" price points, said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, a retail analysis firm based in Manhattan.

"Akira is a relatively small player in apparel, but it has a big personality — with a focus on dressier, fashion-forward statement pieces," said Saunders, who tracks private retail. "It attracts a consumer that’s looking for fashion without breaking the bank."

While less prominent than competitors like Zara or H&M, Saunders said the company has been in growth mode.

"The company has expanded in recent years, especially through opening more stores, which means it is growing," Saunders said.