Fashion retailer Akira is using cloud-based mobile technology from Canadian firm Tulip to modernise its clienteling practices and provide a personalised shopping experience.

Akira is a women’s boutique that offers a full line of women’s clothing, footwear and accessories, carrying popular brands and their own private labels. Founded in 2002 in Chicago, it has expanded to 32 stores and is growing rapidly. Tulip’s retail technology should make it easier for Akira stylists to engage with clients, facilitate purchases and track performance.

“Akira is an innovative brand at the forefront of women’s creative fashion,” said Tulip’s CEO Ali Asaria. “Tulip’s technology will complement Akira’s already rich online and in-store experience. We’re honoured to be assisting them in streamlining and enhancing their customer engagement.”

Akira has implemented Tulip’s clienteling and endless aisle technology. Clienteling enables stylists to create authentic, seamless omnichannel experiences for their customers. Endless aisle technology lets stylists show the full breadth of Akira products regardless of where the inventory is located.

“Tulip’s team brings a depth of expertise in terms of what’s happening on the store floor and how technology can make a positive impact,” said Eric Hsueh, Akira co-owner. “Tulip equips our stylists to share their fashion expertise and offer the personalised omnichannel experience our customers want.”

With deep roots in retail, Tulip’s mobile-first products have been built from the ground up for how modern customers want to shop. They transform the customer journey by empowering the associate to serve as a digitally equipped guide who unites channels and personalises the end-to-end customer experience.

Akira first opened in 2002 in the trendy Wicker Park neighbourhood of Chicago and is owned by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, Sarah Hughes and Gordon Liao. It offers women’s clothing, footwear and accessories, carrying brands such as Adidas, Champion, I.Am.Gia and its own private labels. Over the years, Akira has expanded to 32 stores with more on the way  and a web site serving customers around the world.

Tulip provides cloud-based services that let retailers overcome industry challenges and set a standard for omnichannel commerce. Partnered with Apple and Salesforce, Tulip equips retailers to build connections with customers, fulfil orders, checkout purchases and optimise operations to create an end-to-end experience. Retailers such as Mulberry, Saks Fifth Avenue, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade, Coach and Michael Kors use Tulip.