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Trendy Menswear Shop Led By Former Akira Sales Team Opens in Wicker Park

By Alisa Hauser | October 19, 2015 9:43am
 Jax & Debb, a new menswear store at 1849 W. North Ave.
Jax & Debb
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WICKER PARK — After a locally-owned boutique chain closed its only shop just for men in July, three former sales clerks who had a combined 15 years of experience working at Akira Men's banded together to start their own menswear store, Jax & Debb.

Located at 1849 W. North Ave., Jax & Debb opened in late September in the former Akira shoe store spot next to Chase Bank and across the street from the closed Akira Mens store.

"So far, it's been great. There's been a lot of old familiar faces coming in. It was time to do our own thing," said Joanna Pham, one of Jax & Debb's three co-owners.

Taking a break between assisting customers on a recent weekday, Fontaine Scarelli, who previously worked at Akira Men's as a wardrobe stylist, said he too was energized by the new venture.

"It feels amazing, like a breath of fresh air," Scarelli said.

Jax & Deb is owned by Pham, a Wicker Park resident, who worked at Akira Men's for nearly eight years, Scarelli, a Logan Square resident, who worked at Akira Men's for five years and Jaclyn Debb, a River North resident who worked at Akira Men's for two years.

Debb, whose nickname is "Jax," owns the majority of the business, state records show.

The store offers similar brands previously found at Akira Men's such as Rails and One Teaspoon.

Jon Cotay, Akira's founder and owner, said he now shops for his own clothes at Jax & Debb.

"I was always trying to be a mentor and wanted to teach them to do it by themselves. I'm really proud of them," Cotay said, adding, "I'm really happy that the men's part went on to a different store instead of completely dying."

Jax & Debb, 1849 W. North Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. No website yet, but follow the shop's Instagram for updates.

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