What began as a simple effort to find unique and sophisticated souvenirs led to an "Aha!" moment when one woman's vision catapulted to a groundbreaking business of providing Chicago's burgeoning tourism industry with innovative, high-quality merchandise.

The timing was perfect as Water Tower Place, one of the first urban shopping centers, emerged as the pinnacle of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The souvenir concept was pitched and the first Accent Chicago store opened in Water Tower Place on March 16, 1979.

From the very beginning, customer service played as integral a part in the success of the business as providing the best product and word of mouth became our best ally. We have since grown to ten stores in and around the Chicago area (including our sister stores - Love From Chicago).