Type Public Founded 1982 | Customer service 00 1 877-905-8372 | |
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Traded as NASDAQ: VRA
S&P 600 Component Number of locations 159
(January 2017) 113 Full Line Stores + 46 Factory Stores Key people Robert Wallstrom (CEO)
Kevin Sierks (CFO)
Sue Fuller (Chief Merchandising Officer)
Theresa Palermo (Chief Marketing Officer) Products handbags, luggage, fashion accessories Net income $26.8 million, or $0.72 per diluted share (before charges), for the fiscal year ended 1/28/17 Stock price VRA (NASDAQ) US$ 9.31 +0.11 (+1.20%)31 Mar, 4:00 PM GMT-4 - Disclaimer Headquarters Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States CEO Robert Wallstrom (11 Nov 2013–) Founders Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Patricia Miller Subsidiaries Vera Bradley Sales, LLC, Vera Bradley (Japan) K.K., Vera Bradley International, LLC, Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. Profiles | ||
Vera bradley co founder barabara baekgaard at home in seaside florida
Vera Bradley is the name of an American luggage and handbag design company, founded by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller in 1982. The Fort Wayne, Indiana company produces a variety of products, including handbags, luggage, and accessories. It is most recognized for its patterned bags.
Contents
Vera bradley collection
History
While traveling through the Atlanta, Georgia airport, neighbors Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller noticed the fact that there were no feminine looking luggage styles. They started the company with five hundred dollars, (each contributing $250). The name comes from Baekgaard's mother, Vera, who was a stylish inspiration, formerly a model for Elizabeth Arden. Net revenues from continuing operations totaled $485.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.
Miller and Baekgaard were awarded the 1987 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the state of Indiana byArthur Young/VENTURE Magazine.
Products and Distribution
Vera Bradley bags come in several sizes and styles, and different patterns and colors. There are handbags, totes, travel duffels, backpacks, and diaper bags. The company has broadened its product assortment from quilted cotton bags to include solid microfiber, leather, faux leather, and several other fabrications.
Vera Bradley also offers rolling luggage, wallets, electronic device cases (for laptops, phones, and iPads), glasses/eyeglass/sunglass cases, cosmetic cases, wrist accessories, jewelry, jewelry cases, umbrellas, accessories, stationery, and gifts.
The Company distributes its products through Vera Bradley Full Line stores, Vera Bradley Factory Outlet stores, verabradley.com, its annual outlet sale (held in Fort Wayne), approximately 2600 specialty gift retailers, approximately 730 department stores (Dillard's, Macy's, Von Maur, Belk, and Bon Ton), key accounts (such as QVC and Disney), and third party e-commerce sites.
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
The Vera Bradley Foundation supports Breast Cancer Research at the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Cancer Center. Its biggest fund-raising event is the annual Vera Bradley Classic Women's Golf and Tennis Tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Through October 2016, the Foundation has donated over $28 million to breast cancer research.