Vera Bradley

Infobox Company
name = Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.
company_
type = Private
foundation = 1982
founder = Patricia Miller,
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard
location_city = Fort Wayne, Indiana
location_country = United States
location =
locations =
key_people = Michael C. Ray (CEO) David Traylor (CFO)
area_served =
industry =
products = handbags, weekend and travel accessories, wallets, watches, belts, glasses cases, cosmetic cases, umbrellas, napkins, placemats, tableware, bedding, furniture, fine rugs, accessory coverings, and stationery
revenue =
operating_income =
net_income = $100M USD
num_employees = 200+ (regular), 800 (contract) [citation|date=April 24, 2006 |title=Younger Buyers Fuel Vera Bradley's Growth |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/24/AR2006042400717.html |first=Ashley |last=Heher |publisher=The Washington Post |accessdate=2008-02-17]
slogan =
homepage = [http://www.verabradley.com/ www.verabradley.com]
footnotes =
intl = no

Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is an American design company best known for its soft, brightly patterned bags.cite news | date = August 23, 2007 | title = Vera Bradley bags: Blooming hot | publisher = "The Philadelphia Inquirer" | last = Wellington | first = Elizabeth | pages = E01] The Fort Wayne company produces many products, including quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories which can be found at one of the 3,500 retailers or the stand alone Vera Bradley stores.

History

The company was founded in March 1982 by Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, a 1962 graduate of Marymount College. Named after Baekgaard's mother, the company got its start when both were inspired while awaiting a flight in Atlanta, where they noticed a "definite lack of feminine-looking luggage". [cite web | title=Company Information | url=http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Company/OurCompany.aspx | accessdate=2007-08-09]

Products

Vera Bradley bags come in many sizes and styles, as well as many different patterns and colors. There are travel duffels, medium sized totes, large totes, purses, wallets, watches, belts, glasses cases, cosmetic cases, dog leashes, dog collars, and dog bags. There are also umbrellas, napkins, placemats, rolling luggage, tableware, bedding, furniture, fine rugs, accessory coverings, and stationery. Pet collars, beds, leashes, and carriers for small dogs, cats, and rabbits are also available. The purses come with a variety of names such as the Sherry, the Bucket Tote, and the Amy. Prices start at $10; the most expensive bag is the Boxy Tote and the least expensive is the Katie. [cite web |title=Collections |url=http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/OurCollection.aspx|accessdate=2007-08-09]

After a pattern is on the market for a while, the company retires it. When patterns retire, new ones are produced. New patterns are released in spring and fall colors; they are typically introduced in January and July. The company will also retire or redesign specific styles and new styles may be introduced in concurrence with the new patterns.

Collections

All collections are available in a variety of colors and patterns.

Handbags

Vera Bradley makes dozens of different types of handbags ranging from wristlets to large totes. Some names include the Amy, the Hipster, the Sherry, the tote, the Betsy and the Villager. The handbags are made out of soft fabrics, and are released in a variety of patterns.

Accessories

Vera Bradley makes coordinating accessories that include wallets, coin purses, cosmetic cases, glasses cases, belts, cell phone cases, and sashes.

Travel

The Vera Bradley Travel Collection includes Classic Cotton luggage (made from the same fabric as the traditional handbags and accessories), Microfiber and Rolling Luggage.

tationery

The stationery collection includes pencils, notepads, binders, notebooks and stationery cards made in association. All of the products are in the Vera Bradley classic cotton patterns.

Limited Editions

Vera Bradley has also come out with many limited edition accessories. Some of the limited editions include the pet collection, the beach collection, the sport collection, umbrellas, tech cases, and others.

The Vera Bradley Foundation

The Vera Bradley Foundation supports Breast Cancer Research. Sales from the Pink Elephants and Pinwheel Pink prints benefit the organization.

References

External links

* [http://www.verabradley.com/ Vera Bradley Official Site]
* [http://www.verabradley.org/ Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer]
* [http://teenscenemag.com/sections/specialfeatures/verabradley.php Designer on the Rise: Vera Bradley] by Teen Scene Magazine