161 (July 2017)

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.

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 $500, (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.

Vera Bradley bags come in several sizes and styles, and different patterns and colors. There are handbags, totes, travel duffels, and backpacks. The company has broadened its product assortment from quilted cotton bags to include solid microfiber, leather, and nylon fabrications.

Vera Bradley also offers many other items including rolling luggage, luggage tags, wallets, cosmetic cases, wrist accessories, umbrellas, accessories, beach towels and bags, and gifts.

The Company also has licensed agreements for the following products: bedding, swimwear and cover-ups, readers/frames/sunglasses, stationery, tech products (including phone and iPad cases), and socks.

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 2400 specialty gift retailers, approximately 740 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. Licensed products are distributed through various venues including verabradley.com, Full Line stores, and/or specialty and department stores throughout the U.S.

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 2017, the Foundation has donated over $30 million to breast cancer research.