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The Beginning
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller recognize a need for feminine luggage while in the Atlanta airport. Each investing $250 they form Vera Bradley, named after Barbara's mother, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Vera Bradley -
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Building Growth
In 1983, the business was moved from Barbara's basement to a rented space at a local paper company. They quickly outgrew this space, building a new, 15,538 square-foot facility, in 1987 in Fort Wayne. -
Outlet Sale
The company's annual outlet sale quickly outgrew it's original tented rent space and moved to the Allen Couny War Memorial Coliseum. -
Golf Tournament
The Vera Bradley Classic, a ProAm charitable golf event is established, raising $64,000 towards the American Cancer Society. Vera Bradley Classic -
Outgrowing Current Facility
As the company continues to have great success, the need for more space arises. Their building is remodeled and expanded with a total space of 27.848 square feet. -
Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer is established, pledging $1.2 million over five years to Indiana University School of Medicine. It endows a chair in oncology for breast cancer research. Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer -
Breast Cancer Pattern
The first breast cancer pattern, Return to Happiness, is launched and raises over $126,000 for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. After 17 years, Vera Bradley has now been sold in all 50 states and in Europe and Japan. Breast Cancer Patterns -
Growth, Growth, and MORE Growth!
Vera Bradley increases their staff from 60 to 90 employees. They also hold their 7th annual Vera Bradley Classic and raise $385,000, to bring their total to $1.5 million. -
Sales Representatives
Vera Bradley is sold by 75 sales representatives across the nation. The 9th annual Classic is held, raising $475,000, over $2 million to date. -
Signature Store Opens
Until now, all Vera Bradley merchandise was sold through independent sales representatives. In 2004, Vera Bradley opens their own signature store in Clay Terrace, in Carmel, Indiana. -
Java Blue
The best selling pattern to date, Java Blue, is introduced. The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer makes a $6.8 million pledge once again to the Indiana University Cancer Center, making their total giving $10 million. -
25th Anniversary
Vera Bradley has now been around for 25 years! They celebrate by releasing a 25th anniversary collection. This year they also attend the Super Bowl and the Sundance Film Festival, giving their merchandise to celebrities in attendance. At their annual Outlet Sale, more than 40,000 women from across the nation attend. -
Daytime Emmy Awards
Vera Bradley is in attendance at the Daytime Emmy Awards and Tony Awards, outfitting celebrities in their merchandise. -
Tournament of Roses Parade
Vera Bradley participates in the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. To date 3,000 independent retailers carry Vera Bradley products in their stores across the United States.
