written like an advertisement . please help improve it by removing promotional content and inappropriate external links and by adding encyclopedic content written from a neutral point of view . january 2012 learn how and when to remove this template message vera bradley type public traded as nasdaq vra founded 1982 founder patricia miller and barbara bradley baekgaard headquarters fort wayne indiana united states number of locations 156 july 2016 112 full line stores 44 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 31.8 million or 0.82 per diluted share before charges for the fiscal year ended 1 30 16 number of employees approximately 2950 as of march 2016 website verabradley.com vera bradley is the name of an american luggage and handbag design company founded by barbara bradley baekgaard and patricia miller in 1982 . 1 the fort wayne indiana company produces a variety of products including handbags luggage and accessories . it is most recognized for its patterned bags . 2 contents 1 history 2 products and distribution 3 the vera bradley foundation for breast cancer 4 references 5 external links history edit 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 . 3 they started the company with five hundred dollars each contributing 250 . 4 the name comes from baekgaard s mother vera who was a stylish inspiration formerly a model for elizabeth arden . 3 net revenues from continuing operations totaled 502.6 million for the fiscal year ended january 30 2016 . the brand s innovative designs iconic patterns and brilliant colors continue to inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace . miller and baekgaard were awarded the 1987 entrepreneur of the year award for the state of indiana from arthur young venture magazine . 5 products and distribution edit a vera bradley store at kierland commons in scottsdale az . 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 . vera bradley offers a unique multi channel sales model as well as a focus on service and a high level of customer engagement . 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 over 600 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 edit 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 june 2016 the foundation has donated a total of approximately 27 million to breast cancer research . references edit secretary of state registration . retrieved 2014 01 27 . wellington elizabeth august 23 2007 . vera bradley bags blooming hot . the philadelphia inquirer . pp . e01 . a b trebilcock bob . vera bradley s multi channel success . mmh editorial . modern materials handling . retrieved 2014 01 27 . patricia r. miller & barbara bradley baekgaard . education and resources . national women s history museum . retrieved 2014 01 27 . hazelett forum 2009 randall l. tobias center for leadership excellence . trustees of indiana university . retrieved 26 march 2016 . external links edit vera bradley official site vera bradley foundation for breast cancer retrieved from https en.wikipedia.org w index.php title vera bradley & oldid 740334882 categories clothing companies of the united statescompanies based in fort wayne indianacompanies established in 19822000s fashion1982 establishments in the united statescompanies listed on nasdaqhidden categories articles with a promotional tone from january 2012all articles with a promotional tone navigation menu personal tools not logged intalkcontributionscreate accountlog in namespaces article talk variants views read edit view history more search navigation main pagecontentsfeatured contentcurrent eventsrandom articledonate to wikipediawikipedia store interaction helpabout wikipediacommunity 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