Vera Bradley to Donate Percentage of October Sales to Breast Cancer Research

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Oct. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRA; “Vera Bradley” or the “Company”), a leading American bag and luggage company and iconic lifestyle brand, today announced items purchased in its new “Hope Blooms” and “Hope Blooms Pink” prints during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month will directly benefit breast cancer research.

Now through October 31, 2021, 5% of the purchase price of all Vera Bradley Hope Blooms and Hope Blooms Pink styles will be donated to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (the “Foundation”).

Designed to honor and give hope to those affected by breast cancer, Hope Blooms and Hope Blooms Pink are Vera Bradley’s newest prints with a purpose. Both patterns feature pops of pink florals with pink breast cancer awareness ribbons thoughtfully tucked within the bouquets.

“Since the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer was founded in 1993, Vera Bradley has been steadfast in its commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer,” noted Daren Hull, Vera Bradley Brand President. “Together with our Associates, customers and communities, we have donated more than $37.5 million to breast cancer research, but there is still much more we can do. This October, we encourage our customers to join us in the fight against breast cancer by purchasing Hope Blooms and Hope Blooms Pink items or by donating to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.”

In addition to purchasing items in Hope Blooms and Hope Blooms Pink, Vera Bradley customers can make a donation at checkout to support the critical, life-saving research taking place at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. With a donation of $10 or more in Vera Bradley Full Line Stores and Vera Bradley Factory Stores, customers will receive a complimentary Foundation Bag Charm valued at $15 (MSRP).

Vera Bradley Hope Blooms and Hope Blooms Pink styles range in price from $10 - $540 and are available now in stores and online. To learn more and shop the collection, visit www.verabradley.com/hopeblooms.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY, INC.
Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as causal, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a rapidly growing, digitally native, and highly engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY FOUNDATION FOR BREAST CANCER
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer raises funds for breast cancer research to find a cure and to improve the lives of the many affected by this disease. Vera Bradley’s co-founders began raising funds after the loss of a dear friend to the disease in 1993. To date, the Foundation has contributed $37.5 million to the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Center is focused on developing and dramatically improving therapies for some of the most difficult-to-treat types of breast cancer, including triple negative breast cancer. Funds are raised through special events, partner events and individual donations. Learn more about the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer at www.verabradley.org.

CONTACTS

Vera Bradley Investors:
Julia Bentley, VP of Investor Relations and Communications
jbentley@verabradley.com 
(260) 207-5116

Vera Bradley Media:
877-708-VERA (8372)
Mediacontact@verabradley.com 

Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer:
Lynda Houk, Executive Director
lhouk@verabradley.com 
(260) 207-5283

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/483efcfd-bbb6-4b0a-89e5-3283d5504a7b