Feature on Vera Bradley

It’s hard to believe that a few years ago, many people did
not recognize the Vera Bradley brand, but years later, the brand is
flourishing. The prints and designs make the brand very recognizable on the
street.

“Vera Bradley designs are really pretty and timeless. And
they’re made well! The pieces have more character than a lot of other popular
designs. The designs are also just really feminine and classy and fun!” said
Urbana High School Senior Anwen Parrott.

The brand was stated by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and
Patricia R. Miller in March of 1982, while on vacation in Atlanta, Georgia. The
two noticed that lack of feminine luggage and decided that that needed to
change. Within a few weeks, the women created the company.

The women began with $250 and opened the business in their
hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company was named after Barbara’s mother
Veronica (Vera) Bradley. Veronica was born on August 9, 1909.

Vera was a model in the 1930’s, chosen by Elizabeth Arden
herself as a beginning to her modeling career. She worked for the company as a
sales representative until her death in the early 1990s.

“Having a good name – after Barbara Bradley Baekgaard’s
mother – and having many friends who helped launch what has become an American
dream,” says co-founders, Baekgaard and Miller as posted on the Vera Bradley
website.

In 1998, Patricia and Barbara established the Vera Bradley
Foundation for Breast Cancer. The foundation’s purpose is to support the
research and education of breast cancer. The goal is, “To save lives and to put
an end to the disease that took their friend and so many more,” as posted on
the Vera Bradley website.

Now the company has over $3000 independent retailers
carrying the Vera Bradley products. The brand makes quality handbags, luggage,
wallets, and accessories that are released in a variety of patterns. The
company currently releases new color styles every season.

“I love the patterns! I have multiple purses, wristlets, a
key chain, and a lunch box. They make a lot of practical things. They’re fairly
good quality, and they look nice without being too costly,” said UHS Junior
Bailie Roy.

The popular brand can be purchased in many locations around
the Champaign -Urbana area.

1. Follett’s Bookstore

627 South Wright Street

Champaign, IL, 61820-5709

(217)356-1368

2. Mosser’s Shoes

6 Convenience Center Road

Champaign, IL, 61822-7809

(217) 351-1022

3.Vilardos

1729 W Kirby Avenue

Champaign, IL, 61821-5500