On Friday, October 1, Village staff and community members welcomed Vera Bradley's new factory outlet store to Pleasant Prairie. The grand opening event took place at 10:00 a.m. with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The store has more than 3,500 square feet and is located in Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, between Jockey and Aerie, at 11601 108th Street, Suite 532. Vera Bradley carries a large selection of cotton quilted luggage, handbags, and accessories. Many items have distinctive florals, paisleys, or geometric prints with complementary linings and diamond quilting.
"I am glad I could attend the grand opening event to help welcome Vera Bradley to Pleasant Prairie," said Jean Werbie-Harris, Community Development Director. "It is an excellent addition to Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, with an impressive in-store experience. The store is well organized and has staff that helps navigate the various patterns, products, and accessories available."
The new Vera Bradley Factory Outlet Store in Pleasant Prairie anticipates employing two full-time and ten part-time employees. Hours for the location are Monday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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.