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VERA BRADLEY ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF FIRST WESTERN US STORE

Vera Bradley branded retail store opens in the Biltmore Fashion Park of Phoenix.

Phoenix, Ariz. (October 27, 2006) -- Vera Bradley, a leading manufacturer of handbags, travel bags, and accessories based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, announces the opening of its first branded retail store in the western United States.   

The new Vera Bradley store, located in Phoenix, Arizona in the Biltmore Fashion Park, supports the company’s efforts to expand distribution westward.  

The Vera Bradley Phoenix location is independently owned by Anne Park, who will operate the store through a licensing agreement with Vera Bradley.  After tremendous success carrying the brand in her California boutiques, Park jumped at the opportunity to open the first branded Vera Bradley store in the west.  “The spirit, texture and colors of Vera Bradley are well-suited to our casual southwestern lifestyle,” she said.  

The 750 square foot space is designed to immerse the consumer in the brand through a lifestyle presentation. “Every detail: the fixtures, furniture, rugs, paint colors, even the lighting, will be carefully selected by the Vera Bradley design team,” said Kim Mack, VP of Retail.  “Our consumers will be able to experience the brand within an environment that is interactive, fun, and features the entire range of Vera Bradley products.”

The new store will be located at 2528 E. Camelback Road, across from Escada between Betsy Johnson and Origins.  Store hours are Monday through Wednesday 10-6, Thursday and Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-5. The store phone number is (602) 956-2500.

According to the company, two additional Vera Bradley stores will open this fall, one in Fort Wayne, Indiana and the other in Dayton, Ohio, bringing the total number of branded stores to five.  More stores are planned in 2007.   

About Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley was founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller. Today, internationally recognized Vera Bradley offers a large selection of cotton quilted handbags, travel bags, accessories and innovative limited edition lines including microfiber, silk and tweed collections. Vera Bradley licensed products include fine tableware, furniture, rugs and linens, as well as rolling luggage, stationery and eyewear. www.verabradley.com

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