Vera Bradley Collaborates on Veteran-Themed Bags
The handbag and accessory says third quarter net revenues were $126.7 million
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs the country commemorated Veterans Day on Monday, Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) launched a limited-edition collection of military-themed bags and backpacks it created with veteran-owned handbag maker Sword & Plough.
The Colorado-based company manufactures its products using, in part, surplus military fabric, leather and hardware gathered from across the country.
Betsy Núñez, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sword & Plough, grew up in a military family. Betsy’s sister, Emily Cavness, is CEO of the company and served in the U.S. Army. Their father was a U.S. Army officer and professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point during their formative years.
“Emily’s and my first interactions with handbags and totes as children were Vera Bradley bags! Our mother, a military spouse, sold Vera Bradley in her shop at West Point,” said Nunez.
Later in life, they wanted to create a business to help military veterans.
Their bags and accessories are assembled at companies that are fully or partially owned by military veterans.
“By incorporating veterans into every stage of the business, from design, to sewing, management, fulfillment, sales, even modeling, we could empower veteran employment,” said the company website. “Through its branding and outreach, Sword & Plough could help bridge the civil-military divide.”
The limited-edition Vera Bradley + Sword & Plough mini collection will be offered exclusively online at the company websites.
Vera Bradley also has pledged a $10,000 donation to The Mission Continues Women Veterans Leadership Summit, which supports women veterans.