Vera Bradley Stock Price, News & Analysis

Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:VRA) has scheduled its second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings announcement for September 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET, with a live webcast available on their investor relations website.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company, founded in 1982, operates through two segments: Vera Bradley Direct (VB Direct) and Vera Bradley Indirect (VB Indirect). VB Direct manages sales through company stores and websites, while VB Indirect handles sales to approximately 1,100 specialty retail locations and various third-party channels.

Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:VRA) has launched its first original short film titled "Most Perfect Couple," bringing a unique marketing approach to connect with millennial customers. The film stars Devon Sawa and is based on a 2002 fan fiction written by then 15-year-old Kristen Mulrooney, who now appears in the film as herself.

The creative project, developed with agency CALLEN, features Mulrooney's teenage story where she gets comforted by her celebrity crush Devon Sawa after a breakup. The film aims to celebrate multi-generational self-expression and reconnect with customers who first engaged with the brand in their youth. The featured bags and accessories from Vera Bradley's Fall 2025 collection are available on the company's website.

Affiliates of CriticalPoint have acquired Pura Vida Bracelets from Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA). As part of the acquisition, Ryan Heuser, co-founder and former president of Paul Frank Industries, has been appointed as Pura Vida's new CEO.

Founded in 2010, Pura Vida is a digitally native jewelry and lifestyle accessories brand known for hand-crafted bracelets made by Costa Rican artisans. The brand has built a strong following among younger female consumers and has contributed to over 300 nonprofits. Previously acquired by Vera Bradley in 2019, Pura Vida will now leverage CriticalPoint's operational expertise and Heuser's extensive fashion industry experience to accelerate growth.

Vera Bradley (VRA) reported disappointing Q1 FY2026 results with consolidated net revenues of $51.7M, down from $67.9M in Q1 FY2025. The company posted a net loss of $18.3M ($0.66 per share), compared to a $7.6M loss in the prior year. VB Direct segment revenues fell 23.6% to $43.1M with comparable sales declining 25%, while Indirect segment dropped 25.6% to $8.6M. Gross profit margin decreased to 44.1% from 50.1%. The company maintains strong liquidity of $86M with no debt. Following the March 31, 2025 sale of Pura Vida, those operations are now classified as discontinued. Due to executive leadership changes and market uncertainty, Vera Bradley has suspended forward guidance.

Vera Bradley (VRA) announced significant leadership changes, with CEO Jackie Ardrey departing by July 2025. Ian Bickley will assume the temporary role of Executive Chairman effective July 7, 2025, while the company conducts a national CEO search. Bickley, with extensive experience at Coach and as Interim CEO of The Body Shop, will lead during the transition period. The company also appointed Martin Layding as CFO starting June 12, 2025, replacing Michael Schwindle. Additionally, VRA established a new Strategy and Transformation Committee, co-led by Bickley and Andrew Meslow, who becomes Lead Independent Director. Robert Hall will step down as Board Chairman but continue as Director. These changes come as part of the company's ongoing transformation initiative, Project Restoration, launched by departing CEO Ardrey.

Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) has scheduled its Q1 FY2026 earnings report for June 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 9:30 a.m. ET. The company operates two lifestyle brands: Vera Bradley, a designer of women's handbags and accessories founded in 1982, and Pura Vida, a digitally native lifestyle brand specializing in bracelets and jewelry. The company operates through three segments: VB Direct (retail stores and websites), VB Indirect (specialty retail locations and licensing), and Pura Vida (website, wholesale, and retail stores). Vera Bradley's Indirect business serves approximately 1,200 specialty retail locations across the United States.

Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA) announced that Frances P. Philip will not seek re-election at the 2025 Shareholder Meeting. Philip, who has served on the company's Board since 2011, has been the Lead Independent Director since 2022 and has been a member of both the Talent and Compensation Committee and the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee.

During her 14-year tenure, Philip contributed significant product development, branding, marketing, and retail experience to the company's board. Robert Hall, Chairman of the Board, praised her strategic insight and expertise in merchandising. The company will continue to operate with seven remaining Board members representing diverse skills and backgrounds.

Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) has announced that co-founder Barbara Baekgaard will transition to Director Emeritus status, stepping back from official board duties but remaining involved in the company's brand transformation. Baekgaard, who co-founded the company in 1982 with Patricia Miller, will not seek re-election at the upcoming shareholders meeting.

Under Baekgaard's leadership, Vera Bradley grew from a startup into a lifestyle brand known for vibrant patterns and innovative designs. Her impact extends beyond the company through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, which has raised over $41 million for research since its establishment in 1994.

CEO Jackie Ardrey emphasized that while Baekgaard is stepping back from the boardroom, she will continue to provide visionary insights during the ongoing brand transformation. Baekgaard expressed optimism about the company's future under Ardrey's leadership.

Vera Bradley (VRA) reported challenging fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 results as the company continues its transformation through Project Restoration. Consolidated net revenues totaled $372.0 million for fiscal 2025, down from $470.8 million in fiscal 2024. The company reported a fiscal year net loss of ($62.2) million, or ($2.15) per diluted share.

Key developments include the sale of Pura Vida business to focus on Vera Bradley's transformation, and implementation of efficiency initiatives targeting $20 million in cost savings in 2025. The company maintains a strong financial position with no debt and approximately $30 million in cash, projecting to increase to $40 million by fiscal 2026 year-end.

The company is refining its strategy by expanding heritage products, reducing higher price point assortments, and reintroducing licensed products and classic styles. Co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard is stepping down from the Board but will continue as an Emeritus member.