Vera Bradley Appoints EVP of Sales & Marketing - Chief Experience Officer

FORT WAYNE, Ind., March 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq:VRA) today announced it has further enhanced its executive team with the appointment of Bonita Inza as EVP, Sales & Marketing - Chief Experience Officer, a newly created position. Reporting to Michael C. Ray, Vera Bradley's Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Inza will work closely with senior leaders across the organization to execute the Company's growth strategies.

"I'm thrilled that Bonita has joined our team," said Mr. Ray. "She is a tremendously talented leader and will focus on enhancing the customer experience across all touch-points of our brand, allowing us to take full advantage of our multi-channel distribution model. Her insight into the needs of the consumer will be instrumental in the continued growth and success of Vera Bradley."

Ms. Inza has 30 years of extensive retail experience in senior leadership roles with brands such as Williams-Sonoma, Bath & Body Works, T-mobile, and Laura Ashley. 

About Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley infuses color into all aspects of women's lives with vibrant handbags, accessories, luggage, eyewear, travel items and gifts. Founded in 1982 by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand inspires women to "be colorful" with designs that reflect their personal style. Vera Bradley employs approximately 2,000 and the Company's fiscal 2012 sales were $461 million. The Company's commitment to breast cancer research continues to expand through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. For more information about Vera Bradley (Nasdaq:VRA), visit www.verabradley.com/mediaroom.

CONTACT: PR - Melissa Schenkel, 260.207.5176

              mschenkel@verabradley.com

         IR - Paul Blair, 260.207.5183

              pblair@verabradley.com