380. How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand

Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley’s CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand’s transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail industry. She also shares what she loves most about working in retail and her impactful career advice.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:00:39) Highlights of the NRF Big Show

(00:01:39) Ardrey’s career background

(00:07:50) The pace of change in retail

(00:09:30) Vera Bradley’s transformation journey

(00:15:05) Balancing brand loyalty with an expanding customer base

(00:17:49) Facing the unpredictability of consumers

(00:21:39) Ardrey’s best career advice

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Resources:

• verabradley.com

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• What to know about the consumer in 2025

Produced by Crate Media.