Vera Bradley Inc

Target confirmed on Sept. 15 that it will hold its latest Target Circle Deal Days on Oct. 6-7, a two-day sale rewarding members of the free Target Circle loyalty program. The event offers 40% off thousands of items spanning apparel, kitchen gadgets, home decor, toys, beauty and tech, with early access beginning Oct. 5 for members of the paid Target Circle 360 tier. Highlights include 40% off select family clothing from brands like Cat & Jack and Goodfellow, up to 40% off Dyson vacuums and holiday decor, 30% off Threshold furniture, up to 65% off Vera Bradley, and 30% off select skincare, haircare and cosmetics. New members who join between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5 get 15% off their first purchase, those who sign up for an annual Circle 360 membership between Sept. 27 and Oct. 10 receive $50 in Target Circle Rewards, and shoppers approved for a Target Circle Card in that window can earn $75 in rewards. The push follows second-quarter results showing net sales up 5.3% year over year to $26.5 billion and comparable sales up 3.8%, though Bank of America analyst Christopher Nardone said he remains wary about the durability of the comp-sales trend.

Vera Bradley delivered total revenue growth of 1.1% in its second quarter, the second consecutive quarter of expansion as the Project Sunshine transformation gains traction. Direct segment revenue grew 8% with comparable sales up 9.2%, while indirect channel revenue contracted 39% due to intentional shifts in marketplace strategy and a strategic reduction in liquidation sales to protect brand equity. Gross margin expanded by more than 40 basis points excluding tariff refunds, and inventory levels were reduced by 28% year-over-year. The company received $8 million in net tariff refunds during the quarter, providing a non-recurring 980 basis point benefit to the reported gross profit rate, and ended the quarter with $34.2 million in cash and zero debt, doubling its prior year cash position. Vera Bradley reiterated fiscal 2027 guidance with expected sales between $255 million and $270 million and at least a 50% improvement in non-GAAP operating profit.