Whats going on with Vera Bradley

[kmb584]

We will be arriving on May 4th but not be going into the parks till May 5th. Figures!

I wonder if they will have them for sale in DTD the afternoon of May 4th. Otherwise I am not sure that I will be able to get one.

I LOVE Vera but I can't alter my families plans to run around place to place to take a chance on finding one. Oh well. I missed last time around and didn't die so I guess if I miss them again I will still survive.

Where are the stores that migh be selling them? The one store at DTD - is it over in the section with the World of Disney? Where in Epcot do you think they might have them? I will be in Epcot the afternoon of May 5th. If it works with my plans I can pop in and see if I can score one.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, if there are any bags remaining after the luncheon they're going to be set aside until the opening of Cherry Tree Lane in DTD this fall. It makes no sense! "Here's a new pattern and we're introducing new bags, but you can't purchase them!" is essentially what they're saying.

If any quantities are remaining following this event, the new “Mickey’s Perfect Petals” items will be released when Cherry Tree Lane opens in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace (stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for that opening date). There are no immediate plans to carry this color at Disneyland Resort or on our Disney Parks online store.

 

[ptcbass]

According to the Disney Parks Blog, if there are any bags remaining after the luncheon they're going to be set aside until the opening of Cherry Tree Lane in DTD this fall. It makes no sense! "Here's a new pattern and we're introducing new bags, but you can't purchase them!" is essentially what they're saying.

Awwww...
Yeah I missed the last ones and will actually be there this year during this event and from the sounds of it still won't be able to get one. That is crazy. I guess you will have to be at the right place at the right time. Well I LOVE Vera but I guess I will just have to forget it. I really don't like playing games just because the demand is up. I have LOTS of other bags I can carry instead (more than I care to admit! ).

 

[rrali33tt]

.

I've heard of personal shoppers going to the event and you pay their way and then you should be able to get what you want, but alas I can't afford to do something that extreme.

!

i wish I could move to Florida and become a personal disney shopper. What a great life! LOL


I was in Disney when the first pattern was released and was not a big fan. I actually like the petals pattern MUCh better and probably would have purchased one if it was in the stores. I won't be down in Disney until LDW ...so guess I wont be getting one. Def not contributing to the people who profit on ebay. (I'm still hoping a HM Dooney comes back online )

 

[ktlm]

I've wanted to get the Where's Mickey hipster since they first came out, and as a PP poster said, even when the Disney Store looked like they had them in stock, by the time I got it in my cart and tried to check out, it was always unavailable. I had chances to get the other Mickey pattern, and I guess I should have, but I really really wanted the more subtle blue pattern. I'm so bummed that they are totally discontinued. That hipster is going for over $200 on ebay, so there is pretty much no way I'm going to be getting one! For someone who wants it bad enough to pay a premium, there are a lot of the other Mickey pattern on Ebay and while they go for well above the retail price, they do go for well below the blue pattern.

As popular as these items are, I can't believe Disney discontinued them, or aren't rushing to get the new pattern in the stores. It must be something about their relationship and deal/contract with Vera. I suspect it may be on Vera's end, not Disney's end. Even the fact they are a huge Disney seller for Disney, they may be a minimal seller pattern for Vera as the stores and market is limited with the Disney exclusive. Also maybe the cost/profit split makes them less willing to get them going and stocked.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Well, I just changed our dates and bought tickets to the luncheon. My DMIL is a HUGE Vera Bradley fan. She is over the moon, that we are going to the Vera Bradley event. It's worth every penny to see her so happy!

I will be there at the vera brunch too so maybe we will run into each other

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have the Midnight Mickey Mini and I very much wanted to go to the brunch, because I LOVE the new pattern. But the price is so, so high. I was about to pull the trigger and they announced the Star Wars character meals.

Would have loved that new bag, but we are ALL going to have a blasts at those meals, and my teen son thinks I'm awesome in the meantime, lol.

A special gift is included in the price of the luncheon. I don't know, what it is, but we received limited edition pin sets for Pin Events.

I will be there at the vera brunch too so maybe we will run into each other

I'll be the one with the DMIL, who's buying one of everything with a HUGE smile on her face!

 

[xie]

Honestly I don't like Vera Bradley stuff and I have no interest in buying these bags, but I see threads like this popping up all the time. Also threads about the Dooney and Burke stuff.

Disney's stupid, VB is stupid, D&B is stupid for leaving money on the table that many of you are willing to spend.

Hint: there's a business opportunity for someone who actually WANTS to serve customers with Disney-themed purses and can swing the start-up costs.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Honestly I don't like Vera Bradley stuff and I have no interest in buying these bags, but I see threads like this popping up all the time. Also threads about the Dooney and Burke stuff.

Disney's stupid, VB is stupid, D&B is stupid for leaving money on the table that many of you are willing to spend.

Hint: there's a business opportunity for someone who actually WANTS to serve customers with Disney-themed purses and can swing the start-up costs.

Vera Bradley discontinues patterns all the time. The Disney merchandise just sells out very quickly. Look at the buzz created by the limited availability. If they manufactured too many, they wouldn't be as desirable. They would become generic and commonplace like many other Disney items...or Beanie Babies.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Honestly I don't like Vera Bradley stuff and I have no interest in buying these bags, but I see threads like this popping up all the time. Also threads about the Dooney and Burke stuff.

Disney's stupid, VB is stupid, D&B is stupid for leaving money on the table that many of you are willing to spend.

Hint: there's a business opportunity for someone who actually WANTS to serve customers with Disney-themed purses and can swing the start-up costs.

Disney has always been a genius at marketing. I remember marketing classes in college where the professor talked about how brilliant Disney has made the art of separating you from your money by placing merchandise tied to a ride or character right at the exit of the attraction. Fast pass happened because Disney discovered people were spending too much time in line and.not spending money on souvenir or food. Limited edition items happen in all aspects of merchandise from cars to jewelry etc. buy it or don't buy it...it is always a personal decision and nobody is forced to make a purchase of such items. And as far as coming up with a line of disney purses...good luck getting a license agreement with Disney ! VERY expensive and limited!!

 

[xie]

Disney has always been a genius at marketing. I remember marketing classes in college where the professor talked about how brilliant Disney has made the art of separating you from your money by placing merchandise tied to a ride or character right at the exit of the attraction. Fast pass happened because Disney discovered people were spending too much time in line and.not spending money on souvenir or food. Limited edition items happen in all aspects of merchandise from cars to jewelry etc. buy it or don't buy it...it is always a personal decision and nobody is forced to make a purchase of such items. And as far as coming up with a line of disney purses...good luck getting a license agreement with Disney ! VERY expensive and limited!!

It's not that expensive, just a normal part of a business startup cost - just look around at all the tons of cheap Disney themed stuff that is sold everywhere. There's an annual fee and a royalty percentage. Obviously neither is onerous or there would be a lot less Disney junk for sale on the $1 aisle at my local Target and all over the local dollar stores. (Neither is Disney's granting of licenses, again see the tremendous volume of Disney licensed stuff lying around all the Targets, Wal-Marts and dollar stores of the world.)

 

[ptcbass]

It's not that expensive, just a normal part of a business startup cost - just look around at all the tons of cheap Disney themed stuff that is sold everywhere. There's an annual fee and a royalty percentage. Obviously neither is onerous or there would be a lot less Disney junk for sale on the $1 aisle at my local Target and all over the local dollar stores. (Neither is Disney's granting of licenses, again see the tremendous volume of Disney licensed stuff lying around all the Targets, Wal-Marts and dollar stores of the world.)

The problem with most of the cheap Disney stuff you see in stores is that some people don't want any name brand Disney product. They want a name they know and a level of quality they expect from that name. The magic is adding a brand you already love with Disney. Those that buy Vera and D&B don't just pick up the Disney versions of their products. They are a fan of the brand (not just any brand). It would take a lot to compete with that brand level and establish that fan base.

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Well folks I work for Vera bradley at a retail store and I can tell you a few things:

1. The company has been growing very fast over the last 10 years and even has trouble keeping up with it's own demand of colors and styles we carry from time to time

2. We retire colors and styles fairly regularly so yes these will retire. Are they retired yet there is no official word on that from Disney it is just here say.

3. I don't think Vera new how high the demand would be and it seems like they are trying to get product out considering I was in MK today and saw lots of bags in several styles in the midnight with Mickey pattern at uptown jewelers.

4. The new pattern was leaked online and the Vera side of the company was very upset about it. I'm not sure why they are doing this event but I have a feeling it will create a lot of anger and loss of customers. I hope that Vera notices and decides to sell the pattern this fall.

5. My speculation on the event is to test the pattern and see how it does. If it does well then maybe they will sell it. I really hope they do because flower shower is a gorgeous pattern and with the mickeys it is amazing.

6. Disney has a lot to do with the marketing and distribution so I don't think that is Vera's fault but who knows at this point.

The one thing I know for sure is that Vera bradley at least the store part has been told we will never have anything to do with the Disney patterns and they don't even tell us anything. We find out when everyone else does online. I am lucky to have my AP discount and live an hour away from WDW otherwise I wouldn't have any of it.

So keep this in mind they got a lot of stock in over the last couple of days DTD had it and all the other stores got some too. I have a feeling they are getting it as fast as they can. Also the new pattern will not be sold unless there is some left after the event and even then it won't be until cherry tree lane opens in DTD and we don't know when that will be either.

Congrats to those going but I can't justify the money for the event and then to buy the bags.

 

[ptcbass]

Well folks I work for Vera bradley at a retail store and I can tell you a few things:

1. The company has been growing very fast over the last 10 years and even has trouble keeping up with it's own demand of colors and styles we carry from time to time

2. We retire colors and styles fairly regularly so yes these will retire. Are they retired yet there is no official word on that from Disney it is just here say.

3. I don't think Vera new how high the demand would be and it seems like they are trying to get product out considering I was in MK today and saw lots of bags in several styles in the midnight with Mickey pattern at uptown jewelers.

4. The new pattern was leaked online and the Vera side of the company was very upset about it. I'm not sure why they are doing this event but I have a feeling it will create a lot of anger and loss of customers. I hope that Vera notices and decides to sell the pattern this fall.

5. My speculation on the event is to test the pattern and see how it does. If it does well then maybe they will sell it. I really hope they do because flower shower is a gorgeous pattern and with the mickeys it is amazing.

6. Disney has a lot to do with the marketing and distribution so I don't think that is Vera's fault but who knows at this point.

The one thing I know for sure is that Vera bradley at least the store part has been told we will never have anything to do with the Disney patterns and they don't even tell us anything. We find out when everyone else does online. I am lucky to have my AP discount and live an hour away from WDW otherwise I wouldn't have any of it.

So keep this in mind they got a lot of stock in over the last couple of days DTD had it and all the other stores got some too. I have a feeling they are getting it as fast as they can. Also the new pattern will not be sold unless there is some left after the event and even then it won't be until cherry tree lane opens in DTD and we don't know when that will be either.

Congrats to those going but I can't justify the money for the event and then to buy the bags.

Thanks for the information and update. This gives me new hope that I might can get one on our upcoming trip. I'll also be looking for the DCL exclusive canvas ones.

 

[masylimed]

There's a DCL canvas one??

 

[ptcbass]

I have seen pictures of the colorblock tote with the DCL logo embroidered on the front of it. I hope they still have them.

 

[harleys mom]

I was on the ship two weeks ago and they had them then. They were $70, but were 25% off. They were cute. They also had some of the regular Vera Patterns, but none of the Disney prints. The bag was daily generic, just had Disney Cruise line embroidery on the side.

 

[xie]

The problem with most of the cheap Disney stuff you see in stores is that some people don't want any name brand Disney product. They want a name they know and a level of quality they expect from that name. The magic is adding a brand you already love with Disney. Those that buy Vera and D&B don't just pick up the Disney versions of their products. They are a fan of the brand (not just any brand). It would take a lot to compete with that brand level and establish that fan base.

That's my point. There IS a huge business opportunity for someone who wants to make high end, high quality products for adults, with Disney theming.

I''ve been going to Disney for twenty years. I remember the days when they sold quality adult resort wear. I still have some of it! One outfit in particular comes to mind - a very soft oatmeal colored sweater with a little tiny embroidered pooh on it (like where the Izod lizard goes), a collar and short sleeves, and a matching rust-colored wraparound skirt with printed Poohs on it. The skirt is high quality fabric and drapes really well, hits above the knees. I bought that outfit before my honeymoon at WDW and I still have it because it's held up well. It's a great outfit and you don't feel like a 3 year old wearing it. They do not sell items like this anymore and haven't since the late '90s. And people ask me where I got it because they want to buy it - so I have to say there's certainly still a huge underserved market here.

There is little clothing-wise in the DisneyStore chain for adult women anymore, beyond simple screen printed tshirts, sweatclothes and nightshirts. Certainly nothing like the outfits I used to buy years ago. For men, you can still get your hands on a few good quality golf shirts that can be worn out in adult company. For women, there's nothing high end anymore except the various hard-to-find purses.

I see the value in SOME limited edition items, but *everything* of quality should not be limited. Vera, for example, ought to have some longer term patterns accessible to WDW guests, in addition to short term ones.

Business opportunity needs a champion.

 

[Disbug]

Congrats to everyone attending the Perfect Petals brunch! I think it will be amazing! Not just because of the bags (yes, I have already put in my order)... but it will be a lovely springtime brunch with other Vera/Disney fans at Epcot! How fun does that sound? No cost justification here... I will consider it my souvenir for the trip... and just economize somewhere else! (I am thinking a lot of Christmas shopping for the sisters will get done too...)

 

[tinkatheart111]

Today Disney Store at DTD had the Where's Mickey and Midnight (?) pattern. Mouse Gear had the midnight pattern this week as well! I was so excited to be able to get it while I was here!

 

[JayLeeJay]

I'm not sure where best to post this, so please point me in the correct direction if I am totally off. I just registered for the brunch. I received my confirmation with the link to the merchandise store. When I followed the link I got the following message: "You are not allowed to modify your registration information online after it has been completed. In order to make changes to your registration information at this time, please contact the event registration service." Has anyone else received this message? I will call Disney tomorrow but I am impatient and don't want to wait until 9am if someone else has a solution for this problem. Any suggestions?