If you missed it, earlier today I posted the price list for the Spring 2009 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. I am really excited about the prices this year. During previous sales, the prices generally started at 40% off, and were marked down a little more each day. This year, many of them are already starting at rock bottom! For example, the Cargo Sling, which normally retails for $90.00, was only $32.00. The Hipster, which costs about $55.00 full price, was only $18.00. Many of the items are starting at 60-70% off. I'm not sure how much more they will be marked down, but when I go back later this week, I will let you know.
The Vera Bradley Cargo Sling purses were only $32.00
at the 2009 Spring Vera Bradley Outlet Sale.
They normally retail for $90.00.
About the Selection...
As far as selection, it was good today. However, I'm not sure how it will be later this week. The tables did not seem as full this time, but it was really busy today, so perhaps they were not getting things restocked as quickly as they were selling it. Also, I did not notice as many boxes underneath the tables as in past years, but I'm not sure if they still had trucks loaded with inventory sitting outside.
As far as fabrics, I did not see any summer 2009 patterns (Bali Blue, Bali Gold or Calypso) at all. There were a few spring 2009 patterns (especially Cupcakes Green and Purple Punch) available, but they were going fast!
There were a few new fabric patterns, like this Cupcakes Green,
at the Outlet Sale, but they were going fast!
I did see a lot of the fall and winter 2008 patterns - Mediterranean Blue and White, Puccini, Night Owl, Frankly Scarlet, and Caffe Latte. I also saw a lot of the Microfiber Brown and Black. There was also a good selection of Peacock, Riviera Blue, Yellow Bird, and even Java Blue. Some handbag styles had a dozen different fabric patterns to select from, while others only had a couple.
About the New Registration Requirements...
I know there were a lot of people concerned about the new registration requirements. I registered in advance, but I did check out the onsite registration. They had an area set up off to the right before you go into the sale for this purpose. It did not look busy when I was there. As a matter of fact, I did not even notice a line. Hopefully, it will stay that way, so you can get right to shopping without any long delays if you were unable to register in advance. For those that did register in advance, I received my free gift. It looks like a miniature travel cosmetic case. Mine is Windsor Navy (the same pattern as the purse I was carrying today). I'm not sure if I lucked out or if the cashier purposefully matched the case to the bag I was carrying.
Other Comments About Day One of the Spring 2009 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale
Like previous years, the sale was well laid out and organized. As soon as I walked in, I received my pink shopping bag and price list, with location of items organized by row numbers and balloon colors.
When it was time to check out, there were plenty of cashiers. Considering the number of people there, it really did not take long to pay at all. The only difference was that I had to present my registration confirmation and photo i.d. before I could make a purchase. However, this did not slow things down at all. The cashier looked at my i.d., scanned the barcode on my confirmation, and that was all there was to it!
The Post Office also had an area set up near the checkouts for people that needed to ship their items home. I'm not sure if this is something new this year. I don't recall seeing them the last time, but it could be that I overlooked it. USPS had boxes and scales, and about half a dozen employees available to help people who wanted to ship their purchases home.
If You Go...
Make sure you register for the handmade Hope Garden quilt. It's absolutely beautiful. I posted a picture here, but it does not do it justice. A $2.00 donation to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer is required for entry in the giveaway.
This handmade Vera Bradley Hope Garden quilt is beautiful!
Don't forget to register to win it when you attend the Outlet Sale.
Dates for the 2010 Outlet Sale
Dates for the 2010 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale were posted. It is scheduled for April 28 through May 1, 2010. I assume that it will also be held at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. There was no information regarding the fall sale. I'm not sure if that means it will be held in another state, or if this semi-annual event is now just an annual event. I'm going to see what I can find out. Of course, when I know something, I will let you all know...
For those of you going to the Spring 2009 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale, have fun (and wear comfortable shoes!). For those of you that are missing it, make sure you check back here. I have purchased a few goodies at the sale that I plan to give away!
Related posts from the Discount Fabric Handbags Blog:
- Changes to the 2009 Spring Vera Bradley Outlet Sale There are a couple of significant changes to the 2009...
- Vera Bradley Outlet Sale Registration – Spring 2009 Hey everyone, I recently registered for the Vera Bradley Spring...
- Day 3 Markdowns at the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale I just returned home from Day 3 of the Vera...
Thanks for the info! I’m so excited to make the trip this weekend.
Thanks for the info! I’m so excited to make the trip this weekend.
Do you think it will be worth a weekend road trip, or will everything be picked over? I’ve never been to the sale before but wanted to check it out based on prior year’s reviews, however it sounds like this year things are selling more quickly or there isn’t as much stock.
Hi Mary,
Usually, they do still have a decent selection on the weekends (and the prices are next to nothing!). I plan on stopping by the sale Friday afternoon – when I get back, I will let you know how the selection is looking…
did you see any of the messenger bags or anything i am taking a vacation and wanted some things for that !!! any luggage or overnighters or anything thanks a bunch
Hi KC,
Yes, they did have Messenger bags! I wish I could remember how much they were – if I had to guess, I would say about $30.00. They also had other bags that would be great for traveling, including the Miller and Super Tote. Also, if you like the microfiber line, they had a generous selection of black and brown microfiber travel bags. A lot of the accessories – cosmetic cases, etc. – were under $10.00.
Hi
Thanks for your awesome info! I’ve never been to the Vera Bradley outlet sales, and can only come this Sunday (I’ll be driving about 3 hours from southern Indiana). From past years experience, do you think it would be worth our drive up to buy goodies? I have 2 15 year old girls who would love to come shop with me! Thanks!
I have been to the Spring and Fall sale and I think the Spring sale is much better and I think it makes great Christmas gifts. I also am driving 3hrs tomorrow. I hope we won’t be disappointed!!!
@ Terri – Yes, it’s definitely worth it! I’m not sure what will be left on Sunday, but the deals should be unbeatable. I’m sure the girls will love it too.
@ Teresa – I did some Christmas shopping too – it’s never too early!
We are planning on coming from Ohio on Sunday but are afraid a lot of the items, like the cell phone covers and other exceptional deals, may already be gone. If possible could you post on your blog today how the inventory seems to be going into the last day? Thanks for all the good information.
Hi Heather,
I don’t think I will be going to the sale today, but I have talked to a few people who went this morning. It sounds like they are extremely busy once again, and things are really getting picked over. I’m not sure how the selection will look on Sunday…
Any talks of a Fall sale?!
Hi all,
I’m excited to report that I went today (sunday), and it was worth the trip (3 hours) for us. My daughter, mom and I had a great time. Bought lots of goodies, and did a ton of christmas/birthday shopping. I did see a huge sign announcing the 2010 sale, but nothing about a fall sale. I asked a couple of workers, and they didn’t know if there would be one or not. If anyone wants to know exactly what we got, and prices, just let me know.
Terri, I would be interested in some examples of your selections and prices for Sun. I wasn’t sure Sundays would be worth it or not. We went Sat. and had to wait out side until the long line inside the building got in. Then we had to wait an hour for check out. This has never happened was very disappointing.
To Terri or Dawn,
Thanks for the input. I just learned of this sale early last week and for me, a 4 hr drive alone, one way, was daunting. Didn’t know what to expect so have been checking everyday the posts to get a feel. Sure hope there is one next fall.
I’d too be intersested in what you got on the last day and what the prices were like. The long waits seem too bad. Do they need a bigger facility? Sounds like more check outs would be good as well. Most seem ok with the wait because of the great deals.
Hi Stephanie
What I bought & prices I paid as follows-
tech cases $4.00 each -very limited patterns available
medium cosmetic cases $1.00 each -lots of patterns available
medium bow cosmetic cases $1.00 each -lots of patterns available
cargo sling purses $10.00 each –nice selection of patterns
garmet bag $23.00 — only 2-3 patterns available – but they had lots of them
pencil/brush case $4.00 — lots of patterns available
There was tons of the black/brown microfiber purses — 3-4 styles,around $15-25 each — my mom bought some of these –she really likes them.
Zipper clip key chain/coin purses $5.00 lots of them — but limited patterns
We had a great time, and since we were buying gifts for a girls youth group — the great prices on cosmetic cases, etc. were fantastic for us!
Theck check-out line was long , but moved quickly, and we talked with lots of nice folks while waiting in line! THe cashiers/workers were all very nice too! Hope this info. helps.
@ Terri – Thanks for all the good information! I debated about going again on Sunday (now I wish I had!). It sounds like you picked up some great deals…
@ Stephanie – I’m not sure why there were so many long lines this year. It’s normally not so bad. I did hear rumors that on Friday there were problems with the credit card processing equipment. Perhaps that was the cause…
Hi Everyone,
I too attended the Vera sale this year…. Friday & Saturday. It was an experience both in patience and respect. We did have to wait in line to get in for about 2.5 hours Friday and about 1 hour to pay. We received a small paper tablet for the inconvience. That helped, but not much. I think Vera tries to put on a good sale….. unfortunately there are always those people who are overly greedy. Like when the tic tacs went out and it was a free for all…. Several people took out stacks of those. I am talking 10 to 15 of the very same pattern. I personally think Vera needs to change their policy on this. I mean they don’t want people to resell these but then I feel they should limit like say 5 of any one style. It was really a shame to see a stack of about 20 of the very same bag go through checkout when some people didn’t even get one. SAD!! They almost hurt other people including Vera’s workers. And then there was the man with 9 pink garbage bags. I say lower the limit for any 1 buyer like to $1000.00 per buyer. I seriously doubt that anyone needs that many bags of goodies. Also, there needs to be some consideration to those in Wheel chairs or using canes. Really felt for those people. I just didn’t see any consideration for those people. And then the children. Why do people put those kids through all of that? And strollers just plain should not be allowed. The aisles are too busy with people. I hope Vera takes a look at my suggestions. Let me know what you think. The ladies I was with felt the very same way as this was the discussion on our 5 hour trip home. Thanks very for another terrific sale, I just hope you consider making some changes. Oh and I think the reason Friday was so busy was the $10.00 Coupon.
I agree completely Ann, lower the limit and quanity if your not wanting items to be resold. For the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would take a child to this sale. Its a great sale they do a great job they just need to make a few changes to calm down the crowd. I couldn’t get my hands on the large tic tac tote either and then we were all punished cause they pushed workers so then they wouldn’t bring any more out.
HI I attended a graduation party yesterday and the hostess told me about this sale. She invited me to go with her to the Fall Show and I am wondering if you know anything about a date or if it is still to be? Thank you for emailing me the answer! Sue