Vera Bradley Inc

Vera Bradley reported fiscal 2027 second-quarter revenue from continuing operations rose 1.1% to $71.6 million, with GAAP operating income from continuing operations of $4.2 million for the quarter ended August 1, 2026, compared with a $4.6 million loss a year earlier. That profit, however, included a $7.7 million tariff refund relating to prior-period imports within gross profit; subtracting the benefit leaves an illustrative operating loss of approximately $3.5 million and an operating margin of negative 4.9%. Direct revenue increased 8.0% to $65.4 million and comparable sales rose 9.2%, while indirect revenue fell 39.4% to $6.3 million on marketplace strategy changes and reduced liquidation sales. Inventory ended the quarter at $69.3 million, down 28.4% year over year, including a $5.3 million Project Restoration inventory reserve, and the company held $34.2 million in cash with no borrowings under its asset-based lending facility. The filing states $8.0 million of tariff refunds was received, with $0.3 million to be recognized in the third quarter and no additional refunds expected.

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.