Vera Bradley Implements AI-Powered Responsible Sourcing Technology

Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two lifestyle brands: Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. The company was initially founded in 1982, and in 2019 it acquired a 75% interest in Pura Vida, a brand based in La Jolla, California.

Vera Bradley, known for its bags and luggage, is incorporating artificial intelligence-powered technology into its supply chain to enhance transparency around sourcing. The company has partnered with product traceability company Tustrace to achieve its ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals. Utilizing a platform that uses AI for custody creation, primary data collection, risk screening, and compliance, this technology manages complex data from suppliers to screen for risk and ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.

The implementation of this technology increases transparency in Vera Bradley’s sourcing network by automating processes that were traditionally time-consuming, reducing the likelihood of errors, and providing the capability to translate documents in over 100 languages. Ayfer Yarcich, the director of global sourcing at Vera Bradley, emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing. He stated that mapping the supply chain and collecting purchase order data are crucial steps in this journey towards a transparent and forced labor-free supply chain.

Yarcich noted that Vera Bradley aims to set a new standard in responsible and sustainable business practices. By integrating AI technology into its supply chain management, the company is demonstrating its dedication to ESG commitments, striving to lead the industry towards a more ethical and sustainable future.