Vera Bradley opens store at Orland Square

Workmen install the sign at Vera Bradley at Orland Square Mall.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Vera Bradley, a Fort Wayne-based retailer that specializes in women's bags and accessories, opened a retail store last week at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

"Response has been fantastic," said store manager Stephanie Erickson on Monday. "The community has been very supportive and anxious for our arrival."

Erickson said people were calling the mall office asking when the store was going to open and posting the same question repeatedly on the mall's Facebook page.

"We saw lots of people peeking in the windows while we were having training sessions for our new associates," she said with a laugh.

The store is about 2,000 square feet and is located on the lower level near Macy's.

"We're across from the food court," Erickson said.

The Orland location is the company's fifth store in Illinois and the first in the Southland. 

The company was founded with $500 in 1982 and sold its merchandise through retail outlets such as boutiques and department stores like Neiman Marcus. The company didn't open its first store until 2007. Now it has more than 75 retail outlets.

Erickson said there were 18 associates on staff at the Orland Park store. “That’s full-timers and part-timers,” she said.

The store carries a full line of Vera Bradley products, including its well-known handbags. Other products include luggage, tableware, stationery, sunglasses, readers and even rolling luggage. All luggage and bags can be personalized.

Store hours are the same as the mall, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For information, call the store at 708-403-8565.

Tropical Sno now open in Willow Springs

Tropical Sno shaved ice at 8695 S. Archer Road in Willow Springs reopened last month for its seasonal run until around Labor Day. The popular summer spot is open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Floyd’s Ale House replaces Charley Horse in New Lenox

Floyd’s Ale House opened recently in the former Charley Horse restaurant at 901 E. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox.

The eatery was remodeled and sports new floor tiles, tables and a paint job and there are still plenty of televisions throughout.

For information, call 815-463-1111.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also follow business happenings at Comings & Goings.