Head Back to School with Vera Bradley

J & J Pharmacy and Gifts has expanded its highly popular Vera Bradley offerings to include items perfect for high school and college students.

Mandi Bruner, sales and marketing manager of J & J ­Pharmacy and Gifts, with Vera Bradley school supplies.

August should prove to be a big month at J & J Pharmacy and Gifts in Claremore’s Ne-Mar Shopping Center, with Oklahoma’s tax free weekend kicking off the month and the 30-year anniversary of Vera Bradley’s signature line rounding it out on August 30. In fact, Vera Bradley will be making quite a splash all month long as J & J now carries a wider variety of Vera Bradley merchandise than ever before, extending the selections beyond just bags to school supplies like notebooks, pens, highlighters, pencils, lunch pails, locker accessories and backpacks.

Mandi Bruner, sales and marketing manager at J & J, also says that the store now carries a full selection of products that would be much needed not only by school students, but by those going off to college as well. “We have a full line of pillows, ­comforters, rugs, shower caddies, bath wraps and other accessories,” she says, pointing out that these items are perfect for a teenage girl who is decorating her room at home or for a ­college girl ready to create her own signature look in her dorm.

The highly popular Vera Bradley line of products continues to grow at J & J Pharmacy, currently bursting in bloom from an entire corner of the store with bright, floral patterns and ­creating a full spectrum of ­colorful possibilities. “We just launched three new Vera Bradley patterns for the fall,” says Mandi, “and on August 30, we will introduce another three patterns: Provencal, Canyon, and Porta Bello Road. This is very exciting for Vera Bradley fans.” The Vera Bradley promotion, called VB Tote-Em, will be held August 30 through September 12, during which time customers receive a complimentary small cosmetic bag with purchase of Campus Tote, East West Tote, Go Round Tote, 3-0 Tote, and Vera Totes.

J & J will be sponsoring ­customer ­giveaways to go along with the launch. J & J is also proud to help women display their school spirit, offering a line of Claremore Zebras hats and T-shirts. Mandi encourages people to take ­advantage of tax-free weekend August 3-5, when no taxes are charged on clothing or shoes, and check out Zebra school items. “These are not your standard screen printed T-shirts,” Mandi says. “We looked for items that had a cute and feminine style.” She is also glad to report that J & J continues to carry collegiate items for OU and OSU, including hats, T-shirts and flip flops. “The ­collegiate gear is unbelievable,” she says. “And we have ordered the cutest new OU and OSU dresses anyone has ever seen!”

This July marked Mandi’s first anniversary as sales and marketing manager at J & J. During that time, she increased the email list, which informs ­customers of upcoming specials and offers coupons, from 350 to 855 and created a Facebook ­presence for the store, with announced specials and fashion tips. “Facebook has really helped get the word out about new products that come in,” Mandi says. “I have people all the time say, ‘I saw it on Facebook so I had to come in and get it.’ It’s nice to be able to connect with our customers on a different ­level.”

Mandi notes how much she has enjoyed her year at J & J and looks forward to creating even more Facebook and email ­connections for the boutique. “I love working here even more now than when I first started, and I have fabulous bosses,” Mandi says with a smile, referring to owners John and Patsy Daniel. “I love coming to work every day. Not a lot of people can say that.”

For more information, contact

J & J Pharmacy and Gifts

(918) 341-1184