Vera Bradley Inc. today reported third fiscal quarter earnings of $17.7 million, or 44 cents per diluted share, a 36 percent increase from the $13 million, or 32 cents a share, posted for the same three months of last year.

The Fort Wayne-based maker of women’s handbags, luggage, accessories and home décor items follows a fiscal year that ends in late January. The company’s third quarter ended Oct. 27.

Vera Bradley reported earnings after markets closed. The company’s stock closed Wednesday at $26.21, down $1.11, in trading on the Nasdaq stock market.

sslater@jg.net