Brighton Collectibles launches 27th annual handbag trade-in

Brighton Collectibles is running its 27th annual Handbag Trade-In from July 24 to Aug. 9, aiming to collect 15,000 gently used handbags for women in need. Shoppers can trade in any brand of handbag for up to $50 off a new Brighton bag, or donate a bag without making a purchase.

Why it matters: - Brighton Collectibles is using its annual handbag drive to turn unwanted bags into direct support for women who are struggling. - The promotion links a customer incentive with a donation campaign, which can broaden participation and increase the number of handbags collected. - The company’s founder says the program can help a woman feel more confident when interviewing for a job, tying the donation to workforce re-entry.

What happened: - Brighton Collectibles launched its 27th annual Handbag Trade-In on July 24, 2026. - The campaign runs through Aug. 9 and asks customers to bring gently used handbags to participating Brighton stores. - Brighton set a goal of collecting 15,000 handbags in 10 days. - Customers can receive up to $50 off a new Brighton bag when they trade in a handbag. - Any manufacturer’s handbag qualifies for the discount. - Customers can also donate a handbag without making a purchase. - A list of participating stores is available at More information.

The details: - Brighton says the donated handbags will go to women who are struggling. - Jerry Kohl, Brighton’s owner and founder, said the gift of a handbag can lift a woman’s spirits and help her confidence during a job interview. - The Handbag Trade-In is part of Brighton’s broader #BrightonGivesBack charitable program. - Brighton says it has donated over $10 million to organizations including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Soles4Souls, Little Kids Rock, Dress for Success, and other local charities that help women re-enter the workforce. - Brighton says it has focused on custom design and craftsmanship for 50 years. - The company says it serves communities around its 100 stores and credits customers for helping support its charitable efforts across the U.S. - Brighton’s product line includes handbags, jewelry, belts, footwear, small leather essentials, eyewear, luggage, fragrances, and gifts. - The full product line is available at More information.

Between the lines: - The handbag trade-in gives Brighton a way to blend philanthropy with a retail promotion. - The program also reinforces the brand’s identity around giving back, which can help keep customer engagement high year after year. - The emphasis on women re-entering the workforce suggests Brighton is aiming for a social impact message, not just a product discount.

What's next: - Brighton will continue accepting handbags at participating stores until Aug. 9. - The company will likely track whether it reaches the 15,000-bag goal and how much customer participation the promotion generates. - The collected bags will then be directed to women in need through the program’s charitable efforts.