The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced total sales for the five weeks ended July 2, 2005 decreased 1.5% to $112.2 million compared to $113.9 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales decreased 1.0%.
Year-to-date total sales decreased 2.2% to $463.7 million compared to $474.1 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales decreased 1.8%.
James H. Baireuther, vice chairman and chief administrative officer, commented, “June sales were disappointing despite the fact that apparel sales improved due to the arrival of the anticipated warm weather in our markets. Product categories which performed well were shoes, ladies' apparel, including special sizes, fashion accessories and men's sportswear. Among the weakest areas of business was home, primarily due to a decrease in sales of clearance goods as compared to the prior year. We continue to manage our level of inventory and receipts as we transition into back to school and fall merchandise assortments.”
