The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. said comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 1, 2010 decreased 5.0%. Total sales for the four weeks decreased 5.2% to $189.1 million compared with $199.4 million for the prior year period. Combined March/April comparable stores sales increased 4.1%.
First quarter of fiscal 2010 comparable store sales increased 3.0%. First quarter of fiscal 2010 total sales increased 2.6% to $661.4 million compared with $644.5 million for the same period last year.
April sales, which reflect the Easter holiday shift, met our plan,” said Tony Buccina, Vice Chairman and President-Merchandising. “Our combined March and April sales results, as well as first quarter sales performance, exceeded our expectations. Our best performing businesses in April were soft home, furniture, moderate missy and petite sportswear, intimate apparel and shoes. Our weakest performing businesses were juniors, childrens, dresses and suits and hard home. Inventory levels remain well-controlled with clearance inventories down 14.0% on a comparable store basis, driving quality merchandise sales and keeping our merchandise assortment fresher than prior year. We believe we are well-positioned for the summer selling season.
