The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced comparable store sales in the four weeks ended May 26 increased 1.5 percent. Total sales increased 1.2 percent to $183.1 million in the current year compared with $181.0 million in the year-ago period.
Year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 0.7 percent. Year-to-date total sales decreased 0.8 percent to $823.9 million compared with $830.9 million in the same period last year.
“We are pleased with our May sales performance, as compelling new offerings and refinements in our marketing efforts yielded positive results,” said Brendan Hoffman, president and Chief Executive Officer of Bon-Ton. “Our eCommerce business continued to post double-digit sales increases, and we are very encouraged that our aggressive pursuit of traditional product resulted in an improved performance in ladies’ ready-to-wear, particularly moderate sportswear, as customers responded favorably to new receipts. Month-end comparable store inventories increased approximately 3% over the prior year, reflecting increased investment to support our sales initiatives. We look to drive sustained improved performance as we continue to implement our merchandising and marketing strategies.”
Keith Plowman, executive vice president and CFO, stated, “Our excess borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility was approximately $423 million at the end of May.”
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 272 department stores, which includes 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates and, in the Detroit, Michigan area, under the Parisian nameplate.
