The Bon-Ton Stores total sales for the four weeks ended May 29, 2004, increased 86.2% to $95.1 million, including $42.3 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $51.1 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 2.6%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 87.4% to $360.2 million, including $168.0 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $192.2 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 0.8%.
Elder-Beerman sales are not included in the Company's reported comparable store sales and the following comparable store sales are provided for informational purposes only. Elder-Beerman comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 29, 2004 decreased 1.4% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 2.6%. For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 29, 2004, increased 0.8% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 1.6%.
James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “May results reflect improved sales as a result of better flow of inventory, especially to the Elder-Beerman stores. Categories that recorded sales increases for the month were ladies sportswear, including women's and petites; shoes, intimate, juniors, accessories, cosmetics and home. We are encouraged by the improvement in our sales trend.”
