The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced total sales for the four weeks ended November 27, 2004 increased 1.4% to $143.2 million compared to $141.2 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 5.4%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 60.8% to $990.3 million, including $459.9 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $615.9 million for the same period last year. Last year’s year-to-date sales included $82.9 million from Elder-Beerman stores. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 0.9%.
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 November 27, 2004 decreased 1.6% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 3.1%. For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended November 27, 2004 increased 2.1% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 2.0%.
James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “We were pleased with the sales results for November, which reflect a very positive response to our offerings during the Thanksgiving holiday. Positive sales trends continue in home textiles, shoes, womens, accessories, misses career and moderate sportswear. Our inventories are well positioned and our assortments remain strong with emphasis on key items. We look forward to the remainder of the holiday season.”
