The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. total sales for the month of August increased 1.5% to $228.3 million compared to $225.0 million for the prior year period. Bon-Ton and Carson's combined comparable store sales for the four weeks increased 1.3%. Carson's comparable store sales increased 1.8% and Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.3% compared to the prior year period.
Year-to-date total sales increased 9.2% to $1,674.5 million compared to $1,533.5 million for the same period last year. For informational purposes only, year-to-date Carson's comparable store sales increased 0.1% to the prior year period. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 7.8%.
Tony Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “August sales results met our expectations. We posted strong gains in cosmetics, shoes, children's, better missy sportswear, petite sportswear, men's furnishings and furniture. We also saw improved performance in both hard and soft home versus the trend for the spring season. I am pleased that after anniversarying the common sales promotion calendar we posted a comparable store sales gain in both Bon-Ton and Carson's stores. We are pleased with the sell-through on our clearance merchandise and believe we are well-positioned for the fall selling season with fresh assortments.”
