The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. saw sales for the month of August increase 164% to $225.0 million compared to $85.1 million for the same period last year. August sales include $146.2 million from the Carson’s stores. Without the addition of Carson’s, sales decreased 7.4% to $78.8 million for the month. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 5.7%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 147% to $1,533.5 million compared to $622.0 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date sales include $922.1 million from the Carson’s stores for the period March 5, 2006 through August 26, 2006. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.1%.
Carson’s sales are not included in the Company’s reported comparable store sales, therefore the following is provided for informational purposes only. Carson’s comparable store sales for the four weeks ended August 26, 2006 increased 7.2% and for the period March 5, 2006 through August 26, 2006 increased 2.9%. For Carson’s and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended August 26, 2006 increased 2.3%.
Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “In our Bon-Ton stores, Cosmetics and Shoes had positive sales in August. Liquidation sales in Home continued throughout the month and drove strong sales results in this category. Back to School in our Bon-Ton stores was disappointing in Junior’s, Young Men’s and Children’s. Carson’s comparable store sales increase was led by Cosmetics, followed by Shoes and Intimate. In our Carson’s stores, our Back to School business was good in Children’s, Young Men’s, Junior Dresses, and Junior Shoes, however Junior Sportswear was disappointing, particularly in denim.”
Mr. Buccina continued, “I am pleased with our August sales and our execution of merging the two companies. Bon-Ton stores began receiving common assortments in private and national brands and the initial response has been exciting.”
