Bon-Ton Comps Fall 5.2% in October; Beerman up 5.8%

The Bon-Ton Stores total sales for the four weeks ended October 30, 2004 increased 39.0% to $96.9 million, including $45.3 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $69.7 million for the same period last year. Last year's total sales included $15.3 million from the Elder-Beerman stores for the period from October 24, 2003 through November 1, 2003. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 5.2%.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2004, total sales increased 65.1% to $297.8 million, including $137.7 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $180.4 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 3.1%.

Year-to-date total sales increased 78.4% to $847.1 million, including $393.5 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $474.7 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 1.9%.

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 October 30, 2004 increased 5.8%, comparable store sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 decreased 4.8% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 3.4%. For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended October 30, 2004 decreased 0.4%, for the thirteen weeks comparable store sales decreased 3.9% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 2.6%.

James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “We were pleased with the improved sales results in the Elder-Beerman stores, which reflect promotional events introduced into these markets. Conversely, Bon-Ton stores were adversely impacted by a shift of a major sales event from October last year to November this year. For the month, shoes, accessories, misses career and moderate sportswear, women's and home textiles reflected sales increases. Our promotional efforts will be aggressive throughout the holiday shopping period to provide our customer exceptional value at very competitive prices.”