The Bon-Ton Stores announced Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 6.6%. Total sales for the five weeks ended January 1, 2005 increased 1.9% to $257.8 million compared to $253.1 million for the same period last year.
Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.6%. Total sales increased 43.6% to $1,248.1 million, including $577.4 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $869.0 million for the same period last year, which included Elder-Beerman stores sales of $203.1 million.
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 five weeks ended January 1, 2005 decreased 2.2% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 3.0%. For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the five weeks ended January 1, 2005 increased 2.4% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 1.1%.
James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “We were pleased with the sales results for December, which reflect strong selling activity in the weeks before and after Christmas. Elder-Beerman stores in Indiana, mid-Ohio and Kentucky were adversely impacted by a major snowstorm which began December 22, closing some stores until the afternoon of December 24. Overall, strongest sales were reported in fashion accessories, misses sportswear including special sizes, small electrics, luggage, shoes, men’s sportswear and children’s. As we transition into our spring assortment, we will maintain our focus on clearing fall and holiday merchandise.”
