The Bon-Ton Stores' total sales for the four weeks ended July 31, 2004 increased 93.4% to $75.2 million, including $35.2 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $38.9 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 1.4%.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2004, total sales increased 85.6% to $284.2 million, including $130.2 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $153.1 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 0.5%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 86.7% to $549.3 million, including $255.9 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $294.2 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 1.2%.
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 July 31, 2004 decreased 3.5%, comparable store sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 2004 decreased 2.4% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 2.7%. For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended July 31, 2004 decreased 0.9%, for the thirteen weeks comparable store sales decreased 1.4% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 1.9%.
James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “July sales reflected an improvement over the prior month comparable results. We saw favorable customer response to our early fall deliveries. For the month, home, accessories and misses sportswear reflected sales increases. For the second quarter, categories with sales increases were home, accessories, cosmetics and misses sportswear. As we concentrate on transitioning into fall with fresh, new merchandise, we remain focused on the timely liquidation of spring and summer goods and are pleased with our inventory aging as well as the level of inventory.”
