The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reported net sales of $288.0 million for March, representing an increase of 18.1% from $244.0 million for the prior year period. Sales for March 2007 include $191.2 million from Carson's stores acquired in 2006. Bon-Ton comparable store sales for the five weeks decreased 3.8% compared to the prior year period.
Year-to-date total sales increased 66.3% to $525.6 million compared to $316.2 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date sales include Carson's stores sales of $340.2 million for the period ended April 7, 2007. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 4.2%.
Through April 7, 2007, 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 five weeks ended April 7, 2007 increased 2.8% and year-to-date increased 4.3%. For Carson's and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the five weeks ended April 7, 2007 increased 0.6%.
Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “We experienced strong sales increases in children's, shoes, better sportswear, juniors and cosmetics; however, unseasonably cold weather and intermittent snow storms negatively impacted our business during the first two weeks of March and, more importantly, during the last week, the key Easter shopping week. Our poorest performing businesses were home and furniture. Our merchandise offerings are well positioned for the eventual return to seasonal weather in the markets we serve.”
