The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reported that total sales for the four weeks ended June 2, 2007 increased 1.0%, to $234.7 million, compared to $232.3 million for the prior year period. Bon-Ton and Carson's combined comparable store sales for the four weeks increased 1.2%. Carson's comparable store sales for the four weeks increased 4.9% and Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 5.3% compared to the prior year period.
Year-to-date total sales increased 22.4% to $972.3 million compared to $794.1 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 3.7% and, for informational purposes only, year-to-date Carson's comparable store sales increased 0.5%.
Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “We are pleased to report that our apparel areas rebounded after a disappointing April. The best performing merchandise categories were men's, missy better, moderate and special size sportswear and juniors. Categories achieving good sales growth included children's, shoes and intimate apparel. Our poorest performing areas were fashion accessories, cosmetics and furniture. Our inventories are well-positioned for the remainder of the second quarter.”
Mr. Buccina continued, “As a reminder, the integration of Bon-Ton and Carson's included the implementation of a common merchandise assortment across all stores, beginning with the liquidation of non-go-forward merchandise in Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman stores in the latter part of May 2006. The liquidation sales had a positive impact on the Bon-Ton 2006 comparable store sales results from late May until early into the third quarter.”
