Bon-Ton May Sales Boosted by Carson’s Acquisition

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. posted a 161% increase in net sales for the month of May to $232.3 million from $89.0 million for the same period last year. May sales include $148.5 million from the Carson’s stores. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 4.1%.

Year-to-date total sales increased 126% to $794.1 million compared to $351.5 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date sales include $459.8 million from the Carson’s stores for the period March 5, 2006 through May 27, 2006. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 3.2%.

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 increased 6.4% for the four weeks ended May 27, 2006. For the period March 5, 2006 through May 27, 2006, Carson’s comparable store sales increased 2.9%. For Carson’s and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 27, 2006 increased 2.4%.

James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “Bon-Ton’s categories of business with sales increases in the month of May were women’s special size apparel and shoes. The weakest categories reflect the loss of sales of seasonal merchandise in ladies ready to wear, men’s and children’s. The negative impact on sales from recent events in the automobile industry continued this month in our markets in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.”

Mr. Baireuther continued, “Carson’s comparable store sales were positively impacted by Mother’s Day sales which exceeded plan. The week before Mother’s Day was the biggest week of the spring season. The strongest categories were furniture, ladies ready to wear merchandise, cosmetics, intimate apparel, accessories and shoes. The weaker performers were men’s sportswear, children’s and soft home.”