The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. sales for the fiscal month ended October 28, 2006 increased 164% to $249.7 million compared to $94.7 million for the same period last year. October sales include $165.9 million from the Carson's stores. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 9.7%.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2006, total sales increased 182% to $804.1 million compared to $285.7 million for the same period last year. Third quarter sales include $537.5 million from the Carson's stores. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 4.8%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 157% to $2,112.7 million compared to $822.6 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date sales include $1,313.4 million from the Carson's stores for the period March 5, 2006 through October 28, 2006. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 1.0%.
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 four weeks ended October 28, 2006 increased 0.8%, for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2006 increased 7.8% and for the period March 5, 2006 through October 28, 2006 increased 4.3%. For Carson's and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended October 28, 2006 decreased 3.0% and for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2006 increased 3.3%.
Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “Although October sales results did not meet our expectations, we are pleased with the third quarter combined results which reflect a 3.3% sales growth. Being less promotional than last year in the Bon-Ton/Elder-Beerman stores resulted in fewer sales than planned. Carson's sales were weak in the first week of the month, but sales improved during the subsequent weeks to drive a low single digit comparable store sales increase. Bon-Ton's sales results were also negatively impacted by a snow storm in the Buffalo market that closed stores for a number of days. We remain confident with our merchandising and marketing strategy for the fourth quarter.”
Mr. Buccina continued, “Best performing businesses were ladies' and men's outerwear, juniors, better sportswear, children's, furniture, ladies' and men's cold weather accessories and hard home. We experienced weaker sales performance in soft home, cosmetics and dresses.”
