The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. saw sales in September increase 211% to $329.4 million from to $105.8 million for the same period last year. The large sales gain can be attributed to a $225.4 million gain from the company's acquisition of the Carson’s stores. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.2%.

Year-to-date total sales increased 156% to $1,863.0 million compared to $727.8 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date sales include $1,147.5 million from the Carson’s stores for the period March 5, 2006 through September 30, 2006. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.1%.

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 September 30, 2006 increased 13.8% and for the period March 5, 2006 through September 30, 2006 increased 4.9%. For Carson’s and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the five weeks ended September 30, 2006 increased 9.1%.

Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “We are thrilled with our performance in September. In both the Bon-Ton and Carson’s stores, sales of regular-priced merchandise increased. Best performing businesses were ladies’ better, moderate, and special size sportswear, shoes, cosmetics and children’s. Outerwear in women’s, men’s and children’s was favorably impacted by colder weather. We experienced weaker sales performance in home and dresses.”

Mr. Buccina continued, “Regarding the integration of merchandise in the Bon-Ton stores, customers responded favorably to the new assortments, brands and marketing changes. With only two months on the Bon-Ton floors, the sales penetration of the newly introduced private brands exceeded our expectations.”