The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced comparable store sales for the five weeks ended March 31 decreased 0.1 percent. Total sales decreased 0.1 percent to $254.1 million for the five weeks compared with $254.5 million for the prior year period.

Year-to-date comparable store sales increased 0.3 percent. Year-to-date total sales increased 0.3 percent to $453.5 million compared with $452.2 million for the same period last year.

“March sales were in line with our expectations,” said Brendan Hoffman, president and CEO of Bon-Ton. “Customers responded favorably to the newness and color in our spring assortments. Best performing businesses were better missy sportswear, ladies shoes, children’s and cosmetics, along with strong sales in fine jewelry. Ecommerce business posted a double-digit sales increase over the prior year period. Poor performing businesses were juniors, furniture and moderate traditional sportswear in missy, petites and large size.”

Keith Plowman, executive vice president and CFO, stated, “Our excess borrowing capacity under our credit facility was approximately $428 million at the end of March.”