January Comps Up 9.8% at The Bon Ton

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced total sales for the four weeks ended January 29, 2005 increased 9.1% to $62.3 million compared to $57.1 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 8.2%.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, total sales increased 2.6% to $463.3 million compared to $451.4 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 6.4%.

Fiscal 2004 total sales increased 41.5% to $1,310.4 million, including $607.0 million from the acquired Elder-Beerman stores, compared to $926.1 million for the same period last year. Bon-Ton comparable store sales increased 0.9%.

Sales for the month of January were positively impacted by a reduction in the reserve required for sales returns. Total sales for January, excluding the change in the reserve, increased 1.3% versus the reported 9.1% and for the fourth quarter, sales increased 2.5% versus the reported 2.6%.

Elder-Beerman sales are not included in the Company’s reported comparable store sales and the following comparable store sales are provided for informational purposes only. Elder-Beerman comparable store sales for the four weeks ended January 29, 2005 increased 11.7%, comparable store sales for the thirteen weeks ended January 29, 2005 decreased 0.3% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 2.3%.

For Elder-Beerman and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended January 29, 2005 increased 9.8%, for the thirteen weeks ended January 29, 2005 comparable store sales increased 3.2% and year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 0.6%.

James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “We were pleased with January and fourth quarter sales results. The combination of a strong promotional program, balanced inventory assortment and efficient store execution produced a successful quarter. As we near the end of the integration process, we are well positioned going into spring with new receipts coming in on plan. For the month, misses career and women’s sportswear, fashion accessories, children’s, small electrics, luggage and furniture posted sales increases.”