The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. posted a 159% increase in November sales to $367.0 million from $141.9 million for the same period last year when including a $242.5 million benefit from the acquisition of the Carson's and Parisian stores. Excluding the acquired gains, sales would have decreased 12.3% to $124.5 million. Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 10.5%.
Year-to-date total sales increased 157% to $2,479.7 million compared to $964.5 million for the prior year period. Year-to-date sales include $1,555.9 million from the Carson's stores for the period March 5, 2006 through November 25, 2006 and Parisian stores for the period October 29, 2006 through November 25, 2006. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable store sales decreased 2.4%.
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 November 25, 2006 increased 6.6% and for the period March 5, 2006 through November 25, 2006 increased 4.7%. For Carson's and Bon-Ton combined, comparable store sales for the four weeks ended November 25, 2006 were even with the prior year period.
Anthony J. Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “We were pleased with our overall results for November, which included record-breaking sales for our two biggest sale volume days of the year. Our Community Day sale and After-Thanksgiving Day sale events drove double-digit increases, however the Bon-Ton customer did not respond to our Customer Appreciation Sale and Private Night Sale events, which resulted in the comparable store sales decrease in the Bon-Ton stores.”
Mr. Buccina continued, “The best performing categories for November on a combined company basis were Hard Home, Junior's, Shoes, Better Sportswear, Furniture and Women's Large-Size Sportswear. Our worst performing categories were Soft Home, Accessories and Dresses and Suits.”
