The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reported comparable store sales for the four weeks ended July 30, 2011 decreased 1.6%. Total sales decreased 2.3% to $173.6 million for the four weeks compared with $177.6 million for the prior year period.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2011, comparable stores sales decreased 1.5%. Total sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2011 decreased 2.2% to $595.5 million compared with $608.6 million for the prior year period.
Year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 1.4%. Year-to-date total sales decreased 1.9% to $1,245.4 million compared with $1,270.0 million for the same period last year.
Tony Buccina, Vice Chairman and President-Merchandising, commented, July sales came in below expectations. Best performing merchandise categories were hard home, fine jewelry, cosmetics, mens sportswear and ladies better, petite and large-size sportswear. Our eCommerce sales continued to perform above expectations. Weakest performing categories were juniors, childrens, shoes and furniture. We are focused on the liquidation of spring and summer goods to transition into fall with fresh, new merchandise. Inventory at the end of the second quarter was below plan and up 1.5% on a comparable store basis to the prior year period.
