Bon-Ton loss widens slightly, but raises outlook

York, Pa. Bon-Ton Stores on Thursday reported a slightly wider second-quarter loss, but the department store operator raised its outlook for the year.

The chain recorded a loss of $34.8 million in the three months ended Aug. 1, compared with a loss of $33.8 million a year earlier.

Revenue fell 10% to $625.3 million, from $694.9 million. Same-store sales fell 9.8% in the quarter.

Bon-Ton said its improved outlook is due to better-than-expected control of costs and inventory management. It also said gross margins were up and general corporate expenses fell.