Bon-Ton May sales up 1%

YORK, Pa. The Bon-Ton Stores today announced total sales for the four weeks ended June 2 increased 1%, to $234.7 million, compared to $232.3 million for the prior year period. Bon-Ton and Carson's combined comparable-store sales for the four weeks increased 1.2%. Carson's comparable-store sales for the four weeks increased 4.9% and Bon-Ton comparable-store sales decreased 5.3% compared to the prior year period.

Year-to-date total sales increased 22.4% to $972.3 million compared to $794.1 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date Bon-Ton comparable-store sales decreased 3.7%.

Anthony Buccina, vice chairman and president of merchandising, commented, "We are pleased to report that our apparel areas rebounded after a disappointing April. The best performing merchandise categories were men's, missy better, moderate and special size sportswear and juniors. Categories achieving good sales growth included children's, shoes and intimate apparel. Our poorest performing areas were fashion accessories, cosmetics and furniture. Our inventories are well-positioned for the remainder of the second quarter."