Bon-Ton narrows losses in Q1

York, Pa. The Bon-Ton Stores reported on Thursday a first-quarter loss of $23.6 million, an improvement from the $25.5 million loss in the year-ago period.

Total sales were $644.5 million compared with $700.2 million a year ago, a drop of 8%. Comp-store sales decreased 8.6%.

Bud Bergren, president and CEO, said, “Our ongoing efforts to carefully manage inventory levels and control costs yielded results in the first quarter of 2009 in line with our previously provided guidance.”

He said the company will continue to manage the business with an emphasis on maintaining strong cash flow and liquidity, and focus on driving sales through a differentiated assortment of national and exclusive brands, expansion and enhancement of the e-commerce Web site and “our value-oriented marketing campaign.”

The Bon-Ton Stores operates 280 department stores under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s, Younkers and Parisian nameplates.