Bon-Ton sales continue to improve, raises outlook

YORK, Pa. Bon-Ton reported positive results for third quarter fiscal 2009 ended Oct. 31.

Total sales for third quarter fiscal 2009 were $703.9 million compared with $724.9 million in third quarter fiscal 2008. Net loss totaled $4.2 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, for third quarter fiscal 2009 compared with a net loss of $14.3 million, or 85 cents per diluted share, for third quarter fiscal 2008.

For third quarter fiscal 2009, comparable-store sales decreased 2.6%. Total sales for the thirteen weeks ended Oct. 31 decreased 2.9% to $703.9 million compared with $724.9 million for the prior year period.

Year-to-date comparable-store sales decreased 6.9%. Year-to-date total sales decreased 6.7% to $1.96 billion compared with $2.1 billion for the same period last year.