Bon-Ton Stores posts negative Oct., 3Q comps

YORK, Pa. The Bon-Ton Stores announced an 11.1% decrease in comparable-store sales for the four weeks ended Nov. 1. Total sales for October decreased 10.7% to $218.4 million, compared to $244.7 million for the prior-year period.

For the third quarter, comparable store sales decreased 8.3%, while total sales decreased 7.2% to $724.9 million from $780.8 million in 2007.

"In October, our best performing businesses were outerwear, children's, accessories and intimate apparel," stated vice chairman and president of merchandising Tony Buccina. " ... the macroeconomic environment is uppermost in the consumer's mind and we continue to respond to this challenging environment by keeping our inventories fresh and in line with our sales trend ... We expect the competitive environment to remain highly promotional and spending for apparel to remain challenged."