Bon-Ton Stores posts net sales, comps drop

YORK, Pa. The Bon-Ton Stores reported a 4.6% decrease in comparable-store sales for the five weeks ended Oct. 4. Net sales decreased 2.7% to $299.4 million, compared with $307.9 million for the prior-year period.

“As the weather became more seasonal, categories such as outerwear, cold-weather accessories, boots and seasonal soft home posted strong results. Our best performing businesses were children’s, outerwear, cosmetics and shoes," stated vice chairman and president of merchandising Tony Buccina. "Our weakest businesses were furniture, petites, better and moderate sportswear ... Having ended the month with comparable-store inventories down 10% from the prior year, we enter the important holiday season with fresh, well-focused inventories, and are positioned to react to trends and best sellers.”