The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces June Comparable Store Sales Decrease of 0.9%

The Bon-Ton Stores BONT today announced comparable store sales for the five weeks ended July 2, 2011 decreased 0.9%. Total sales decreased 1.5% to $240.8 million for the five weeks compared with $244.4 million for the prior year period. Year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 1.3%. Year-to-date total sales decreased 1.9% to $1,071.8 million compared with $1,092.4 million for the same period last year. Tony Buccina, Vice Chairman and President – Merchandising, commented, “Sales started out slowly in the first half of June, but finished strong with the arrival of more seasonal weather, which led to the best sales performance of warm weather categories we have experienced all season. Our best performing merchandise categories were home, fine jewelry, ladies' better sportswear, shoes and cosmetics. Ecommerce sales were ahead of plan and led the Company in sales growth. Our weakest performing categories were juniors, men's and furniture. We ended June with inventories fresher than the prior year.”