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Elder-Beerman parent reports higher October sales

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By Tim Tresslar, Staff Writer 10:42 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

DAYTON — Department store operator The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. said Thursday, Nov. 5, sales grew in October, while third-quarter sales results lagged the previous year’s performance.

For the month ended Oct. 31, the parent of Elder-Beerman Stores said comparable-store sales, a key indicator of a retailer’s performance, grew 3.1 percent over the previous year. Total monthly sales climbed 2.5 percent to $224 million, versus $218.4 million during the same period a year ago, the company said.

For the quarter, comparable sales fell 2.6 percent over the same period in 2008. Total sales, in the meantime, slipped 2.9 percent to $703.9 million, compared with $724.9 million in third quarter 2008.

In a statement, Tony Buccina, vice chairman and president of merchandising, said sales for the York, Pa.-based retailer have continued to climb since August, a trend executives view as “encouraging.” Petites, large-size sportswear, coats, accessories, soft home goods and children’s categories were among those fueling sales increases, Buccina said.

“Cold weather outerwear, accessories and boots performed extremely well as cooler temperatures drove traffic,” he said.

October’s ending inventories fell 9 percent on a comparable-store basis while clearance inventories dropped 20 percent, Buccina said.

Bon-Ton Stores operates 279 stores. Its roster of nameplates includes Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers.

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