Leading quality fashion department store Bon-Ton Stores Inc announced total and comparable store sales for the five weeks ended December 31, 2005 increased 0.8 percent to $259.9 million compared to $257.8 million for the same period last year.
Year-to-date total sales decreased 1.9 percent to $1.224.4 million compared to $1,248.1 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales decreased 1.7 percent.
James H Baireuther, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, commented, 'The comparable store sales performance for December reflects an improvement over their annual trend.
Product categories which performed well during the month were women's special size apparel, shoes, home, including furniture, cosmetics, fashion accessories, men's, juniors and intimate apparel.
As they transition to their spring assortment, they maintain their focus on clearing fall and holiday merchandise.'
The Bon-Ton Stores Inc operates 139 department stores and two furniture stores in 16 states from the Northeast to the Midwest under the Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman names.
The stores carry a broad assortment of quality brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as distinctive home furnishings.