Bon-Ton sales fall in December

(AP) — The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. said Thursday that its sales fell in December as shoppers spent less money on its merchandise.

For the five weeks that ended Jan. 2, the department store chain said sales in stores open at least a year fell 2.6 percent. Sales at stores open at least a year are a key measure of retailer performance because they measure growth at existing stores rather than from newly opened ones.

Meanwhile, total sales for the period fell 3 percent to $511.1 million.

Bon-Ton President Tony Buccina said the results were still better than the retailer's internal forecasts as sales of women's accessories and jewelry, shoes and children's sportswear performed well, as did sales of coats and outerwear. Weak categories included furniture, some home goods and higher-priced women's sportswear.

Bon-Ton, based in York, Pa., operates 278 stores in 23 states.