Bon-ton inc. Announces it's closing 40 stores

With sales declining, Bon-Ton Inc. announced Thursday it will close 40 department stores by the end of 2018. The company — with headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee — operates

stores under the names of Younkers, Carson’s and Elder-Beerman, Boston Store, and Herberger’s. Bon-Ton’s overall third quarter sales were down 7.6 percent compared to the same time last

year. It’s per share earnings are down $2.19 compared to the same time last year. Bon-Ton posted back-to-back losses in 2015 and 2016. STAY CONNECTED TO WISCONSIN NEWS — YOUR WAY Get

trustworthy reporting and unique local stories from WPR delivered directly to your inbox. In a conference call with stock analysts Thursday, Bon-Ton’s President and CEO William Tracy said

the company is implementing “a comprehensive turnaround plan for Bon-Ton,” and that it’s re-negotiating leases. “We are engaging with all of our landlords to bring our occupancy costs more

in line with our sales and store performance,” he said. While renegotiating the leases, Bon-Ton is going to focus on holiday and special occasion merchandise. “In January we anticipate

relaunching our wedding gift registry services for our customers. We have taken steps to enhance the service for customers who register with us,” he said. Tracy wouldn’t say where those

targeted locations are. Bon-Ton operates 260 stores across the United States, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. _Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the

University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board._