e10vq

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarter ended November 3, 2007

Commission File Number 0-19517

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

2801 East Market Street

York, Pennsylvania 17402

(717) 757-7660



Incorporated in Pennsylvania		IRS No. 23-2835229

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ

As of December 3, 2007, there were 14,276,311 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 2,951,490 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(In thousands except share and per share data)	November 3,			February 3,
(Unaudited)	2007			2007
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,976		$	24,733
Merchandise inventories		1,036,853			787,487
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		115,193			84,731
Deferred income taxes		12,832			17,858

Total current assets		1,188,854			914,809

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $389,623 and $311,160 at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively		892,254			897,886
Deferred income taxes		87,058			76,586
Goodwill		22,233			27,377
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $19,444 and $12,087 at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively		169,668			176,700
Other long-term assets		37,574			41,441

Total assets	$	2,397,641		$	2,134,799

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	428,040		$	209,742
Accrued payroll and benefits		50,206			68,434
Accrued expenses		152,800			178,642
Current maturities of long-term debt		5,559			5,555
Current maturities of obligations under capital leases		2,123			1,936
Income taxes payable		—			48,086

Total current liabilities		638,728			512,395

Long-term debt, less current maturities		1,293,064			1,120,169
Obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		67,824			69,456
Other long-term liabilities		112,584			86,383

Total liabilities		2,112,200			1,788,403


Contingencies (Note 8)

Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock — authorized 5,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; no shares issued		—			—
Common Stock — authorized 40,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued shares of 14,594,111 and 14,469,196 shares at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively		146			145
Class A Common Stock — authorized 20,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares of 2,951,490 at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007		30			30
Treasury stock, at cost - 337,800 shares at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007		(1,387	)		(1,387	)
Additional paid-in-capital		137,274			130,875
Accumulated other comprehensive income		45			1,189
Retained earnings		149,333			215,544

Total shareholders’ equity		285,441			346,396

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,397,641		$	2,134,799

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


	THIRTEEN						THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED						WEEKS ENDED
(In thousands except share and per share data)	November 3,			October 28,			November 3,			October 28,
(Unaudited)	2007			2006			2007			2006

Net sales	$	780,839		$	804,100		$	2,227,020		$	2,112,646
Other income		24,646			22,859			69,409			57,646

		805,485			826,959			2,296,429			2,170,292


Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		508,802			509,829			1,438,672			1,347,342
Selling, general and administrative		265,279			273,581			780,891			731,722
Depreciation and amortization		30,107			28,756			87,306			74,093
Amortization of lease-related interests		1,280			831			3,841			2,579

Income (loss) from operations		17			13,962			(14,281	)		14,556
Interest expense, net		27,383			27,929			82,281			79,082


Loss before income taxes		(27,366	)		(13,967	)		(96,562	)		(64,526	)
Income tax benefit		(8,004	)		(3,066	)		(32,926	)		(23,015	)


Net loss	$	(19,362	)	$	(10,901	)	$	(63,636	)	$	(41,511	)


Per share amounts –
Basic:
Net loss	$	(1.17	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(3.86	)	$	(2.53	)


Basic weighted average shares outstanding		16,533,957			16,439,314			16,504,678			16,420,082

Diluted:
Net loss	$	(1.17	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(3.86	)	$	(2.53	)


Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		16,533,957			16,439,314			16,504,678			16,420,082

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED
(In thousands)	November 3,			October 28,
(Unaudited)	2007			2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(63,636	)	$	(41,511	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		87,306			74,093
Amortization of lease-related interests		3,841			2,579
Share-based compensation expense		5,372			3,834
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		(548	)		(868	)
Loss (gain) on sale of property, fixtures and equipment		409			(687	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		2,987			5,469
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of proprietary credit card portfolio		(1,810	)		(1,810	)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)		1,771			(2,919	)
Cancellation of restricted shares		(4	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
Increase in merchandise inventories		(249,366	)		(204,649	)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets		(29,914	)		(39,487	)
Decrease (increase) in other long-term assets		1,163			(6,633	)
Increase in accounts payable		192,810			111,677
(Decrease) increase in accrued payroll and benefits and accrued expenses		(39,583	)		13,758
Decrease in income taxes payable		(48,086	)		(13,335	)
Increase in other long-term liabilities		25,450			1,513

Net cash used in operating activities		(111,838	)		(98,976	)


Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(82,163	)		(72,954	)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired		(62	)		(1,047,120	)
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		2,715			1,557

Net cash used in investing activities		(79,510	)		(1,118,517	)


Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		(503,519	)		(590,246	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		674,971			1,807,739
Cash dividends paid		(2,575	)		(1,274	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		484			936
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		548			868
Deferred financing costs paid		(284	)		(27,798	)
Increase in bank overdraft balances		20,966			40,344

Net cash provided by financing activities		190,591			1,230,569

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(757	)		13,076

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		24,733			9,771

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	23,976		$	22,847


Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	$	92,746		$	64,330
Net income taxes paid	$	39,677		$	16,585

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


											Accumulated
											Other
			Class A					Additional			Compre-
(In thousands except per share data)	Common		Common		Treasury			Paid-in			hensive			Retained
(Unaudited)	Stock		Stock		Stock			Capital			Income			Earnings			Total

BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 3, 2007	$	145	$	30	$	(1,387	)	$	130,875		$	1,189		$	215,544		$	346,396


Comprehensive loss (Note 9):
Net loss		—		—		—			—			—			(63,636	)		(63,636	)
Pension plan, net of $88 tax effect												152						152
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $923 tax effect		—		—		—			—			(1,296	)		—			(1,296	)

Total comprehensive loss																		(64,780	)

Dividends to shareholders, $0.15 per share		—		—		—			—			—			(2,575	)		(2,575	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		—		—		—			484			—			—			484
Share-based compensation expense		1		—		—			5,371			—			—			5,372
Cancellation of restricted shares									(4	)								(4	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		—		—		—			548			—			—			548


BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 3, 2007	$	146	$	30	$	(1,387	)	$	137,274		$	45		$	149,333		$	285,441

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, was incorporated on January 31, 1996 as the successor of a company incorporated on January 31, 1929. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates, through its subsidiaries, 280 stores, which includes ten furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, three stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. conducts its operations through one business segment.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (primarily consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim periods have been included. The Company’s business is seasonal in nature and results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

All references in these footnotes to the “first quarter of 2007” are to the thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007. All references to the “third quarter of 2007” and the “third quarter of 2006” are to the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively. All references to “2007” and “2006” are to the fifty-two weeks ending February 2, 2008 and the fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2007, respectively. References to “Bon-Ton” refer to the Company’s stores operating under the Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman nameplates.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition and derecognition threshold and measurement attribute for the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 requires the Company to recognize, in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained under audit, based on the technical merits of the position.

The Company adopted FIN No. 48 effective February 4, 2007, and, as a result, was not required to adjust its existing reserves for uncertain tax positions. As of the date of adoption, the Company had $18,275 of gross unrecognized tax benefits and $1,332 of interest reserves on those unrecognized benefits. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption that would have impacted the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized, inclusive of the related interest, was $12,377.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

During the twelve months subsequent to November 3, 2007, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits could potentially decrease by up to $11,500 ($7,500 of which would affect the effective tax rate) for federal and state tax positions related to both the expiration of the statute of limitations and expected settlements.

It is the Company’s policy to record interest on unrecognized tax benefits and assessments as income tax expense. The Company believes that penalties are not applicable on any of its uncertain tax positions. The Company’s federal tax returns for the tax years ended January 31, 2005 through the present are open to examination as are the Company’s state tax returns for the tax years ended January 31, 2004 through the present.

Future Accounting Changes

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements, but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The FASB has agreed to a one-year deferral of SFAS No. 157’s fair-value measurement requirements for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company is in the process of evaluating what effect, if any, adoption of SFAS No. 157 may have on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to facilitate comparisons between companies that select different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is in the process of evaluating what effect, if any, adoption of SFAS No. 159 may have on the consolidated financial statements.

2. PER-SHARE AMOUNTS

The presentation of earnings per share (“EPS”) requires a reconciliation of numerators and denominators used in basic and diluted EPS calculations. The numerator, net loss, is identical in both calculations. The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding for the respective calculations for each period presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)


	THIRTEEN				THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED				WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,		October 28,		November 3,		October 28,
	2007		2006		2007		2006

Basic calculation		16,533,957		16,439,314		16,504,678		16,420,082
Effect of dilutive shares -
Restricted shares and restricted stock units		—		—		—		—
Options		—		—		—		—

Diluted calculation		16,533,957		16,439,314		16,504,678		16,420,082

The following securities were antidilutive and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the periods indicated:


	THIRTEEN				THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED				WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,		October 28,		November 3,		October 28,
	2007		2006		2007		2006

Antidilutive shares -

Restricted shares and restricted stock units		766,668		661,878		732,283		603,619

Options		706,822		620,092		692,134		569,562

Certain of the securities noted above were excluded from the computation of dilutive shares solely due to the Company’s net loss position in the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006. The following table shows the approximate effect of dilutive securities had the Company reported a profit for these periods:


	THIRTEEN				THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED				WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,		October 28,		November 3,		October 28,
	2007		2006		2007		2006

Effect of dilutive securities -

Restricted shares and restricted stock units		435,066		282,650		420,085		246,240

Options		105,261		95,891		187,343		90,792

3. CARSON’S ACQUISITION

Effective March 5, 2006, pursuant to the October 29, 2005 purchase agreement with Saks Incorporated (“Saks”), as amended, the Company acquired all of the outstanding securities of two subsidiaries of Saks that were solely related to the business of owning and operating the 142 retail department stores that operated under the names Carson Pirie Scott, Younkers, Herberger’s, Boston Store and Bergner’s (collectively, “Carson’s”).

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

During the first quarter of 2007, the Company made its final purchase accounting allocations in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” Additional professional fees increased the total purchase price by $51, property, fixtures and equipment was reduced by $397 due to a valuation adjustment, and, as a result of those adjustments, goodwill increased by $448. The final purchase price and purchase price allocation is reflected in the following table:

Final Purchase Price


Cash purchase	$	1,040,188
Carson’s severance		514
Professional fees incurred		11,863

Total	$	1,052,565

Final Purchase Price Allocation


Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,110
Merchandise inventories		455,207
Prepaid expenses		33,687
Property, fixtures and equipment		724,447
Deferred income taxes		21,951
Goodwill		24,860
Intangible assets		178,180
Other assets		9,040

Total assets acquired		1,450,482


Accounts payable		(158,860	)
Accrued payroll and benefits		(34,560	)
Other accrued expenses		(79,088	)
Obligations under capital leases		(73,000	)
Other liabilities		(52,409	)

Total liabilities assumed		(397,917	)



Net assets acquired	$	1,052,565

During the third quarter of 2007, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” the Company reduced the goodwill associated with the Carson’s acquisition by $5,592, and recorded a corresponding increase in non-current deferred income taxes.

4. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Prepaid expenses and other current assets were comprised of the following:


	November 3,		February 3,
	2007		2007
Landlord receivables	$	1,050	$	15,000
Prepaid expenses		41,129		29,527
Other		73,014		40,204

Total	$	115,193	$	84,731

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

5. INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES

In connection with the acquisition of Carson’s in March 2006, the Company developed integration plans, including the transfer of Bon-Ton’s existing merchandising and marketing functions to Carson’s former headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, resulting in involuntary terminations.

In connection with the acquisition of The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. in October 2003, the Company developed integration plans resulting in lease terminations. The liability balance for lease terminations will be paid over the remaining contract periods ending in 2030.

Activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 related to these integration activities are as follows:


	Termination			Lease
	Benefits			Termination			Total
Balance as of February 3, 2007	$	333		$	987		$	1,320
Provision:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		24			—			24
Thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007		(41	)		—			(41	)
Payments:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		(205	)		(20	)		(225	)
Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007		(94	)		(33	)		(127	)
Thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007		(17	)		(20	)		(37	)

Balance as of November 3, 2007	$	—		$	914		$	914

The above provision and other adjustment were included within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense.

6. EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

On February 24, 2007, the Company closed its Carson Pirie Scott store at One South State Street in Chicago, Illinois. In connection with the closing of this store, the Company developed plans resulting in involuntary associate termination benefits and other closing costs of $2,914 and $1,383, respectively. During 2006, the Company recognized $2,436 and $273 of the total expected termination benefits and other costs, respectively. Activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 related to these costs are as follows:

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)


	Termination			Other
	Benefits			Costs			Total
Balance as of February 3, 2007	$	2,436		$	—		$	2,436
Provision:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		498			1,159			1,657
Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007		—			(77	)		(77	)
Thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007		(20	)		28			8
Payments:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		(2,914	)		(831	)		(3,745	)
Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007		—			(251	)		(251	)
Thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007		—			(28	)		(28	)

Balance as of November 3, 2007	$	—		$	—		$	—

The above provisions and other adjustments were included in SG&A expense.

The following table summarizes other exit or disposal activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 related to the closing of three stores and a distribution center in the first quarter of 2007, accrued transition services agreement costs related to the Carson’s acquisition in March 2006, accrued lease termination costs related to a store closed in January 2006 and accrued costs related to the sale of the Company’s credit card accounts in July 2005:


	Termination			Lease			Contract			Other
	Benefits			Termination			Termination			Costs			Total

Balance as of February 3, 2007	$	341		$	344		$	32		$	231		$	948
Provision:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		664			—			—			189			853
Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007		(55	)		—			(11	)		186			120
Payments:
Thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2007		(639	)		(90	)		(21	)		(420	)		(1,170	)
Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007		(311	)		(90	)		—			(186	)		(587	)
Thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007		—			(90	)		—			—			(90	)

Balance as of November 3, 2007	$	—		$	74		$	—		$	—		$	74

The above provisions and other adjustments were included in SG&A expense. The Company expects to pay the balance of the lease termination fee through February 1, 2008. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2007, the Company sold an owned property related to a closed store and paid, in full, the related mortgage. The Company recognized a $510 gain on the building sale within SG&A expense and a $1,019 loss on the mortgage payoff within interest expense, net.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides eligible employees with retirement benefits under a 401(k) salary reduction and retirement contribution plan (the “Plan”). The Company made an annual contribution of $10,090 to the Plan during the first quarter of 2007. The Company recorded expense related to the Plan of $2,750 and $3,432 during the third quarter of 2007 and 2006, respectively, and expense of $8,308 and $8,250 during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively.

The Company provides benefits to certain current and former associates who are eligible under a defined benefit pension plan and various supplemental pension plans (collectively, the “Pension Plans”). Net periodic benefit income for the Pension Plans includes the following components:


	THIRTEEN						THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED						WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,			October 28,			November 3,			October 28,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
Service cost	$	33		$	49		$	98		$	133
Interest cost		3,041			3,223			9,124			8,121
Expected return on plan assets		(3,668	)		(3,723	)		(11,005	)		(9,352	)
Recognition of prior service cost		1			—			3			—
Recognition of net actuarial loss		79			—			237			—

Net periodic benefit income	$	(514	)	$	(451	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(1,098	)

During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007, contributions of $583 were made to the Pension Plans. The Company anticipates contributing an additional $381 to fund the Pension Plans in 2007 for an annual total of $964.

The Company provides medical and life insurance benefits to certain former associates under a postretirement benefit plan. Net periodic benefit interest expense of $103 and $92 was recorded in the third quarter of each of 2007 and 2006, respectively. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, the Company recorded net periodic benefit interest expense of $308 and $231, respectively. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007, payments under the plan exceeded participant premiums received by $33. The Company anticipates contributing an additional $880 to fund this plan in 2007 for a net annual total of $913.

8. CONTINGENCIES

In connection with the acquisition of Carson’s, the Company assumed liability for the following matter (only to the extent it applied to the entities acquired from Saks): The Chapter 7 trustee for the bankruptcy estate of Kleinert’s Inc. filed a complaint against Saks and several of its subsidiaries in which the plaintiff, as assignee, alleged breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment, among other causes of action, and sought compensatory and punitive damages.

The Company and Saks reached a settlement with the plaintiff on October 1, 2007. On November 14, 2007, the Court entered a final judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the plaintiff’s claims in their entirety. The outcome of this matter had no material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On December 8, 2005, Adamson Apparel, Inc. filed a purported class action lawsuit against Saks in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. In its complaint the plaintiff asserts breach of contract claims and alleges that Saks improperly assessed chargebacks, timely payment discounts, and deductions for merchandise returns against members of the plaintiff class. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and incidental damages and restitution. Under the terms of the purchase agreement relating to the acquisition of Carson’s from Saks, the Company may have an obligation to indemnify Saks for any damages incurred by Saks under this lawsuit by Adamson Apparel, Inc. solely to the extent that such damages relate to the business acquired from Saks.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

In addition, the Company is party to legal proceedings and claims that arise during the ordinary course of business.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of any such litigation and claims, including the Adamson matter detailed above, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

9. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Comprehensive loss was determined as follows:


	THIRTEEN						THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED						WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,			October 28,			November 3,			October 28,
	2007			2006			2007			2006

Net loss	$	(19,362	)	$	(10,901	)	$	(63,636	)	$	(41,511	)

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of pension plan amounts, net of tax		51			—			152			—
Cash flow hedge derivative loss, net of tax		(1,121	)		(885	)		(1,296	)		(1,322	)

Comprehensive loss	$	(20,432	)	$	(11,786	)	$	(64,780	)	$	(42,833	)

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On December 5, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on Class A Common Stock and Common Stock, payable January 15, 2008 to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2008.

11. GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

On March 6, 2006, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Indenture with The Bank of New York, as trustee, under which the Issuer issued $510,000 aggregate principal amount of its 10-1/4% Senior Notes due 2014. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company and by each of the Company’s subsidiaries, other than the Issuer, that is an obligor under the Company’s senior secured credit facility. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several.

The condensed consolidating financial information for the Company, the Issuer and the Company’s guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries as of November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007 and for the third quarter of each of 2007 and 2006 and the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006 as presented below has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Company, the Issuer and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position had the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities. Certain intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
November 3, 2007


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent					Guarantor		Non-Guarantor		Consolidating			Company
	Company)		Issuer			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1	$	7,699		$	16,276	$	—	$	—		$	23,976
Merchandise inventories		—		325,313			711,540		—		—			1,036,853
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		67,474			47,068		651		—			115,193
Deferred income taxes		—		(4,573	)		17,405		—		—			12,832

Total current assets		1		395,913			792,289		651		—			1,188,854

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—		189,779			383,417		319,058		—			892,254
Deferred income taxes		—		17,174			69,884		—		—			87,058
Goodwill		—		2,965			19,268		—		—			22,233
Intangible assets, net		—		2,586			167,082		—		—			169,668
Investment in and advances to affiliates		287,647		1,198,254			78,612		558		(1,565,071	)		—
Other long-term assets		—		25,062			9,629		2,883		—			37,574

Total assets	$	287,648	$	1,831,733		$	1,520,181	$	323,150	$	(1,565,071	)	$	2,397,641


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	428,040		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	428,040
Accrued payroll and benefits		—		9,754			40,452		—		—			50,206
Accrued expenses		—		45,063			107,606		131		—			152,800
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—		—			2,123		5,559		—			7,682

Total current liabilities		—		482,857			150,181		5,690		—			638,728

Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—		1,033,638			67,824		259,426		—			1,360,888
Other long-term liabilities		2,207		40,944			68,346		1,087		—			112,584

Total liabilities		2,207		1,557,439			286,351		266,203		—			2,112,200


Shareholders’ equity		285,441		274,294			1,233,830		56,947		(1,565,071	)		285,441


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	287,648	$	1,831,733		$	1,520,181	$	323,150	$	(1,565,071	)	$	2,397,641

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
February 3, 2007


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent					Guarantor		Non-Guarantor		Consolidating			Company
	Company)		Issuer			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1	$	7,384		$	17,348	$	—	$	—		$	24,733
Merchandise inventories		—		264,832			522,655		—		—			787,487
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		37,746			46,334		651		—			84,731
Deferred income taxes		—		2,038			15,820		—		—			17,858

Total current assets		1		312,000			602,157		651		—			914,809

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—		168,419			397,655		331,812		—			897,886
Deferred income taxes		—		13,526			63,060		—		—			76,586
Goodwill		—		2,965			24,412		—		—			27,377
Intangible assets, net		—		2,599			174,101		—		—			176,700
Investment in and advances to affiliates		348,426		984,789			320,982		345		(1,654,542	)		—
Other long-term assets		—		26,875			11,324		3,242		—			41,441

Total assets	$	348,427	$	1,511,173		$	1,593,691	$	336,050	$	(1,654,542	)	$	2,134,799


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	209,742		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	209,742
Accrued payroll and benefits		—		14,112			54,322		—		—			68,434
Accrued expenses		—		68,486			110,023		133		—			178,642
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—		—			1,936		5,555		—			7,491
Income taxes payable		2,031		(6,520	)		52,575		—		—			48,086

Total current liabilities		2,031		285,820			218,856		5,688		—			512,395

Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—		853,300			69,456		266,869		—			1,189,625
Other long-term liabilities		—		31,436			53,918		1,029		—			86,383

Total liabilities		2,031		1,170,556			342,230		273,586		—			1,788,403


Shareholders’ equity		346,396		340,617			1,251,461		62,464		(1,654,542	)		346,396


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	348,427	$	1,511,173		$	1,593,691	$	336,050	$	(1,654,542	)	$	2,134,799

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 3, 2007


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

Net sales	$	—		$	148,237		$	632,602		$	—		$	—		$	780,839
Other income		—			4,563			20,083			—			—			24,646

		—			152,800			652,685			—			—			805,485

Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			97,291			411,511			—			—			508,802
Selling, general and administrative		—			55,673			218,685			19			(9,098	)		265,279
Depreciation and amortization		—			9,768			17,383			2,956			—			30,107
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			112			1,168			—			—			1,280

(Loss) income from operations		—			(10,044	)		3,938			(2,975	)		9,098			17

Other income (expense):
Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			2,055			7,043			(9,098	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(27,366	)		1,717			—			—			25,649			—
Interest expense, net		—			(19,039	)		(3,982	)		(4,362	)		—			(27,383	)


(Loss) income before income taxes		(27,366	)		(27,366	)		2,011			(294	)		25,649			(27,366	)
Income tax (benefit) provision		(8,004	)		(8,004	)		748			—			7,256			(8,004	)


Net (loss) income	$	(19,362	)	$	(19,362	)	$	1,263		$	(294	)	$	18,393		$	(19,362	)

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2006


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

Net sales	$	—		$	138,192		$	665,908		$	—		$	—		$	804,100
Other income		—			4,468			18,391			—			—			22,859

		—			142,660			684,299			—			—			826,959

Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			91,687			418,142			—			—			509,829
Selling, general and administrative		—			61,965			221,052			—			(9,436	)		273,581
Depreciation and amortization		—			6,289			19,340			3,127			—			28,756
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			118			713			—			—			831

(Loss) income from operations		—			(17,399	)		25,052			(3,127	)		9,436			13,962

Other income (expense):
Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			2,177			7,259			(9,436	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(13,967	)		21,480			—			—			(7,513	)		—
Interest expense, net		—			(18,048	)		(5,209	)		(4,672	)		—			(27,929	)


(Loss) income before income taxes		(13,967	)		(13,967	)		22,020			(540	)		(7,513	)		(13,967	)
Income tax (benefit) provision		(3,066	)		(3,002	)		6,981			—			(3,979	)		(3,066	)


Net (loss) income	$	(10,901	)	$	(10,965	)	$	15,039		$	(540	)	$	(3,534	)	$	(10,901	)

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 2007


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

Net sales	$	—		$	428,857		$	1,798,163		$	—		$	—		$	2,227,020
Other income		—			13,120			56,289			—			—			69,409

		—			441,977			1,854,452			—			—			2,296,429

Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			277,652			1,161,020			—			—			1,438,672
Selling, general and administrative		—			162,273			646,578			(616	)		(27,344	)		780,891
Depreciation and amortization		—			24,404			54,019			8,883			—			87,306
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			338			3,503			—			—			3,841

Loss from operations		—			(22,690	)		(10,668	)		(8,267	)		27,344			(14,281	)

Other income (expense):
Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			5,950			21,394			(27,344	)		—
Equity in losses of subsidiaries		(96,562	)		(17,394	)		—			—			113,956			—
Interest expense, net		—			(56,478	)		(11,573	)		(14,230	)		—			(82,281	)


Loss before income taxes		(96,562	)		(96,562	)		(16,291	)		(1,103	)		113,956			(96,562	)
Income tax benefit		(32,926	)		(32,926	)		(6,060	)		—			38,986			(32,926	)


Net loss	$	(63,636	)	$	(63,636	)	$	(10,231	)	$	(1,103	)	$	74,970		$	(63,636	)

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

Net sales	$	—		$	414,618		$	1,698,028		$	—		$	—		$	2,112,646
Other income		—			14,049			43,597			—			—			57,646

		—			428,667			1,741,625			—			—			2,170,292

Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			283,873			1,063,469			—			—			1,347,342
Selling, general and administrative		2			177,897			579,677			6			(25,860	)		731,722
Depreciation and amortization		—			17,403			47,063			9,627			—			74,093
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			353			2,226			—			—			2,579

(Loss) income from operations		(2	)		(50,859	)		49,190			(9,633	)		25,860			14,556

Other income (expense):
Intercompany interest income		1,700			—			—			—			(1,700	)		—
Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			7,005			18,855			(25,860	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(66,224	)		42,159			—			—			24,065			—
Interest expense, net		—			(57,524	)		(11,122	)		(12,136	)		1,700			(79,082	)


(Loss) income before income taxes		(64,526	)		(66,224	)		45,073			(2,914	)		24,065			(64,526	)
Income tax (benefit) provision		(23,015	)		(23,621	)		16,077			—			7,544			(23,015	)


Net (loss) income	$	(41,511	)	$	(42,603	)	$	28,996		$	(2,914	)	$	16,521		$	(41,511	)

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 2007


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:	$	2,091		$	(155,909	)	$	46,720		$	9,363		$	(14,103	)	$	(111,838	)


Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		—			(43,250	)		(38,913	)		—			—			(82,163	)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired		—			(62	)		—			—			—			(62	)
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			52			168			2,495			—			2,715

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		—			(43,260	)		(38,745	)		2,495			—			(79,510	)


Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(494,634	)		(1,445	)		(7,440	)		—			(503,519	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			674,971			—			—			—			674,971
Intercompany financing activity		—			(2,091	)		(7,602	)		(4,410	)		14,103			—
Cash dividends paid		(2,575	)		—			—			—			—			(2,575	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		484			—			—			—			—			484
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		—			548			—			—			—			548
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(276	)		—			(8	)		—			(284	)
Increase in bank overdraft balances		—			20,966			—			—			—			20,966

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(2,091	)		199,484			(9,047	)		(11,858	)		14,103			190,591


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		—			315			(1,072	)		—			—			(757	)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			7,384			17,348			—			—			24,733


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	7,699		$	16,276		$	—		$	—		$	23,976

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006


	Bon-Ton
	(Parent						Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
	Company)			Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:	$	329		$	112,190		$	50,966		$	6,124		$	(268,585	)	$	(98,976	)


Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		—			(44,670	)		(28,284	)		—			—			(72,954	)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired		—			(1,047,120	)		—			—			—			(1,047,120	)
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			1,039			518			—			—			1,557

Net cash used in investing activities		—			(1,090,751	)		(27,766	)		—			—			(1,118,517	)


Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(586,361	)		(1,081	)		(2,804	)		—			(590,246	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			1,547,739			—			260,000			—			1,807,739
Intercompany financing activity		—			(338	)		(7,735	)		(260,512	)		268,585			—
Cash dividends paid		(1,274	)		—			—			—			—			(1,274	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		936			—			—			—			—			936
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		—			868			—			—			—			868
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(24,990	)		—			(2,808	)		—			(27,798	)
Increase in bank overdraft balances		—			40,180			164			—			—			40,344

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(338	)		977,098			(8,652	)		(6,124	)		268,585			1,230,569


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(9	)		(1,463	)		14,548			—			—			13,076

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		10			7,453			2,308			—			—			9,771


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	5,990		$	16,856		$	—		$	—		$	22,847

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS

For purposes of the following discussion, references to “first quarter of 2007” are to the thirteen-week period ended May 5, 2007. References to “second quarter of 2007” are to the thirteen-week period ended August 4, 2007. References to “third quarter of 2007” and “third quarter of 2006” are to the thirteen-week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively. References to “2007” and “2006” are to the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries. References to “Carson’s” are to the Northern Department Store Group acquired by the Company from Saks Incorporated (“Saks”) in March 2006. References to “Bon-Ton” refer to the Company’s stores operating under the Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman nameplates. References to “Parisian” refer to the stores acquired from Belk, Inc. (“Belk”) in October 2006.

Overview

We are one of the largest regional department store operators (in terms of sales) in the United States, offering a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children. Our merchandise offerings also include cosmetics, home furnishings and other goods. We operate 280 stores, which includes ten furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, three stores in the Detroit, Michigan area, encompassing a total of approximately 26 million square feet. Our management believes we hold the #1 or #2 market position among traditional department stores in most of the markets in which we operate.

Effective March 5, 2006, we purchased all of the outstanding securities of two subsidiaries of Saks that were solely related to the business of owning and operating Carson’s, which was comprised of 142 retail department stores. The stores were located in 12 states in the Midwest and upper Great Plains regions and operated under the names Carson Pirie Scott, Younkers, Herberger’s, Boston Store and Bergner’s. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, we paid approximately $1.0 billion in cash for Carson’s. Carson’s stores encompass a total of approximately 15 million square feet in mid-size and metropolitan markets.

On October 25, 2006, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Belk pursuant to which we agreed to purchase assets in connection with four department stores, all operated under the Parisian nameplate, and the rights to construct a new Parisian store, which opened October 18, 2007. The purchase price was $22.0 million in cash, subject to certain closing revisions. In addition, we agreed to assume specific liabilities and obligations of Belk and its affiliates with respect to the acquired Parisian stores. The acquisition of Parisian was effective as of October 29, 2006.

We compete in the department store segment of the U.S. retail industry. The department store industry continues to evolve in response to ongoing consolidation among merchandise vendors as well as the evolution of competitive retail formats — mass merchandisers, national chain retailers, specialty retailers and online retailers. Our segment of the retail industry is highly competitive, and we foresee competitive pressures and challenges continuing in the future. As such, we anticipate decreased comparable store sales and a reduction in the gross margin rate in fiscal 2007 (fifty-two weeks ending February 2, 2008) compared to fiscal 2006 (fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2007).

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes changes in selected operating indicators of the Company, illustrating the relationship of various income and expense items to net sales for the respective periods presented (components may not add or subtract to totals due to rounding):


	THIRTEEN						THIRTY-NINE
	WEEKS ENDED						WEEKS ENDED
	November 3,			October 28,			November 3,			October 28,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Other income		3.2			2.8			3.1			2.7

		103.2			102.8			103.1			102.7

Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		65.2			63.4			64.6			63.8
Selling, general and administrative		34.0			34.0			35.1			34.6
Depreciation and amortization		3.9			3.6			3.9			3.5
Amortization of lease-related interests		0.2			0.1			0.2			0.1

Income (loss) from operations		—			1.7			(0.6	)		0.7
Interest expense, net		3.5			3.5			3.7			3.7

Loss before income taxes		(3.5	)		(1.8	)		(4.3	)		(3.1	)
Income tax benefit		(1.0	)		(0.4	)		(1.5	)		(1.1	)

Net loss		(2.5	)%		(1.4	)%		(2.9	)%		(2.0	)%

Thirteen Weeks Ended November 3, 2007 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2006

Net sales: Net sales in the third quarter of 2007 were $780.8 million, compared to $804.1 million in the third quarter of 2006, a decrease of $23.3 million, or 2.9%. Bon-Ton and Carson’s combined comparable store sales decreased 3.0%.

We believe the comparable store net sales decline reflects the unseasonably warm weather in our geographic regions in September and October, the effect of which offset sales gains achieved during back-to-school and the early fall season. We also believe a challenging macroeconomic environment, the result of a weak housing market, mortgage and credit market concerns and rising energy prices, has pressured consumer spending.

Merchandise categories with sales increases in the period were Home (which includes Furniture), Better Sportswear (included in Women’s Apparel) and Cosmetics. The increase in Home was driven by an overall strong performance at Bon-Ton stores and sales of novelty electronic gift items and mattresses throughout the Company. Better Sportswear sales increased as customers responded favorably to expanded offerings from key vendors. Sales in Cosmetics benefited from the introduction of new fragrances as well as the expansion of certain fragrances into additional stores.

The poorest performing categories in the period were Coats, Dresses and Moderate Sportswear (all included in Women’s Apparel) and Juniors. Sales in Coats, Dresses and Moderate Sportswear were adversely affected by the unseasonable weather. The performance in Dresses was also affected by an adjusted receipt flow, with increased merchandise receipts planned for the fourth quarter. The sales performance in Juniors reflects what we believe is a general market weakness, with slower denim and sweater sales.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Other income: Other income, which includes income from revenues received under the Credit Card Program Agreement (“CCPA”) with HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A., leased departments and other customer revenues, was $24.6 million, or 3.2% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to $22.9 million, or 2.8% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily due to the program revenue received under the CCPA.

Costs and expenses: Gross margin in the third quarter of 2007 decreased $22.2 million to $272.0 million as compared to $294.3 million in the comparable prior year period, reflecting both decreased sales volume and a decrease in the gross margin rate. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 1.8 percentage points to 34.8% in the third quarter of 2007 from 36.6% in the same period last year, primarily due to increased net markdowns in the period.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense in the third quarter of 2007 was $265.3 million as compared to $273.6 million in the third quarter of 2006, a decrease of $8.3 million. The primary factors in the decrease in SG&A expense were reductions in integration expenses and increased efficiencies in operations in the current year, partially offset by increased store pre-opening expenses and increases in those costs affected by normal inflationary adjustments. The current year expense rate, at 34.0% of net sales, was even with the comparable prior year period.

Depreciation and amortization expense and amortization of lease-related interests increased $1.8 million, to $31.4 million, in the third quarter of 2007 from $29.6 million in the third quarter of 2006, primarily reflecting the increased expense associated with asset additions.

Income from operations: Income from operations in the third quarter of 2007 decreased by $13.9 million to $0.0 million, or 0.0% of net sales, as compared to income from operations of $14.0 million, or 1.7% of net sales, in the comparable prior year period.

Interest expense, net: Interest expense, net, decreased slightly to $27.4 million, or 3.5% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to $27.9 million, or 3.5% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2006.

Income tax benefit: The income tax benefit reflects an effective tax rate of 29.2% in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to 22.0% in the comparable prior year period. The income tax rates in the third quarter of each of 2007 and 2006 reflect a revision of the respective year-to-date effective tax rates, largely due to a changing mix of taxable income and losses within various subsidiaries of the Company and recognition of the respective third quarter federal and state exposure changes.

Net loss: Net loss in the third quarter of 2007 was $19.4 million, or 2.5% of net sales, as compared to a net loss of $10.9 million, or 1.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2006.

Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 2007 Compared to Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006

Net sales: Net sales in 2007 increased 5.4% to $2,227.0 million from $2,112.6 million in 2006. Sales in 2007 include Carson’s operations for the thirty-nine-week period; the prior year period included Carson’s operations for the thirty-four weeks following the acquisition. The total sales increase reflects the inclusion of the additional five weeks of sales from Carson’s as well as sales at the acquired Parisian stores, partially offset by a reduction for closed stores. The balance of sales in 2007 reflects a Bon-Ton comparable store net sales decrease of 7.4% and a Carson’s comparable store net sales decrease of 1.0%, which, in total, approximates $71 million.

We believe that the comparable store net sales decrease in 2007 was due to unseasonable weather in our geographic regions in April, September and October, the elimination of the prior year liquidation of non-go-forward merchandise in Bon-Ton stores and, as discussed in more detail above, a challenging macroeconomic environment.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The best performing merchandise categories in the period were Children’s Apparel and Better Sportswear (included in Women’s Apparel). Children’s Apparel benefited from increased inventory investment, a promotional event in the first quarter of 2007 and the introduction of new vendors. Better Sportswear sales increased as customers responded favorably to our new and expanded offerings of private brand merchandise and key branded vendors.

The poorest performing categories in the period were Home (which includes furniture) and Coats and Moderate Sportswear (both included in Women’s Apparel). A strong third quarter sales performance in the Home area served to partially mitigate the year-to-date decrease; the thirty-nine week decrease is primarily due to the elimination of the prior year liquidation event, the impact of which was particularly significant in the second quarter of 2007. Sales in Coats and Moderate Sportswear were adversely impacted by the unseasonable weather. Moderate Sportswear was also impacted by the elimination of the prior year liquidation of non-go-forward merchandise.

Other income: Other income was $69.4 million, or 3.1% of net sales, in 2007 as compared to $57.6 million, or 2.7% of net sales, in 2006. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of thirty-nine weeks of Carson’s operations in the current year as compared to thirty-four weeks in the prior year and an increase in the program revenue received under the CCPA.

Costs and expenses: Gross margin in 2007 was $788.3 million as compared to $765.3 million in 2006, an increase of $23.0 million. The increase in gross margin dollars is primarily attributable to the inclusion of thirty-nine weeks of Carson’s operations in the current year as compared to thirty-four weeks of Carson’s operations in the prior year. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 0.8 percentage point to 35.4% in 2007 from 36.2% in 2006. The decrease in the gross margin rate primarily reflects the inclusion of Carson’s sales and markdowns for the first five weeks of the current year, a historically clearance-driven period with reduced margins, and increased net markdowns in the third quarter.

SG&A expense in 2007 was $780.9 million compared to $731.7 million in 2006, an increase of $49.2 million. The primary factors in the increase in SG&A expense were the inclusion of thirty-nine weeks of Carson’s operations in the current year as compared to thirty-four weeks of Carson’s operations in the prior year period and increases in those costs affected by normal inflationary adjustments. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in integration expenses and increased efficiencies in operations in 2007. The current year expense rate increased 0.5 percentage point to 35.1% of net sales.

Depreciation and amortization expense and amortization of lease-related interests increased $14.5 million, to $91.1 million, in 2007 from $76.7 million in 2006, primarily the result of including thirty-nine weeks of Carson’s operations in the current year expense as compared to thirty-four weeks of Carson’s operations in the prior year period as well as the increased expense associated with asset additions.

(Loss) income from operations: The loss from operations in 2007 was $14.3 million, or 0.6% of net sales, as compared to income from operations of $14.6 million, or 0.7% of net sales, in 2006.

Interest expense, net: Net interest expense was $82.3 million, or 3.7% of net sales, in 2007 as compared to $79.1 million, or 3.7% of net sales, in 2006. The $3.2 million net increase is principally due to thirty-nine weeks of interest expense on debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of Carson’s as compared to thirty-four weeks of such interest expense in the prior year, partially offset by a nonrecurrent prior year charge of $6.8 million for the write-off of fees associated with a bridge facility and the early extinguishment of previous debt.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Income tax benefit: The income tax benefit reflects an effective tax rate of 34.1% in 2007 as compared to 35.7% in 2006. The current year decrease reflects the effect of the changing mix of taxable income and recognized taxable losses within various subsidiaries of the Company.

Net loss: Net loss in 2007 was $63.6 million, or 2.9% of net sales, compared to a net loss of $41.5 million, or 2.0% of net sales, in 2006.

Seasonality and Inflation

Our business, like that of most retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with the major portion of sales and income realized during the second half of each fiscal year, which includes back-to-school and the holiday season. Due to the fixed nature of certain costs, SG&A expense is typically higher as a percentage of net sales during the first half of each fiscal year. We typically finance working capital increases in the second half of each fiscal year through additional borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

We do not believe inflation had a material effect on operating results during the first thirty-nine weeks of 2007 or 2006. However, there can be no assurance that our business will not be affected by material inflationary adjustments in the future.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes material measures of the Company’s liquidity and capital resources:


	November 3,		October 28,
(Dollars in millions)	2007		2006

Working capital	$	550.1	$	442.2
Current ratio		1.86:1		1.72:1
Debt to total capitalization ⁽¹⁾		0.83:1		0.84:1
Unused availability under lines of credit ⁽²⁾	$	253.6	$	247.8


(1)		Debt includes obligations under capital leases. Total capitalization includes shareholders’ equity, debt and obligations under capital leases.

(2)		Subject to a minimum borrowing availability covenant of $75 as of November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006.

Our primary sources of working capital are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, which provides for up to $1.0 billion in borrowings.

Increases in working capital and the current ratio are primarily due to increased levels of merchandise inventories as a result of higher planned ending inventory balances reflecting the calendar shift resulting from the 53^rd week in fiscal 2006. The increase in unused availability under lines of credit as compared to the prior year primarily reflects a decrease in standby letters of credit to support the importing of merchandise and as collateral for obligations related to general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net cash used in operating activities amounted to $111.8 million and $99.0 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in net cash used in the current year primarily reflects the inclusion of Carson’s operations for the full thirty-nine weeks of the period; an increased net loss; increased cash outlays for income taxes, bonus and profit sharing and higher merchandise inventories, the effect of which was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable.

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $79.5 million in 2007, as compared to $1,118.5 million in 2006. The prior year cash outflow reflects the acquisition cost of Carson’s.

Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $190.6 million in 2007, as compared to $1,230.6 million in the prior year. The change primarily reflects prior year borrowings to fund the acquisition of Carson’s, partially offset by increased cash requirements for current year operating activities.

Aside from planned capital expenditures, our primary cash requirements will be to service debt and finance working capital increases during peak selling seasons.

We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on shares of Class A Common Stock and Common Stock on May 1, 2007, August 1, 2007 and October 15, 2007 to shareholders of record as of April 16, 2007, July 16, 2007 and October 1, 2007, respectively. Additionally, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share was declared on December 5, 2007, payable January 15, 2008 to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2008. Our Board of Directors will consider dividends in subsequent periods as it deems appropriate.

Our capital expenditures in 2007 totaled $82.2 million. Capital expenditures for the full fiscal year 2007 (fifty-two weeks ending February 2, 2008), net of landlord contributions, are planned at approximately $106 million. Included in these planned amounts are expenditures relating to the opening of two new stores, expansions of three stores and the renovation and reconfiguration of several existing stores.

We anticipate that our cash flows from operations, supplemented by borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to satisfy our operating cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Cash flows from operations are impacted by consumer confidence, weather in the geographic markets served by the Company, and economic and competitive conditions existing in the retail industry. A downturn in any single factor or a combination of factors could have a material adverse impact upon our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to operate our business.

We have not identified any probable circumstances that would likely impair our ability to meet our cash requirements or trigger a default or acceleration of payment of our debt.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparation of these financial statements required us to make estimates and judgments that affected reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to merchandise returns, bad debts, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, income taxes, financings, contingencies, insurance reserves and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially lead to materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe our critical accounting policies are as described below:

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined by the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margin is derived by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. The retail inventory method is an averaging method that is widely used in the retail industry. Use of the retail inventory method will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market if markdowns are taken timely as a reduction of the retail value of inventories.

Inherent in the retail inventory method calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, merchandise markups, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly impact both the ending inventory valuation at cost and the resulting gross margin. These significant estimates, coupled with the fact that the retail inventory method is an averaging process, can, under certain circumstances, result in individual inventory components with cost above related net realizable value. Factors that can lead to this result include applying the retail inventory method to a group of products that is not fairly uniform in terms of its cost, selling price relationship and turnover; or applying the retail inventory method to transactions over a period of time that include different rates of gross profit, such as those relating to seasonal merchandise. In addition, failure to take timely markdowns can result in an overstatement of inventory under the lower of cost or market principle. We believe that the retail inventory method we use provides an inventory valuation that approximates cost and results in carrying inventory in the aggregate at the lower of cost or market.

We regularly review inventory quantities on-hand and record an adjustment for excess or old inventory based primarily on an estimated forecast of merchandise demand for the selling season. Demand for merchandise can fluctuate greatly. A significant increase in the demand for merchandise could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory purchases while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory quantities on-hand. Additionally, estimates of future merchandise demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the adjustment required for excess or old inventory. If our inventory is determined to be overvalued in the future, we would be required to recognize such costs in costs of goods sold and reduce operating income at the time of such determination. Likewise, if inventory is later determined to be undervalued, we may have overstated the costs of goods sold in previous periods and would recognize additional operating income when such inventory is sold. Therefore, although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of forecasts of future merchandise demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or in economic conditions within our markets could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and reported operating results.

Prior to the Carson’s acquisition, we utilized the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost basis for all of our inventories. In connection with the Carson’s acquisition, we evaluated the inventory costing for the acquired inventories and elected the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost basis for certain of the acquired Carson’s locations. As of February 3, 2007, approximately 30% of our inventories were valued using a FIFO cost basis and approximately 70% of our inventories were valued using a LIFO cost basis. As is currently the case with many companies in the retail industry, our LIFO calculations have yielded inventory increases in recent years due to deflation reflected in price indices used. The LIFO method values merchandise sold at the cost of more recent inventory purchases (which the deflationary indices indicate to be lower), resulting in the general inventory on-hand being carried at the older, higher costs. Given these higher values and the promotional retail environment, we have reduced the carrying value of our LIFO inventories to a net realizable value. These reductions totaled $38.9 million as of November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007. Inherent in the valuation of inventories are significant management judgments and estimates regarding future merchandise selling costs and pricing. Should these estimates prove to be inaccurate, we may have overstated or understated our inventory carrying value. In such cases, operating results would ultimately be impacted.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Vendor Allowances

As is standard industry practice, allowances from merchandise vendors are received as reimbursement for charges incurred on marked-down merchandise. Vendor allowances are generally credited to costs of goods sold, provided the allowance is: (1) collectable, (2) for merchandise either permanently marked down or sold, (3) not predicated on a future purchase, (4) not predicated on a future increase in the purchase price from the vendor, and (5) authorized by internal management. If the aforementioned criteria are not met, the allowances are reflected as an adjustment to the cost of merchandise capitalized in inventory.

Additionally, allowances are received from vendors in connection with cooperative advertising programs and for reimbursement of certain payroll expenses. These allowances received from each vendor are reviewed to ensure reimbursements are for specific, incremental and identifiable advertising or payroll costs incurred to sell the vendor’s products. If a vendor reimbursement exceeds the costs incurred, the excess reimbursement is recorded as a reduction of cost purchases from the vendor and reflected as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold when the related merchandise is sold. All other amounts are recognized as a reduction of the related advertising or payroll costs that have been incurred and reflected in SG&A expense.

Income Taxes

Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition and derecognition threshold and measurement element for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. We establish reserves for certain tax positions that we believe are supportable, but are potentially subject to successful challenge by the applicable taxing authority. Consequently, changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized related to income tax uncertainties and may affect our financial position and results of operations.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The process involves summarizing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income or tax carry-back availability and, to the extent we do not believe recovery of the deferred tax asset is more likely than not, a valuation allowance must be established. To the extent a valuation allowance is established in a period, an expense must be recorded within the income tax provision in the statement of income.

Our net deferred tax assets were $99.9 million and $94.4 million at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, we considered whether it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, or a portion thereof, will not be realized. We considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and limitations pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, we concluded that a valuation allowance against a portion of the net deferred tax assets was appropriate. A total valuation allowance of $24.8 million and $25.4 million was recorded at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively. If actual results differ from these estimates or these estimates are adjusted in future periods, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Long-lived Assets

Property, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in our business model or capital strategy can result in the actual useful lives differing from estimates. In cases where we determined that the useful life of property, fixtures and equipment should be shortened, we depreciated the net book value in excess of the salvage value over the revised remaining useful life, thereby increasing depreciation expense. Factors such as changes in the planned use of fixtures or leasehold improvements could also result in shortened useful lives. Our net property, fixtures and equipment amounted to $892.3 million and $897.9 million at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” requires us to test a long-lived asset for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

	•		Significant under-performance of stores relative to historical or projected future operating results,

	•		Significant changes in the manner of our use of assets or overall business strategy, and

	•		Significant negative industry or economic trends for a sustained period.

If the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount (if any) by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Cash flow estimates are based on historical results, adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. Estimates of fair value represent our best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions, if available. Should cash flow estimates differ significantly from actual results, an impairment could arise and materially impact our financial position and results of operations. Given the seasonality of operations, impairment is not conclusive, in many cases, until after the holiday period in the fourth quarter is concluded.

Newly opened stores may take time to generate positive operating and cash flow results. Factors such as store type, store location, current marketplace awareness of private label brands, local customer demographic data and current fashion trends are all considered in determining the time-frame required for a store to achieve positive financial results. If conditions prove to be substantially different from expectations, the carrying value of new stores’ long-lived assets may ultimately become impaired.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Our goodwill was $22.2 million and $27.4 million at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively.

Net intangible assets totaled $169.7 million and $176.7 million at November 3, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively. At November 3, 2007, our intangible assets are principally comprised of $85.9 million of lease interests that relate to below-market-rate leases and $83.8 million associated with trade names, private label brand names and customer lists. The lease-related interests and the portion of private label brand names subject to amortization are being amortized using a straight-line method. The customer lists are being amortized using a declining-balance method. Trade names and private label brand names of $63.5 million have been deemed as having indefinite lives.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices and/or a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors and future profitability of acquired businesses. Our policy is to conduct impairment testing based on our most current business plans, which reflect anticipated changes in the economy and the industry. If actual results prove inconsistent with our assumptions and judgments, we could be exposed to a material impairment charge.

Insurance Reserve Estimates

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and employee-related health care benefits, a portion of which is paid by our associates. We determine the estimates for the liabilities associated with these risks by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. A change in claims frequency and severity of claims from historical experience as well as changes in state statutes and the mix of states in which we operate could result in a change to the required reserve levels.

Future Accounting Changes

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements, but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The FASB has agreed to a one-year deferral of SFAS No. 157’s fair-value measurement requirements for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We are in the process of evaluating what effect, if any, adoption of SFAS No. 157 may have on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to facilitate comparisons between companies that select different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are in the process of evaluating what effect, if any, adoption of SFAS No. 159 may have on the consolidated financial statements.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this report and other materials filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” or other similar expressions, involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks related to retail businesses generally, deterioration in consumer confidence, continued adverse macroeconomic conditions pressuring consumer spending, additional competition from existing and new competitors, weather conditions that could negatively impact sales, uncertainties associated with opening new stores or expanding or remodeling existing stores, risks related to the Company’s integration of the business and operations comprising the acquired Carson’s and Parisian stores, the ability to attract and retain qualified management, the dependence upon key vendor relationships and the ability to obtain financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. Additional factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements are discussed in greater detail under Item 1A of the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk and Financial Instruments

Refer to disclosures contained on pages 31-32 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in our exposures, risk management strategies, or hedging positions since February 3, 2007.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report and, based on this evaluation, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) The following exhibits are filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K:


Exhibit	Description	Document Location

31.1	Certification of Byron L. Bergren	Filed herewith.

31.2	Certification of Keith E. Plowman	Filed herewith.

32.1	Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(b) and 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934	Furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
DATE: December 12, 2007	BY:	/s/ Byron L. Bergren
		Byron L. Bergren
		President and Chief Executive Officer


DATE: December 12, 2007	BY:	/s/ Keith E. Plowman
		Keith E. Plowman
		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer