Carlisle store among 42 being closed by Bon-Ton

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Among them are Bon-Ton stores in Carlisle, Dubois, Erie, Johnstown, Selinsgrove, State College, Stroudsburg and Trexlertown, according to a list distributed this afternoon by the company.

In addition to the eight stores in Pennsylvania, Bon-Ton is shuttering locations in Idaho (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (5), Iowa (2), Kentucky (1), Michigan (2), Minnesota (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Utah (1) and Wisconsin (9).

The list includes multiple brands operated by Bon-Ton: Bergner’s, Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers. Four clearance centers are among those closing. 

The closures affect roughly 1,860 employees, according to Bon-Ton spokesperson Christine Hojnacki. She declined to provide any other information. The Carlisle store is at The Point at Carlisle Plaza shopping mall. 

In a statement, the company said employees will have the opportunity to interview for openings at stores that remain open.

Bon-Ton has been working on a plan to shore up its sagging finances, and the closures had been expected based on announcements last fall by the company, which has dual headquarters in York County and Wisconsin. It had previously announced a closure of five stores, in Maryland, Michigan, New York, Vermont and West Virginia.

“As part of the comprehensive turnaround plan we announced in November, we are taking the next steps in our efforts to move forward with a more productive store footprint,” Bill Tracy, Bon-Ton president and CEO, said in a statement. “Including other recently announced store closures, we expect to close a total of 47 stores in early 2018. We remain focused on executing our key initiatives to drive improved performance in an effort to strengthen our capital structure to support the business going forward.”

He added: “We would like to thank the loyal customers who have shopped at these locations and express deep gratitude to our team of hard-working associates for their commitment to Bon-Ton and to serving our customers.”

Store closing sales are expected to begin Feb. 1 under a partnership with a third-party liquidator, Hilco Merchant Resources. Sales will run for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. 

Bon-Ton’s restructuring plan also calls for closing a distribution center in Fairborn, Ohio, which is tied to its Elder-Beerman brand.