MILWAUKEE, Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bon-Ton
Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT), which operates Bon-Ton, Bergner's,
Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers
stores, plans to expand its "Close to Home" initiative by adding
in-store shops to at least 100 stores this year after a successful
launch in 45 stores in fall 2016. As part of the expansion, the
retailer also announced the launch of the new "Close to Home"
Online Sourcing Fair that invites local artists and designers,
makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with established businesses and
galleries interested in having their products sold in "Close to
Home" shops to apply online.
Product submissions for the first "Close to Home" Online
Sourcing Fair are being accepted February 7
through March 24, 2017 at
closetohome.bonton.com. Interested applicants must reside
in one of Bon-Ton's 25 states to apply for this
exclusive opportunity. The company hopes the "Close to Home"
Online Sourcing Fair will attract a large number of new and
talented artisans and entrepreneurs eager to grow their small
businesses and reach new audiences.
Open year round in-store and online, the "Close to Home" shops
feature locally-sourced and themed products and were a hit during
the 2016 fall and holiday shopping season. From September through
December, "Close to Home" shop sales more than doubled projections
and the company expects continued growth in 2017.
"Our regional merchandising teams carefully curated these shops
to deliver customers a hometown shopping experience that reflects
the tastes and buying preferences of our local communities," said
Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO of
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "The 'Close to Home' shops have been a
great opportunity for us to showcase local artisans and
entrepreneurs and demonstrate our commitment to supporting the
communities we serve."
More than 100 small businesses from 16 cities across eight
states were featured in the initial launch of the "Close to Home"
shops. For many, the opportunity to sell products in a major
department store provided significant growth for their
business.
"I doubled my yearly revenue in 2016 and had more sales in
December than the entire previous 11 months combined," said
Carma Wood, owner of Kiyi Kiyi
Cosmetics in Willmar, Minnesota. "Being featured in a 'Close
to Home' shop has allowed me to reach a wider audience of
customers."
"With our products in the 'Close to Home' shop, we have seen not
only an increase in sales, but an increase in overall brand
awareness," commented Clint McMahon,
owner of MPLS STP Clothing. "We are very grateful to be
included because our business is all about helping people celebrate
home and show their hometown pride."
"We started out selling primarily at craft fairs, farmers
markets and a few boutiques, and then Bon-Ton called," said
Kelley Grace Quakkelaar of
Wisconsin's Gracie Designs, which
produces hand-crafted wristlets and trucker hats for the 'Close to
Home' shop. "It's been a significant ramping up of our
business."
While each "Close to Home" shop is unique to its community, most
shops include locally-themed apparel; glassware, pillows, blankets
and home décor; handbags, scarves and other accessories; natural
candles, bath and body products; and other unique giftable items.
Many products are hand-crafted or made with locally-sourced
materials.
Through the "Close to Home" Online Sourcing Fair, Bon-Ton plans
to expand product offerings to include a broader selection of
custom-designed and produced clothing and one-of-a-kind creations
such as artwork, paintings, jewelry, décor and art objects crafted
by local artists.
Bon-Ton aims to have "Close to Home" shops in at least 150
stores by mid-2017, representing more than half of the company's
stores. As the program expands and rotates featured makers, new
items will be added frequently and seasonally. As such, the "Close
to Home" shops will always have fresh and unique product
assortments. Bon-Ton will hold future online sourcing fairs as part
of an ongoing effort to develop more relationships with local
makers and curate a broader selection of local product
offerings.
About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
The Bon-Ton
Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 263 stores,
which includes 9 furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in
25 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under
the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman,
Herberger's and Younkers nameplates. The stores offer a broad
assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and
accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and
home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is an active and
positive participant in the communities it serves. For store
locations and information, visit bonton.com. Join the conversation
and be inspired by following Bon-Ton on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, Pinterest and the fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog,
#LoveStyle.
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SOURCE The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.