MILWAUKEE, June 14, 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, announced today that more than 1,250 artists,
designers, makers, artisans and entrepreneurs submitted
applications to the retailer's first Online Sourcing Fair. The
number far exceeded expectations as Bon-Ton continues to cultivate
local partnerships and source new and unique merchandise to sell in
its expanding number of "Close to Home" shops.
Available in-store and online, "Close to Home" shops feature
locally-sourced and themed products many of which are hand-crafted
or upcycled. Bon-Ton launched its first Online Sourcing Fair in
March as part of an ongoing effort to provide shoppers with a
broader selection of local products by developing more
relationships with area makers in communities they serve.
The retailer vetted applications in more than a dozen product
categories with jewelry, artwork, home décor, kitchen and bar,
apparel, and accessories topping the list. From jewelry made out of
guitar strings in Iowa to wall
décor in the shape of winter skis in Minnesota, submissions came from nearly two
dozen states. Minnesota,
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois and New
York fielded the most. Bon-Ton is considering about a third
of those who applied and will start in late June to introduce new
product selections in stores. Many of the makers have an
active social media presence and an engaged following.
"Our regional merchandising teams were overwhelmed by the level
of interest and depth of creativity and quality represented in the
submissions," said Chad
Stauffer, Executive Vice President, Chief
Merchandising Officer for The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "With a growing
base of local makers, customers can look forward to an elevated
hometown shopping assortment with true local flavor in our "Close
to Home" shops. We can't wait to showcase the new products
from these talented new artisans in our stores."
Since opening in 45 stores in fall 2016, Bon-Ton has more than
tripled the number of "Close to Home" shops to 148 in 14 states.
"Close to Home" shops offer new items frequently and seasonally to
provide shoppers with a fun, fresh and unique product selection.
Including the latest round of makers selected, the "Close to Home"
initiative has provided more than 340 small businesses with the
opportunity to sell products in a major department store. The
"Close to Home" initiative is part of Bon-Ton's broader commitment
to support the communities where its stores are located.
The retailer will once again accept product submissions from
applicants with established businesses and galleries for its next
Online Sourcing Fair starting July 18,
2017 through August 31, 2017
at closetohome.bonton.com. Interested applicants must reside in one
of Bon-Ton's 25 states to apply for this exclusive opportunity. The
retailer is especially interested in submissions from Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Utah and
West Virginia.
About The Bon-Ton Stores,
Inc.
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with
corporate headquarters in York,
Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 261 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 further
information, please visit
thebontonstoresinc.com or the company's web site
at 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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visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-1250-artisans-and-entrepreneurs-submit-product-applications-for-bon-ton-stores-first-close-to-home-online-sourcing-fair-300473981.html
SOURCE The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.