MILWAUKEE, Aug. 1, 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 it seeks locally-sourced and themed
products from local artists and designers, makers, artisans, and
entrepreneurs for its growing "Close to Home" program. The retailer
once again invites vendors with established businesses and
galleries interested in having their products sold in "Close to
Home" shops to apply online now through August 31 during Bon-Ton's second Online Sourcing
Fair.
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
earlier this year 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. During the first Online Sourcing Fair, more than 1,250
artists, designers, makers, artisans and entrepreneurs submitted
applications in more than a dozen product categories with jewelry,
artwork, home décor, kitchen and bar, apparel, and accessories
topping the list.
"We were thrilled by the number of submissions and the level of
creativity and quality we found in our first Online Sourcing Fair
and are very excited to develop more partnerships with makers,"
said Chad Stauffer, Executive Vice
President, Chief Merchandising Officer for The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
"Our 'Close to Home' shops allow local artisans to reach a much
wider marketplace and offer our customers the true local flavor and
personalized offerings they want from their hometown shopping
destination."
To date, the "Close to Home" initiative has provided more than
325 small businesses with the opportunity to sell products in a
major department store. "Close to Home" is part of Bon-Ton's
broader commitment to support the communities where its stores are
located. Since opening in 45 stores in fall 2016, Bon-Ton has more
than tripled the number of "Close to Home" shops to 148 and plans
to open an additional 40 in-store shops in early fall.
"Close to Home" shops offer new items frequently and seasonally
to provide shoppers with a fun, fresh and unique product selection.
Shoppers will find custom-designed and locally themed products and
one-of-a-kind creations such as artwork, jewelry, home décor,
kitchen and barware, ceramics, bath & body products and other
items crafted by local artists.
The current Online Sourcing Fair is open 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.
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, and
Pinterest.
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SOURCE The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.