BON-TON PUSHES E-COMMERCE GROWTH WITH NEW FUFILLMENT CENTER

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. has a new weapon to boost online sales: a just-opened 743,000-sq.-ft. technologically advanced direct-to-consumer fulfillment center. The facility, in West Jefferson, Ohio, replaces five e-commerce distribution centers and significantly increases shipping capacity to an estimated 40,000 units per day and 350,000 units per day during the peak holiday season.

The highly automated complex began transitioning fulfillment operations in June and is expected to hasten delivery times and improve efficiency. It currently employs 200 full-time workers and will double that number for the holidays.

“Our goal is to ensure extraordinary service to our customers,” said Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. in a statement. “The facility was designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience from beginning to end.”

She added: “This new state-of-the-art facility was critical to accommodate the rapid growth we are experiencing in our e-commerce business.”

Bon-Ton’s retail empire encompasses 270 stores under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates. The stores are located in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains.