SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarter ended August 3, 2002                    Commission File Number
                                                               0-19517


                            THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
                             2801 EAST MARKET STREET
                            YORK, PENNSYLVANIA 17402
                                 (717) 757-7660


INCORPORATED IN PENNSYLVANIA                             IRS NO. 23-2835229





         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

         As of September 10, 2002 there were 12,400,911 shares of Common Stock,
$0.01 par value, and 2,989,853 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value,
outstanding.

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



                                                                                                     August 3,         February 2,
(In thousands except share and per share data)                                                         2002               2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                 
ASSETS                                                                                              (Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:

   Cash and cash equivalents                                                                         $  11,596          $   9,752
   Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales
      returns of $3,586 and $3,408 at August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, respectively                 22,285             31,161
   Merchandise inventories                                                                             156,594            166,042
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                            15,419             10,542
   Deferred income taxes                                                                                 6,377              7,371
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total current assets                                                                               212,271            224,868
                                                                                                     ---------          ----------
PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT AT COST,
   LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION                                                      138,094            143,884
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                                    3,935              2,741
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS                                                                           9,755              9,999
OTHER ASSETS                                                                                             3,776              4,091
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total assets                                                                                     $ 367,831          $ 385,583
                                                                                                     =========          =========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

   Accounts payable                                                                                  $  60,150          $  57,007
   Accrued payroll and benefits                                                                          9,749              9,743
   Accrued expenses                                                                                     24,047             28,191
   Current portion of long-term debt                                                                       680                646
   Current portion of obligations under capital leases                                                     241                232
   Income taxes payable                                                                                    660             11,891
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total current liabilities                                                                           95,527            107,710
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------

LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES                                                                 68,160             67,209
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES                                                  597                720
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                                                                              6,955              6,683
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total liabilities                                                                                  171,239            182,322
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------


SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   Preferred Stock - authorized 5,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; no shares issued                       --                 --
   Common Stock - authorized 40,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding
     shares of 12,415,211 and 12,483,941 at August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, respectively              125                125
   Class A Common Stock - authorized 20,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued and
     outstanding shares of 2,989,853 at August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002                                 30                 30
   Treasury stock, at cost - shares of 65,500 at August 3, 2002                                           (279)                --
   Additional paid-in-capital                                                                          107,436            107,467
   Deferred compensation                                                                                  (298)              (408)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                               (2,879)            (2,354)
   Retained earnings                                                                                    92,457             98,401
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total shareholders' equity                                                                         196,592            203,261
                                                                                                     ---------          ---------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                       $ 367,831          $ 385,583
                                                                                                     =========          =========


 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


                                       2

         THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



                                                                 THIRTEEN                              TWENTY-SIX
                                                                WEEKS ENDED                            WEEKS ENDED
                                                      -------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands except share and per share data)           August 3,        August 4,           August 3,         August 4,
(Unaudited)                                                2002             2001                2002               2001
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 
NET SALES                                             $    153,890      $    150,867       $    304,407      $    300,586
OTHER INCOME, NET                                              553               518              1,087             1,042
                                                      -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           154,443           151,385            305,494           301,628
                                                      -------------------------------------------------------------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:

       Costs of merchandise sold                            95,959            95,637            196,356           194,377
       Selling, general and administrative                  53,733            54,112            104,369           107,218
       Depreciation and amortization                         4,847             4,484              9,904             8,934
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS                                           (96)           (2,848)            (5,135)           (8,901)
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET                                        2,399             2,175              4,376             4,092
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                    (2,495)           (5,023)            (9,511)          (12,993)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT                                            (936)           (1,884)            (3,567)           (4,873)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------
NET LOSS                                               $    (1,559)     $     (3,139)      $     (5,944)     $     (8,120)
                                                      ====================================================================
Per share amounts --

BASIC:

       Net loss                                       $      (0.10)     $      (0.21)      $      (0.39)     $      (0.54)
                                                      ====================================================================

BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING               15,238,000        15,161,000         15,260,000        15,155,000


DILUTED:

       Net loss                                       $      (0.10)     $      (0.21)      $      (0.39)     $      (0.54)
                                                      =====================================================================

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING             15,238,000        15,161,000         15,260,000        15,155,000


 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


                                       3

                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



                                                                                         TWENTY-SIX
                                                                                         WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                 --------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                   August 3,        August 4,
(Unaudited)                                                                        2002             2001
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net loss                                                                         $ (5,944)        $ (8,120)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
   by (used in) operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                                                9,904            8,934
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net                             6,792          (11,414)
                                                                                 --------------------------
                    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities            10,752          (10,600)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

       Capital expenditures, net                                                   (3,878)          (5,939)
       Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment                           2               12
                                                                                 --------------------------
                    Net cash used in investing activities                          (3,876)          (5,927)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

       Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations                   (75,079)         (76,269)
       Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                    75,950           93,500
       Common shares repurchased                                                     (279)              --
       Increase (decrease) in bank overdraft balances                              (5,624)             313
                                                                                 --------------------------
                    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities            (5,032)          17,544

                    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                       1,844            1,017

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                    9,752           14,067

                                                                                 --------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                       $ 11,596         $ 15,084
                                                                                 ==========================

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

       Interest paid                                                             $  3,891         $  3,454
       Income taxes paid                                                         $ 10,785         $  7,820


  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


                                       4

                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, was incorporated on
January 31, 1996 as successor of a company established on January 31, 1929 and
currently operates as one business segment, through its subsidiaries, 73 retail
department stores located in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and West Virginia.

1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include accounts of
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the
"Company"). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (primarily consisting of normal
recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim
periods have been included. The Company's business is seasonal in nature and
results of operations for interim periods presented are not necessarily
indicative of results for the full fiscal year. It is suggested that these
consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002 (the "2001 Annual Report").

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current
year presentation.

2.    STOCK REPURCHASES

On February 7, 2002, the Company announced a stock repurchase program
authorizing the purchase of up to $2.5 million of Company stock from time to
time. The Company purchased 41,500 shares, at a cost of $0.2 million, during the
first quarter of 2002 and 24,000 shares, at a cost of $0.1 million, during the
second quarter of 2002. Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method.

3.    PER SHARE AMOUNTS

The presentation of earnings per share (EPS) requires a reconciliation of
numerators and denominators used in basic and diluted EPS calculations. The
numerator, net loss, is identical in both calculations. The following table
presents a reconciliation of average shares outstanding for the respective
calculations for each period presented on the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations:



                                                  THIRTEEN                              TWENTY-SIX
                                                 WEEKS ENDED                            WEEKS ENDED
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                            August 3,       August 4,         August 3,         August 4,
                                              2002            2001              2002              2001
                                          -------------  --------------     ---------------  ------------
                                                                                    
Basic Calculation                         15,238,000        15,161,000        15,260,000        15,155,000
Effect of dilutive shares ---
    Restricted Shares                             --                --                --                --
    Options                                       --                --                --                --
                                          -----------------------------      -----------------------------
Diluted Calculation                       15,238,000        15,161,000        15,260,000        15,155,000
                                          -----------------------------      -----------------------------



                                       5

                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                                   (CONTINUED)

The following securities were antidilutive and, therefore, were not included in
the computation of diluted income per share amounts for the periods indicated:




                                              THIRTEEN                           TWENTY-SIX
                                             WEEKS ENDED                         WEEKS ENDED
                                        ---------------------------   ----------------------------
                                         August 3,      August 4,      August 3,       August 4,
                                           2002           2001           2002            2001
                                        ------------  -------------   ------------    ------------
                                                                          
Antidilutive shares ---
    Restricted Shares                     175,000        321,000        179,000         219,000
    Options                               960,000        929,000        964,000         928,000




Certain securities were excluded from the computation of dilutive shares due to
the Company's net loss position. The following table shows the approximate
effect of dilutive securities had the Company reported profit for the periods
indicated:




                                                             THIRTEEN                             TWENTY-SIX
                                                           WEEKS ENDED                           WEEKS ENDED
                                                  ----------------------------------     --------------------------------
                                                      August 3,         August 4,           August 3,         August 4,
                                                        2002               2001                2002             2001
                                                  ----------------   ---------------     ---------------   --------------
                                                                                               
Approximate effect of dilutive securities ---
    Restricted Shares                                  105,000            20,000             98,000            10,000
    Options                                            121,000               -              104,000               -



4.    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Effective at the beginning of 2002, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142,
goodwill amortization ceased. Goodwill is now subject to fair-value based
impairment tests performed, at a minimum, on an annual basis. In addition, a
transitional goodwill impairment test was required as of the adoption date.

The Company had $3.0 million in net goodwill recorded in its consolidated
balance sheet at the beginning of 2002. The Company completed the required
transitional goodwill impairment test in the first quarter of 2002, and
determined that its goodwill was not impaired. During the twenty-six weeks ended
August 3, 2002, no goodwill amortization was recorded, no additional goodwill
was acquired, no impairment losses were recognized and no goodwill was disposed
of through sale of a business unit.



                                       6


                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                                  (CONTINUED)



SFAS No. 142 requires the presentation of net income and related earnings per
share data adjusted for the effect of goodwill amortization. To illustrate the
impact of goodwill amortization on results of the prior year periods, the
following table provides adjusted net income and earnings per share:



                                                                      THIRTEEN                             TWENTY-SIX
(In thousands except per share data)                                 WEEKS ENDED                           WEEKS ENDED
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              August 3,         August 4,         August 3,        August 4,
                                                                2002              2001              2002             2001
                                                             ------------   ----------------   ---------------  --------------
                                                                                                     
Reported net loss                                            ($  1,559)        ($  3,139)        ($  5,944)        ($   8,120)
Add back:  Goodwill amortization, net of
  tax benefit of $22 and $44 for the thirteen
  and twenty-six weeks, respectively                                --                36                --                 73
                                                             --------------------------------   ------------------------------
Adjusted net loss                                            ($  1,559)        ($  3,103)        ($  5,944)        ($   8,047)
                                                             ================================   ==============================
Per share amounts ---

BASIC:

Reported net loss                                            ($      0.10)     ($      0.21)     ($      0.39)     ($    0.54)
Add back:  Goodwill amortization, net of tax benefit                --                 0.01             --               0.01
                                                             --------------------------------   ------------------------------
Adjusted net loss                                            ($      0.10)     ($      0.20)     ($      0.39)     ($    0.53)
                                                             ================================   ==============================
DILUTED:

Reported net loss                                            ($      0.10)     ($      0.21)     ($      0.39)     ($    0.54)
Add back:  Goodwill amortization, net of tax benefit                --                 0.01             --               0.01
                                                             --------------------------------   ------------------------------
Adjusted net loss                                            ($      0.10)     ($      0.20)     ($      0.39)     ($    0.53)
                                                             ================================   ==============================


SFAS No. 142 also requires disclosure of intangible assets which are subject to
amortization. As of August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, the Company reported
the following lease-related interests classified as intangible assets:



(In thousands)                        August 3,       February 2,
                                        2002             2002
                                    -------------  ---------------
                                               
Intangible assets - leases           $    10,828      $     10,828
Less:  Accumulated amortization            4,038             3,794
                                    ------------------------------
     Net                             $     6,790      $      7,034
                                    ==============================



These lease interests relate to below-market-rate leases purchased in store
acquisitions completed in fiscal years 1992 through 1999, which were adjusted to
reflect fair market value. These leases had average lives of twenty-five years.
Amortization of $0.1 million and $0.2 million was recorded on these intangible
assets during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002,
respectively. The Company anticipates amortization on these intangible assets of
approximately $0.5 million, $0.4 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5
million for fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.


                                       7

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                                  (CONTINUED)

5.    INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES

In 2002, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting for $40 million of
outstanding interest rate swaps that are converting variable rates under the
Company's credit facilities to fixed rates. As these swaps were no longer
considered highly effective under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," they are now being marked-to-market through
earnings each reporting period. The amount recorded in interest expense related
to the mark-to-market adjustment for these swaps was $0.2 million of income in
the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2002 and $0.3 million of expense for the
thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2002.

The amount in accumulated other comprehensive income related to these swaps is
being recognized as an adjustment to the yield of credit facilities borrowings
over the remaining term for these discontinued swaps. The amount released from
accumulated other comprehensive income was $0.2 million in each of the thirteen
weeks ended May 4, 2002 and August 3, 2002.

6.    SALE OF RECEIVABLES

The Company securitizes its proprietary credit card portfolio through an
accounts receivable facility (the "Facility"). Under the Facility, which is
contingent upon receivables meeting certain performance criteria, the Company
has the option to sell through The Bon-Ton Receivables Partnership, LP
("BTRLP"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, up to $150.0 million of an
undivided percentage interest in the receivables on a limited recourse basis. In
connection with the Facility, the Company retains servicing responsibilities,
subordinated interests and an interest-only strip, all of which are retained
interests in the securitized receivables. The Company receives annual servicing
fees of 2.0% of the outstanding balance and rights to future cash flows arising
after investors in the securitization have received the return for which they
contracted. The investors have no recourse to the Company's other assets for
failure of debtors to pay when due. The Company's retained interests are
subordinate to the investors' interests. The value of the retained interest is
subject to credit, prepayment and interest rate risks. The Company does not
recognize a servicing asset or liability, as the amount received for servicing
the receivables is a reasonable approximation of market rates and servicing
costs.

As of August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, credit card receivables were sold
under the securitization agreement in the amount of $144.5 million and $150.0
million, respectively, and the Company had subordinated interests of $22.9
million and $31.5 million, respectively, related to the amounts sold that were
included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as trade and other
accounts receivable.

During the thirteen weeks and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002, the
Company recognized securitization income of $2.3 million and $5.2 million,
respectively, on securitization of credit card loans. This income is reported
as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.


                                       8

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                                  (CONTINUED)

7.    EFFECT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations." SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for
obligations associated with retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the
associated asset retirement costs. SFAS 143 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2002 with earlier adoption encouraged. The Company
intends to adopt SFAS 143 for the 2003 fiscal year and does not expect the
provisions of SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on operating results of the
Company.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or
Disposal of Long-lived Assets," which supercedes SFAS No. 121. SFAS No. 144,
effective for fiscal 2002, retains provisions of SFAS No. 121 regarding
recognition and measurement of long-lived asset impairment. SFAS No. 144
supercedes the accounting and reporting provisions of Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 30 "Reporting the Results of Operations -- Reporting the
Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and
Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions" for segments of a business to be
disposed of. The Company anticipates that adoption of SFAS No. 144 provisions
will not have a material impact on its operating results.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities." This statement changes the timing of
recognition for certain exit costs associated with restructuring activities, so
that certain exit costs would be recognized over the period in which the
restructuring activities occur. Currently, exit costs are recognized when the
Company commits to a restructuring plan. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or
disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, with early adoption
encouraged.


                                       9

                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                       CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
            RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes changes in selected operating indicators of the
Company, illustrating the relationship of various income and expense items to
net sales for the respective periods presented:



                                                    THIRTEEN                     TWENTY-SIX
                                                   WEEKS ENDED                   WEEKS ENDED
                                             -----------------------      ------------------------
                                              August 3,    August 4,       August 3,     August 4,
                                               2002           2001           2002          2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------      -----------------------
                                                                            
NET SALES                                     100.0%         100.0%          100.0%         100.0%
OTHER INCOME, NET                               0.4            0.3             0.4            0.4
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------
                                              100.4          100.3           100.4          100.4
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

      Costs of merchandise sold                62.4           63.4            64.5           64.7
      Selling, general and administrative      34.9           35.9            34.3           35.7
      Depreciation and amortization             3.1            3.0             3.3            3.0
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS                           (0.1)          (1.9)           (1.7)          (3.0)
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET                           1.6            1.4             1.4            1.4
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                       (1.6)          (3.3)           (3.1)          (4.3)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT                             (0.6)          (1.2)           (1.2)          (1.6)
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------
NET LOSS                                       (1.0)%         (2.1)%          (2.0)%         (2.7)%
                                             -----------------------      -----------------------


THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 3, 2002 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 4,
2001

For purposes of the following discussions, all references to "second quarter of
2002" and "second quarter of 2001" are to the Company's thirteen-week period
ended August 3, 2002 and August 4, 2001, respectively.

NET SALES. Net sales for the second quarter of 2002 were $153.9 million,
reflecting a total and comparable store sales increase of 2.0% from the same
period last year. Business families recording sales increases for the second
quarter of 2002 were Coats, Accessories, Misses Sportswear, Petites, Womens and
Juniors. Business families reflecting the sharpest sales percentage decreases
for the second quarter of 2002 were Dresses, Childrens and Shoes.

OTHER INCOME, NET. Net other income, principally income from leased departments,
was 0.4% of net sales in the second quarter of 2002 compared to 0.3% of net
sales in the second quarter of 2001.

COSTS AND EXPENSES. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased 1.0
percentage point to 37.6% for the second quarter of 2002 from 36.6% for the
comparable period last year. The gross margin percentage increase was primarily
due to a higher cumulative markup and reduced markdowns. Gross margin dollars
for the second quarter of 2002 increased $2.7 million compared to the second
quarter of 2001, resulting from increases in sales volume and gross margin rate.


                                       10

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2002 were
$53.7 million, $0.4 million less than the second quarter of 2001. The expense
dollar improvement was principally a reflection of increased securitization
income on the Company's proprietary credit card program of $1.0 million,
partially offset by increased insurance expenses and reduced vendor violations
income. The current year expense rate decreased 1.0 percentage point to 34.9%
of net sales, primarily due to increased sales volume.

Depreciation and amortization in the second quarter of 2002 increased $0.4
million over the second quarter of 2001, principally reflecting 2002
depreciation on fiscal 2001 capital expenditures.

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS. Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2002 was
$0.1 million, or 0.1% of net sales, compared to loss from operations of $2.8
million, or 1.9% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2001.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Net interest expense was $2.4 million, or 1.6% of net
sales, in the second quarter of 2002 compared to $2.2 million, or 1.4% of net
sales, in the second quarter of 2001. The increase in net interest expense is a
reflection of the Company's position in interest rate swaps, partially offset by
reductions in debt balances and interest rates.

INCOME TAX BENEFIT. The effective tax rate remained constant at 37.5% in the
second quarters of 2002 and 2001.

NET LOSS. Net loss in the second quarter of 2002 was $1.6 million, or 1.0% of
net sales, compared to net loss of $3.1 million, or 2.1% of net sales, in the
second quarter of 2001.

TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 3, 2002 COMPARED TO TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED AUGUST
4, 2001

For purposes of the following discussions, all references to "2002" and "2001"
are to the Company's twenty-six week period ended August 3, 2002 and August 4,
2001, respectively.

NET SALES. Net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002 were $304.4
million, reflecting a total and comparable store sales increase of 1.3% from the
same period last year. Business families recording sales increases for 2002 were
Coats, Petites, Accessories, Misses Sportswear and Juniors. Business families
reflecting the sharpest sales percentage decreases for 2002 were Dresses,
Childrens, Intimate, Shoes and Mens Clothing.

OTHER INCOME, NET. Net other income, principally income from leased departments,
was 0.4% of net sales in 2002 and 2001.

COSTS AND EXPENSES. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased 0.2
percentage point to 35.5% for the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002 from
35.3% for the comparable period last year. The gross margin percentage increase
in 2002 was primarily due to a higher cumulative markup. Gross margin dollars in
2002 increased $1.8 million compared to 2001, resulting from increases in sales
volume and gross margin rate.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.8 million, to $104.4
million in 2002 from $107.2 million in 2001. The expense dollar improvement was
principally a reflection of increased securitization income on the Company's
proprietary credit card program of $2.5 million and decreased advertising and
utilities expense, partially offset by


                                       11

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

reduced vendor violation income. The expense rate as a percentage of net sales
decreased 1.4 percentage points, to 34.3% from 35.7% for the prior year period,
resulting from reductions in expense combined with increased sales volume.

Depreciation and amortization increased to 3.3% of net sales in 2002 from 3.0%
of net sales in 2001, principally reflecting 2002 depreciation on fiscal 2001
capital expenditures.

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS. Loss from operations in 2002 was $5.1 million, or 1.7% of
net sales, compared to loss from operations of $8.9 million, or 3.0% of net
sales, in 2001.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Net interest expense was $4.4 million, or 1.4% of net
sales, for the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002 compared to $4.1 million,
or 1.4% of net sales, for the prior year period. The increase in net interest
expense is a reflection of the Company's position in interest rate swaps,
partially offset by reductions in debt balances and interest rates.

INCOME TAX BENEFIT. The effective tax rate remained constant at 37.5% in 2002
and 2001.

NET LOSS. Net loss in 2002 was $5.9 million compared to a net loss of $8.1
million in 2001.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS 143 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002 with earlier adoption encouraged. The
Company intends to adopt SFAS 143 for the 2003 fiscal year and does not expect
the provisions of SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on operating results of
the Company.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or
Disposal of Long-lived Assets," which supercedes SFAS No. 121. SFAS No. 144,
effective for fiscal 2002, retains provisions of SFAS No. 121 regarding
recognition and measurement of long-lived asset impairment. SFAS No. 144
supercedes the accounting and reporting provisions of Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 30 "Reporting the Results of Operations -- Reporting the
Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and
Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions" for segments of a business to be
disposed of. The Company anticipates that adoption of SFAS No. 144 provisions
will not have a material impact on its operating results.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities." This statement changes the timing of
recognition for certain exit costs associated with restructuring activities, so
that certain exit costs would be recognized over the period in which the
restructuring activities occur. Currently, exit costs are recognized when the
Company commits to a restructuring plan. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or
disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, with early adoption
encouraged.


                                       12

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

The Company's business, like that of most retailers, is subject to seasonal
fluctuations, with the major portion of sales and income realized during the
second half of each fiscal year, which includes back-to-school and holiday
seasons. Due to the fixed nature of certain costs, selling, general and
administrative expenses are typically higher as a percentage of net sales during
the first half of each fiscal year.

Because of the seasonality of the Company's business, results for any quarter
are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full fiscal
year. In addition, quarterly operating results are impacted by the timing and
amount of revenues and costs associated with the opening of new stores and
closing and remodeling of existing stores.

The Company does not believe inflation had a material effect on operating
results during the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002 and August 4, 2001.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will not be
affected by inflationary adjustments in the future.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's working capital requirements are currently met through a
combination of cash, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and proceeds
from its accounts receivable facility.

The following table summarizes the Company's liquidity and capital resources:



                                                  August 3,        August 4,
(Dollars in millions)                               2002             2001
                                                             
Working capital                                    $116.7          $153.2

Current ratio                                      2.22:1          2.63:1

Funded debt to total capitalization                0.26:1          0.38:1

Unused availability under lines of credit          $ 54.1          $ 37.3


For the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2002, net cash provided by operating
activities was $10.8 million as compared to net cash used in operating
activities of $10.6 million for the comparable prior year period. The increase
in net cash from operating activities in 2002 as compared to 2001 was primarily
attributable to a decrease in merchandise inventories, a reduction in accounts
receivable and an increase in net proceeds from sale of accounts receivable.

Net cash used in investing activities was $3.9 million in 2002, compared to $5.9
million for the comparable period last year. This reduction reflects differences
in the timing of capital projects.


                                       13

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

Net cash used in financing activities was $5.0 million for 2002, compared to net
cash provided by financing activities of $17.5 million for the comparable period
of 2001. The decrease in cash from financing activities in 2002 was primarily
attributable to decreased advances on the Company's revolving credit facility.

The Company anticipates its cash flows from operations, supplemented by
borrowings under its revolving credit facility and proceeds from its accounts
receivable facility, will be sufficient to satisfy its operating cash
requirements.

Cash flows from operations are impacted by consumer confidence, weather
conditions in the geographic markets served by the Company, economic climate and
competitive conditions existing in the retail industry. A downturn in any single
factor or a combination of factors could have a material adverse impact upon the
Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flows to operate its business.

The Company has not identified any probable circumstances that would likely
impair its ability to meet its cash requirements or trigger a default or
acceleration of payment of the Company's debt.

TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

The Company engages in securitization activities involving the Company's
proprietary credit card portfolio as a source of funding. Gains and losses from
securitizations are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income when the
Company relinquishes control of the transferred financial assets in accordance
with SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
and Extinguishments of Liabilities -- a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125"
and other related pronouncements. The gain or loss on the sale of financial
assets depends in part on the previous carrying amount of the assets involved in
the transfer, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based
upon their respective fair values at the date of sale.

The Company has sold an undivided percentage ownership interest in certain of
its credit card accounts receivable to an unrelated third-party under a $150
million accounts receivable securitization facility. The unrelated third-party,
referred to as the conduit, has purchased a $144.5 million interest in the
accounts receivable under this facility at August 3, 2002. The Company has an
agreement to sell, on a revolving basis, pools of accounts receivable to a
special purpose entity, The Bon-Ton Receivables Partnership, LP ("BTRLP"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. BTRLP is designed to facilitate the
securitization of certain accounts receivable. BTRLP then sells an undivided
percentage ownership interest in each individual receivable to the conduit at a
discount and uses cash collected on these receivables to purchase additional
receivables from the Company. The Company is responsible for servicing these
accounts and receives a servicing fee, while BTRLP bears the risk of
non-collection. Associated off-balance-sheet assets and related debt were $144.5
and $150.0 million at August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, respectively. Upon
the facility's termination, the conduit would be entitled to all cash
collections on BTRLP's accounts receivable until its net investment ($144.5
million at August 3, 2002) is repaid. Accordingly, upon termination of the
facility, the assets of BTRLP would not be available to the Company until all
amounts due and owing by BTRLP to the conduit have been paid in full.

The Company believes the terms of the accounts receivable facility qualify the
accounts receivable transactions for "sale treatment" under generally accepted
accounting principles. This treatment requires it to account for BTRLP's
transactions with the conduit as a sale of accounts receivable instead of
reflecting the conduit's net investment as long-term debt with a pledge of
accounts receivable as collateral. Absent this "sale treatment," the Company's
balance sheet would reflect additional accounts receivable and long-term debt,


                                       14

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

which could be a factor in the Company's ability to raise capital; however,
results of operations would not be materially impacted.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates
and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues
and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of its financial statements. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its
estimates, including those related to merchandise returns, bad debts,
inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, financings and contingencies and
litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on
various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions or conditions.

The Company defines "critical accounting policies" as those accounting policies
that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could
potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions
and conditions. The Company believes its critical accounting policies are those
described below.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts
credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current
credit-worthiness. The Company continually monitors collections and payments
from customers and maintains an allowance for estimated credit losses based upon
its historical experience and any specific customer collection issues identified
(e.g. bankruptcy). While such credit losses have historically been within
expectations and provisions established, the Company cannot guarantee that it
will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past. If
circumstances change (e.g. higher than expected defaults or bankruptcies), the
Company's estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be
materially reduced.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using
the retail last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. Under the retail inventory
method, the valuation of inventories at cost and resulting gross margin are
calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of
inventories. The retail inventory method is an averaging method that has been
widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Use of the retail
inventory method will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or
market if markdowns are taken timely as a reduction of the retail value of
inventories.

Income Taxes

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for
income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance
recorded against net deferred tax assets. The process involves the Company
summarizing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items
(e.g. inventory valuation reserves) for tax and accounting purposes. These
differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included
within the consolidated balance sheet. The Company must then assess the


                                       15

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income
and, to the extent the Company believes recovery is not likely, a valuation
allowance must be established. To the extent the Company establishes a valuation
allowance in a period, an expense must be recorded within the tax provision in
the statement of operations. Net deferred tax assets were $10.3 million and
$10.1 million as of August 3, 2002 and February 2, 2002, respectively. As of
said dates, no valuation allowance has been established against net deferred tax
assets, as the Company believes these tax benefits will be realizable through
reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities, tax carry-back availability and
future taxable income.

Long-lived Assets

The Company assesses, on a store-by-store basis, the impairment of identifiable
long-lived assets -- primarily property, fixtures and equipment -- whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in
operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be
impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
assets are less than the carrying amount of those items. Cash flow estimates are
based on historical results adjusted to reflect the Company's best estimate of
future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not
recoverable is reduced to fair value. Estimates of fair value represent the
Company's best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates
and transactions. Newly-opened stores may take time to generate positive
operating and cash flow results. Factors such as store type, store location,
current marketplace awareness of the Company's private label brands, local
customer demographic data and current fashion trends are all considered in
determining the time-frame required for a store to achieve positive financial
results. If economic conditions are substantially different from our
expectations, the carrying value of certain long-lived assets may become
impaired.

Property, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in
the Company's business model or changes in the Company's capital strategy can
result in the actual useful lives differing from the Company's estimates. In
cases where the Company determines that the useful life of property, fixtures
and equipment should be shortened, the Company would depreciate the net book
value in excess of the salvage value over its revised remaining useful life,
thereby increasing depreciation expense. Factors such as changes in the planned
use of fixtures or leasehold improvements could result in shortened useful
lives.

Securitizations

A significant portion of the Company's funding is through off-balance-sheet
credit card securitizations via sales of certain accounts receivable through an
accounts receivable facility. The sale of receivables is to BTRLP, a special
purpose entity, as defined by SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities -- A
Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125." BTRLP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company. BTRLP sells the receivables through the accounts receivable
facility to a conduit. BTRLP may sell up to $150.0 million through the facility.

The Company sells accounts receivable through securitizations with servicing
retained. When the Company securitizes, it surrenders control over the
transferred assets and accounts for the transaction as a sale to the extent that
consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets is
received in exchange. The Company allocates the previous carrying amount of the
securitized receivables between the assets sold and retained interests, based on
their relative estimated fair values at the date of sale. Securitization income
is recognized at the time of the sale, and is equal to the excess of the fair
value of the assets obtained (principally cash) over the allocated cost of the
assets sold and transaction costs. During the revolving period


                                       16

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

of each accounts receivable securitization, securitization income is recorded
representing estimated gains on the sale of new receivables to the conduit on a
continuous basis to replenish the investors' interest in securitized receivables
that have been repaid by the credit card account holders. Fair value estimates
used in the recognition of securitization income require certain assumptions of
payment, default, servicing costs and interest rates. To the extent actual
results differ from those estimates, the impact is recognized as securitization
income.

The Company estimates the fair value of retained interests in securitizations
based on a discounted cash flow analysis. The cash flows of the retained
interest-only strip are estimated as the excess of the weighted average finance
charge yield on each pool of receivables sold over the sum of the interest rate
paid to the note holder, the servicing fee and an estimate of future credit
losses over the life of the receivables. Cash flows are discounted from the date
the cash is expected to become available to the Company. These cash flows are
projected over the life of the receivables using payment, default, and interest
rate assumptions that the Company believes would be used by market participants
for similar financial instruments subject to prepayment, credit and interest
rate risk. The cash flows are discounted using an interest rate that the Company
believes a purchaser unrelated to the seller of the financial instrument would
demand. As all estimates used are influenced by factors outside the Company's
control, there is uncertainty inherent in these estimates, making it reasonably
possible that they could change in the near term. Any adverse change in the
Company's assumptions could materially impact securitization income.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this report and other materials filed or to be
filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission contains
statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, which may be
identified by words such as "may," "could," "will," "plan," "expect,"
"anticipate," "estimate," "project," "intend" or other similar expressions,
involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect
results in the future, and, accordingly, such results may differ from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties
affecting retail in general, such as consumer confidence and demand for soft
goods; risks relating to leverage and debt service; competition within markets
in which the Company's stores are located; and the need for, and costs
associated with, store renovations and other capital expenditures. These risks
and other risks are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002.


                                       17

                    THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


ITEM  3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company does not believe its interest rate risks, as described in the 2001
Annual Report, have changed materially since the Company's disclosure in its
2001 Annual Report.

PART  II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM  1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There have been no material developments in any legal proceedings since the
Company's disclosure in its 2001 Annual Report.

ITEM  4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

On June 18, 2002, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The
following matter was submitted for vote:

      1.    The following individuals were nominated and elected by the votes
            set forth to serve as the directors of the Company:


                                                       
M. Thomas Grumbacher                                 For:       40,692,021
                                      Withhold Authority:          243,102

James H. Baireuther                                  For:       40,692,021
                                      Withhold Authority:          243,102

Samuel J. Gerson                                     For:       40,794,621
                                      Withhold Authority:          140,502

Michael L. Gleim                                     For:       40,378,876
                                      Withhold Authority:          556,247

Robert C. Siegel                                     For:       40,794,621
                                      Withhold Authority:          140,502

Leon D. Starr                                        For:       40,793,971
                                      Withhold Authority:          141,152

Frank Tworecke                                       For:       40,650,321
                                      Withhold Authority:          284,802

Thomas W. Wolf                                       For:       40,794,621
                                      Withhold Authority:          140,502



                                       18

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) The following exhibits are filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of
Regulation S-K:


      None.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter:

      1.    On June 14, 2002, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
            reporting, under Item 4, a change in auditors from Arthur Andersen
            LLP to KPMG LLP.

      2.    On June 19, 2002, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
            reporting, under Item 4, a change in auditors relative to The
            Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Profit Sharing / Retirement Savings Plan from
            Arthur Andersen LLP to KPMG LLP.

      3.    On June 27, 2002, the Company filed an amended Current Report on
            Form 8-K relative to events reported in the Current Report on Form
            8-K filed June 14, 2002.


                                       19

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                            THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

DATE: September 16, 2002                    BY: /s/  Tim Grumbacher
         -------------------                   --------------------------------
                                                Tim Grumbacher
                                                Chairman of the Board and
                                                Chief Executive Officer

DATE: September 16, 2002                    BY: /s/  James H. Baireuther
         -------------------                   --------------------------------
                                                James H. Baireuther
                                                Vice Chairman, Chief
                                                Administrative Officer and
                                                Chief Financial Officer


                                       20

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Tim Grumbacher, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The
Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., certify that:

      (1)   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Bon-Ton
            Stores, Inc.;

      (2)   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
            untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
            necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
            under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect
            to the period covered by this quarterly report;

      (3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
            information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
            material respects the financial condition, results of operations and
            cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
            in this quarterly report.

                                           THE BON-TON STORES, INC.


DATE: September 16, 2002                   BY: /s/  Tim Grumbacher
      -------------------                      -----------------------------
                                               Tim Grumbacher
                                               Chairman of the Board and
                                               Chief Executive Officer


I, James H. Baireuther, Vice Chairman, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief
Financial Officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., certify that:

      (1)   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Bon-Ton
            Stores, Inc.;

      (2)   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any
            untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
            necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
            under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect
            to the period covered by this quarterly report;

      (3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
            information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
            material respects the financial condition, results of operations and
            cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
            in this quarterly report.

                                          THE BON-TON STORES, INC.


DATE: September 16, 2002                  BY:  /s/  James H. Baireuther
      -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                               James H. Baireuther
                                               Vice Chairman, Chief
                                               Administrative Officer and
                                               Chief Financial Officer


                                       21

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
                 SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with quarterly report of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. on Form 10-Q for
the period ending August 3, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Tim Grumbacher, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., certify, pursuant
to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

      (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
            15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

      (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.


                                           THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

DATE: September 16, 2002                   BY: /s/  Tim Grumbacher
      -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                               Tim Grumbacher
                                               Chairman of the Board and
                                               Chief Executive Officer



In connection with quarterly report of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. on Form 10-Q for
the period ending August 3, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, James H. Baireuther, Vice
Chairman, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The
Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., certify, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, that:

      (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or
            15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

      (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.


                                           THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

DATE: September 16, 2002                   BY: /s/  James H. Baireuther
      -------------------                      ---------------------------------
                                               James H. Baireuther
                                               Vice Chairman, Chief
                                               Administrative Officer and
                                               Chief Financial Officer


                                       22