The news came Thursday afternoon in a press release from Bon-Ton Stores Inc., Herberger’s corporate owner, announcing that liquidation sales will begin Friday, April 20, at all of its 250 stores, including the one in Butte.
Advertisement
The company had run about 256 stores under nameplates including Younkers, Herberger’s, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s and Elder-Beerman.
York, Penn. -based Bon-Ton Stores began going-out-of-business sales Friday at all its stores.
On Wednesday a DE bankruptcy court approved a sale of the companys assets to liquidators. The Great American-Tiger Capital Group will liquidate the company.
In New Ulm, where Herberger’s has stood on Minnesota Street since 1946, customer Marilyn Macho said the rapidly changing retail market is unsettling, especially for older people. Other box stores have also shuttered or downsized across Missoula in recent years, including Staples, Kmart, Hastings and Sports Authority.
“I have been monitoring the Bon-Ton situation closely as has CBL Properties, the owner/operator of Brookfield Square Mall”, Ponto said via email Wednesday.
Bon-Ton has 10 other stores in Wisconsin.
Barb Behmlander, general manager of the Bay City Town Center, formerly known as the Bay City Mall, said there have ben rumors about a closure since Bon-Ton announced its bankruptcy in February. “Over the last three years and including projects now underway, we have executed on over 40 redevelopment projects, transforming underperforming space into retail, dining and entertainment destinations that increase sales and traffic to our properties”.
The company estimates all store closings will be completed in 10 to 12 weeks. Even customers who buy from a retailer’s website are spending less time in bricks and mortar, making it hard to keep those stores open.
Advertisement
An executive of Bon-Ton stores confirmed that during the retail store sales, Bon-Ton’s website and app will remain active.
