Valley Mall in Hagerstown Loses Bon-Ton, Gains Belk

[tylerSC]

And Bon-Ton is apparently on the brink of bankruptcy, and will continue to close more stores next year. It is speculated some of their stores in Maryland or Pennsylvania may be acquired by Belk or Boscov's. As for their Midwest brands it remains to be seen. Other stores include Elder-Beerman, Carson's, Younker's, Bergner's, Herbergers, and Boston Store.

While the department store sector is struggling, Belk seems to remain strong and in addition to the former Bon-Ton in Hagerstown, it has also recently converted a former Macy's in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

[cat1116]

Originally Posted by tylerSC

Well there is a Boscov's in Frederick, Maryland, as well as locations in neighboring Pennsylvania. But it seems like they would possibly consider a Hagerstown location, in either the former Macy's or Sears locations. Unless the arrival of Belk in the former Bon-Ton location would be considered too much similar competition. But Belk stores vary from moderate to upscale, especially their high end flagship locations.

It's true that management of the various stores can make or break customer sales. I've been to the Boscovs in Frederick, Md - not so great if you ever had a chance to compare it to the one at Park Ctr, Lancaster, Pa.

I did like this Bon Ton in Hagerstown a tad more than the one in Martinsburg though.
I had liked the Macy's in Hagerstown better than the one in Dulles (Va). It just seemed neater. You would think it would be the other way around.

Years back when I lived in Pa., did enough shopping at Boscov's. Remember parents buying several of their appliances from there and Sears as well.

Surprised Bon Ton in Martinsburg is still hanging in there. Wish them luck. Well, they don't have the other anchor stores to compete with in that area (Sears & JCP), just Walmart. Unless you drive across to the Commons. More places to eat than shop now in Martinsburg.

[MidValleyDad]

I haven't heard anything in the last year or so but when I last heard the Frederick Boscovs had both the most volume and the highest profits of the chain.

[Tuneful]

Not surprised Frederick does well. Boscov's is nuts to not go closer to the DC market and all its disposable income. B's is truly a unique store with a family feel (both in terms of staff and clients) that harkens back to the days when going to a department store was actually fun. Whether they could start and sustain that feeling in the DC area (I live in N. Silver Spring) would be a Q, though, IMHO. Also, what will happen now that its patriarch has passed on? I love to pass some time in B's but I've been burned by some of their so-called bargains that were also subpar in quality. Re Bon Ton, I have NEVER used a worse website (complete waste of my time) so I never wanted to go to the store. The Belk (it's small) in Westminster MD did not impress me. A lot of their house brands seemed cut for slim women and I am curvy (size 14). Most quality looked nice though.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by tylerSC

And Bon-Ton is apparently on the brink of bankruptcy, and will continue to close more stores next year. It is speculated some of their stores in Maryland or Pennsylvania may be acquired by Belk or Boscov's. As for their Midwest brands it remains to be seen. Other stores include Elder-Beerman, Carson's, Younker's, Bergner's, Herbergers, and Boston Store.

While the department store sector is struggling, Belk seems to remain strong and in addition to the former Bon-Ton in Hagerstown, it has also recently converted a former Macy's in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The first Boscov's was originally called The Boston Store before Al Boscov bought it.

[cat1116]

I'm disappointed to see this Bon Ton replaced by Belk. While I've managed to find some things at Belk, I've done much better with Bon Ton and Boscov's.

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by Tuneful

Not surprised Frederick does well. Boscov's is nuts to not go closer to the DC market and all its disposable income. B's is truly a unique store with a family feel (both in terms of staff and clients) that harkens back to the days when going to a department store was actually fun. Whether they could start and sustain that feeling in the DC area (I live in N. Silver Spring) would be a Q, though, IMHO. Also, what will happen now that its patriarch has passed on? I love to pass some time in B's but I've been burned by some of their so-called bargains that were also subpar in quality. Re Bon Ton, I have NEVER used a worse website (complete waste of my time) so I never wanted to go to the store. The Belk (it's small) in Westminster MD did not impress me. A lot of their house brands seemed cut for slim women and I am curvy (size 14). Most quality looked nice though.

I posted awhile ago that I wished Boscov's would move to this area - It's pretty far for me to drive to PA. Guessing that the real estate here is too expensive though (and to be honest, Boscov's isn't as good as it used to be - like most dept. stores now - buying the cheap garbage clothing and trying to sell it for much more than it's worth).

[cat1116]

We were up there today. Noticed what was once Tilted Kilt, then Rustic Barrel is now closed. That was short-lived.

BJ's Brew House will be opening Monday, May 21st.