Bon-Ton narrows loss on reduced expense

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores reported Thursday that it narrowed its loss in the second quarter to $32.3 million from $33.7 million a year earlier. Sales declined 2.2% to $595.5 million, but aggressive cost-cutting prompted the improved profit performance. Results, however, missed Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales fell 1.5% for the quarter.