<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 4, 1996 and the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Income for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 1996
(Unaudited) and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000878079
<NAME> BON TON STORES INC
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-04-1996
<CASH>                                          10,653
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   25,557
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,953
<INVENTORY>                                    168,692
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               226,618
<PP&E>                                         179,187
<DEPRECIATION>                                  61,300
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 366,995
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           94,122
<BONDS>                                        168,744
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           113
<OTHER-SE>                                     101,983
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   366,995
<SALES>                                        129,320
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               129,842
<CGS>                                           80,518
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  130,181
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,097
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (3,436)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (1,237)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (2,199)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (2,199)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.20)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.20)