Founded in 1898, the Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates department stores in the mid-size and metropolitan markets of the United States. Its stores offer brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men, and children, as well as footwear, cosmetics, home furnishings, intimate apparel, and juniors' apparel. As of February 2, 2008, it operated 280 stores in 23 Northeastern, Midwestern, and upper Great Plains states.