Conversion and construction of the 52,000-sf furniture galleryin Muskegon will begin in March and is scheduled for completion atthe end of July 2008. The Bon-Ton department store chain currentlyoperates a Younkers store at Lakes Mall, which it is retaining, andthe new furniture gallery there will operate under the Younkersnameplate.

Bon-Ton acquired the 71,000-sf Elder-Beerman in Morgantown Eastwhen it bought the Elder-Beerman company in 2003. The lease atMorgantown East expires on Jan. 31, and will not be renewed.

The parent company "continually reviews the performance of itsassets," says Bud Bergren, Bon-Ton's president and CEO, in astatement. "Following a review of the Elder-Beerman Morgantown Eastlocation, we made the decision to close the store." Of the Younkersexpansion at Lakes Mall, he says, "the addition of the furnituregallery will enhance the total shopping experience for ourcustomers in this market." The conversion and closing costs areundisclosed.