Elder-Beerman to consolidate two Mall at Fairfield Commons stores

Elder-Beerman will consolidate its two existing stores at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek and will eliminate the furniture gallery as part of the consolidation, officials with Bon-Ton Stores, parent company of Elder Beerman, announced Friday.

The consolidation will affect employment numbers, but it’s not clear how many positions will be eliminated. Elder-Beerman spokeswoman Christine Hojnacki said today that sales associates whose positions will be affected can interview for positions in the consolidated store and will be eligible to transfer to job openings at other Dayton-area Elder-Beerman locations. But some employees may be offered a severance package and other assistance, Hojnacki said.

“We’re hoping we can place everybody,” she said.

A “major renovation” is underway at the existing Men’s, Kid’s and Home stores on the north side of the mall to accommodate the consolidated store, Bon-Ton officials said in a news release. Renovations to the store’s lower level were completed this week, and work will begin on the upper level starting Monday. All merchandise from the upper level will be moved to the lower level by April 24 to begin renovations on the main floor.

The other Elder-Beerman store at the mall, which houses women’s clothing, cosmetics, shoes and accessories, will remain open until that merchandise is relocated to the newly renovated store in late July, company officials said.

The consolidation will “provide customers with a more convenient and exceptional shopping experience,” Bon-Ton officials said.

Bruce Goldsberry, general manager of the Mall at Fairfield Commons, said Friday that the consolidation “presents an opportunity” for the mall to attract new retailers and services and to improve mall customers’ experiences.

Bon-Ton officials referred furniture customers to the Elder-­Beerman South Towne Furniture Gallery on Miamisburg-Centerville Road (Ohio 725) near the Dayton Mall.

Bon-­Ton Stores, with headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 261 department stores and 10 furniture galleries in 25 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains.

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