EXHIBIT 31.1



                                  CERTIFICATION

I, Byron L. Bergren, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this amended quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The
Elder-Beerman Stores Corp.;

     2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
report; and

     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as
of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

Date: October 15, 2003       By:  /s/  Byron L. Bergren
                                  ---------------------

                             Name:     Byron L. Bergren
                             Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer