Bright’s Department Store at the Carbon Plaza in rural Lehighton has been sold to Laneco Incorporated, a giant retail firm with headquarters in Easton.

Ray A. Bartolacci, chairman of the board of Laneco, said his company will continue to do business under the Bright’s banner. He and George Bright, president of Bright’s Stores, said Laneco will assume responsibility for the operation of the Carbon Plaza store in about three weeks.

Laneco is the operator of Foodlane Supermarkets, Lane’s Department Stores, Carriage Drug Stores and Just Be Natural health food stores.

Bright moved his businesses from Lehighton and Lansford to the Carbon mall in 1976.