Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports September Sales Increase of 6.6 Percent

October 9, 2008 8:30 AM EDT

ABILENE, Kan., Oct. 9, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUCK) today announced that its sales from continuing operations for the five weeks ended October 5, 2008 (fiscal month of September) increased 6.6% to $43.2 million compared to $40.5 million in the prior-year month. Same-store sales for the same period decreased 5.1% with fuel and decreased 5.3% without fuel.

Sales year-to-date increased 4.3% to $314.4 million compared to $301.4 million in the prior year and same-store sales decreased 5.8%. Without fuel, same-stores sales decreased 6.1% year-to-date.

Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "Improving our sales performance, while continuing to drive down SG&A costs, is our top corporate priority. The September same-store sales decline of 5.1% improved from the 11.1% decline in August behind the initial impact of an improved merchandising program. Our new stores continue to perform well on a sales and return on investment basis."

About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a regional retailer that specializes in meeting the needs of smaller, underserved communities across 23 states, primarily in the central United States. The Company offers an exceptional selection of quality products and recognized brand names at reasonable prices. Its specialty is delivering those products with the friendly, personal service its customers have come to expect. With 259 stores, Duckwall-ALCO Stores is proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to its customers for 107 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. visit www.ALCOstores.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as referenced in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("the Act"). Any forward-looking statements are made by the Company in good faith, pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Act. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and projections regarding economic conditions, retail industry environments, and Company performance. Factors which could significantly change results include but are not limited to: sales performance, expense levels, competitive activity, interest rates, changes in the Company's financial condition, and factors affecting the retail category in general. Additional information regarding these and other factors may be included in the Company's 10-Q filings and other public documents, copies of which are available from the Company on request and are available from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:  Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
          Donny R. Johnson, Executive Vice President - Chief
           Financial Officer
          785-263-3350 X164
          djohnson@ALCOstores.com

          Hagen and Partners
          Debbie Hagen
          913-652-6547
          dhagen@hagenandpartners.com

Related Categories

Press Releases

Stocks Mentioned

Add Your Comment

Name

Subject

Body

Verification can't see the text?
click here to refresh the image.
what's this?