Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports November Sales

• Press Release
• Source: Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
• On Thursday December 4, 2008, 8:30 am EST

ABILENE, Kan., Dec. 4, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (NasdaqGM:DUCK - News) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the four weeks ended November 30, 2008 (fiscal month of November) decreased 0.7% to $42.5 million compared to $42.8 million in the prior-year month. Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 0.3% over the prior-year month. Same-store sales for the period decreased 4.2%. Including fuel from the Company's two fuel centers, same-store sales decreased 4.7%.

Related Quotes

Symbol	Price	Change
DUCK	16.71	-0.30

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Sales year-to-date increased 4.0% to $392.4 million compared to $377.4 million in the prior year, and same-store sales decreased 5.5%. Without fuel, same-store sales decreased 5.6% year-to-date.

Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, ``We continue to deliver improved same-store sales in the low single-digit loss range behind the initial impact of our strengthened merchandising and store operations programs. Current holiday sales are strong and we expect further same-store sales improvement in the weeks ahead.''

Store Operations Update

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2009, the Company opened 18 ALCO stores as planned. Eleven of these were stores in new markets, three were replacements of smaller ALCO stores, and four were replacements of previous Duckwall stores. No additional openings are planned for the remainder of fiscal 2009.

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on December 12, 2008, to discuss operating results for the third quarter ended November 2, 2008. The dial-in number for the conference call is 800-776-0816 (international/local participants dial 913-312-0388), and the Confirmation Code is 4623634. Parties interested in participating in the conference call should dial in approximately five minutes prior to 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. A replay of the call will be available from two hours after completion on December 12 through December 26 by dialing 888-203-1112 or for international/local callers by dialing 719-457-0820. The Replay Passcode is 4623634.

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 258 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 http://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.

          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