Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports March Same-Store Sales Increase of 3.8%

Total Sales Increase 8.4%

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Symbol	Price	Change
DUCK	15.10	0.00

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ABILENE, Kan., April 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (NasdaqGM:DUCK - News) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the most recent five weeks ended April 5, 2009 (fiscal period of March) increased 8.4% to $42.6 million compared to $39.3 million in the prior-year month. Same-store sales increased 3.8%.

Sales year-to-date increased 11.2% to $78.1 million compared to $70.3 million in the prior year, and same-store sales increased 6.3%.

Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, ``We are pleased with our third consecutive month of same-store sales growth. Growth occurred despite the impact of significant unseasonable winter weather causing numerous store closings over the past three weeks, and the Easter shift from March last year to April this year. Our turnaround plan to significantly improve the fundamentals of our business continues to progress.''

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on April 17, 2009, to discuss operating results for the quarter and year ended February 1, 2009. The dial-in number for the conference call is 888-271-8583 (international/local participants dial 913-981-5589), and the Confirmation Code is 6910428. Parties interested in participating in the conference call should dial in approximately five minutes prior to 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time. A replay of the call will be available from two hours after completion on April 17 through April 22 by dialing 888-203-1112 or for international/local callers by dialing 719-457-0820. The Replay Passcode is 6910428. A replay of the call will also be available four hours after completion of the call by visiting the Investors page on the Company's website, http://www.ALCOstores.com.

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 108 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. visit http://www.ALCOstores.com.

The Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5865

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