Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports April Same-Store Sales Increase of 6.1%, Total Sales Up 10.6%

• Press Release
• Source: Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
• On 8:30 am EDT, Thursday May 7, 2009

ABILENE, Kan., May 7, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK - News) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the most recent fiscal four week period ending May 3, 2009 increased 10.6% to $35.9 million compared to $32.5 million in the prior-year month. Same-store sales increased 6.1%, a fourth consecutive month of same-store sales growth.

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Symbol	Price	Change
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Sales for the first quarter increased 11.0% to $114.1 million compared to the prior year $102.8 million and same-store sales increased 6.2%.

Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased with the momentum we are currently generating despite the challenging economic environment. All strategic elements of our turn around program, which began last fall, are meeting or exceeding expectations. First quarter fiscal 2010 same-store sales continued to grow and costs continued to be reduced significantly."

Same-stores

The Company has changed its definition of same-stores. The Company had historically included stores as same-store at the beginning of their third fiscal year of operation. In 2010, stores will be included as same-stores beginning in their fourteenth fiscal period of operation.

About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a regional broad line 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 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