ABILENE, Kan., July 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) is introducing a weekly discount on Tuesdays for all shoppers age 62 and over. Effective August 2, seniors will receive a 15 percent discount on their total purchase at any Duckwall or ALCO store that day.
As a general merchandise retailer that serves rural and smaller communities across 21 states, many of the company's customers are over age 62. "These customers often rely on our stores for their staple items," said Virginia Meyer, Director of Marketing and Advertising for Duckwall-ALCO Stores. "They count on our breadth of merchandise and our reasonable prices when they are on a fixed income. They know they get a good value when they shop our stores."
President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Dale said a weekly Senior Citizen Day is just one of many new marketing and merchandising initiatives. "As any good retailer would do, we are constantly evaluating our marketing and merchandising activities. As a result, we are initiating a number of efforts that we believe will help us positively impact the company's bottom line and better position us as a leader in the industry."
Dale added, "Seniors are very important customers to Duckwall-ALCO Stores. We value their business and have chosen to offer them a special incentive to shop with us. We are confident they will appreciate a 15 percent discount and will plan their weekly shopping trip to include our stores."
Recently, the company announced a revamped website, www.alcostores.com, which features the current ad circular so customers who like to shop online can check out special purchases every week. In addition, the website offers gift cards for purchases in Duckwall-ALCO Stores.
The website -- which has both an English and a Spanish version -- also includes employment opportunities, answers to frequently asked questions and the opportunity for customers to provide feedback. The site has an easy search process for store locations.
About Duckwall-ALCO Stores
Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a leading regional retailer that specializes in offering a wide variety of products at reasonable prices to the underserved communities of America. Founded in 1901 by A.L. Duckwall as a general merchandising operation in Abilene, Kan., Duckwall-ALCO is known for its convenient locations and for its friendly, personal service. The company has 247 stores in 21 states across the central United States, operating under two names, ALCO and Duckwall. ALCO discount stores offer a full line of merchandise, while Duckwall variety stores serve smaller communities, offering a smaller selection.
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 quarterly 10-Q filings and other public documents, copies of which are available from the Company on request.