ABILENE, Kan., Nov. 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that its sales from continuing operations for the four weeks ended October 29, 2006 (fiscal month of October) increased approximately 6.5% to $34.2 million compared to $32.1 million in the prior-year month, and same-store sales increased 3.9% compared to 4.2% in the same period last year.
Sales for the thirteen weeks (third quarter) ended October 29, 2006 increased approximately 9.3% to $110.1 million from $100.7 million in the prior year quarter, and same-store sales increased 5.9% compared to 4.3% in the third quarter last year.
Sales year-to-date increased approximately 10.6% to $339.1 million compared to $306.6 million in the prior year, and same-store sales increased 6.6% compared to 2.5% in the prior year.
The Company also announced that today it is opening its 187th ALCO store in Dodge City, Kansas.
Investor Conference Call
The Company will host an investor conference call at 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on December 8, 2006, to discuss operating results in greater detail for the quarter ended October 29, 2006. The dial-in number for the conference call is 800-811-0667 (international/local participants dial 913-981-4901), and the Confirmation Code is 8294741. Parties interested in participating in the conference call should dial in approximately five minutes prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern time. A replay of the call will be available two hours after completion from December 8 through December 22 by dialing 888-203-1112 or for international/local callers by dialing 719-457-0820. The Replay Passcode is 8294741.
About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a regional retailer that specializes in meeting the needs of smaller, underserved communities throughout the central United States. The Company offers an exceptional selection of fashionable merchandise, quality products and recognized brand names at reasonable prices. Our specialty is delivering those products with the friendly, personal service our customers have come to expect. With 254 stores across 21 states, we are proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to our customers for 105 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. visit our website at 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 quarterly 10-Q filings and other public documents, copies of which are available from the Company on request.