ABILENE, Kan., April 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that its sales from continuing operations for the five weeks ended April 1, 2007 (fiscal month of March) increased approximately 8.5% to $42.9 million compared to $39.5 million in the prior-year month, and same-store sales increased 7.1% compared to 0.7% in the same period last year.
Sales year-to-date increased approximately 6.2% to $76.4 million compared to $72.0 million during the same period last year. Same-stores sales increased 4.5% compared to 2.8% last year.
March sales do not reflect the company's Easter week business as reported by many retail companies. These results will be reported in Duckwall-ALCO's April sales release.
Bruce Dale, President and CEO, said, "Despite not being able to report our full Easter sales results, with the warmer spring weather, we enjoyed strong sales in lawn and garden, sporting goods, and spring apparel. We are pleased with our early spring results and are confident our merchandising and marketing plans for the spring selling season are on target."
The Company also announced that today is the grand opening of its 190th ALCO store in Chillicothe, IL.
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 257 stores across 21 states, we are proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to our customers for 106 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.