ABILENE, Kan., Feb. 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the most recent four weeks ended February 1, 2009 (fiscal month of January) increased 12.9% to $30.0 million compared to $26.6 million in the prior-year month (adjusted for four weeks). Same-store sales increased 5.6% on an adjusted basis. The prior-year fiscal month of January was a five week period. Comparing sales from the five weeks of last year's fiscal January period from continuing operations versus the four weeks of this year's January period, sales decreased 13.3% and same-store sales decreased 18.9%.
Sales for the fourth quarter increased 2.0% to $138.5 million compared to the prior year adjusted $135.7 million and same-store sales decreased 3.3%, which is an improvement over the third quarter same-store sales decline of 6.6%. The prior-year fiscal quarter was a fourteen week period. Unadjusted sales for the quarter decreased 3.7% and same-store sales decreased 8.8%.
Year-to-date sales increased 3.9% to $478.4 million compared to the prior year adjusted $460.7 million and same-store sales decreased 5.1%. The prior fiscal year was a 53 week period. Unadjusted year-to-date sales increased 2.1% and same-store sales decreased 6.7%.
Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "These strong results are encouraging and were expected, as our strengthened merchandising and operations programs started in Fall 2008 take hold. We anticipate continued progress near term."
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 www.ALCOstores.com.
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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.