ABILENE, Kan., Jan. 29, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) has successfully completed a major overhaul of its Information Technology (IT) systems in all of its 189 ALCO Stores. The IT initiative was launched in December 2005.
As part of the IT overhaul, the Company has implemented a new Point of Sale (POS) and Perpetual Inventory Management System.
SKU-level inventories have been completed at all stores to load the perpetual inventory data. In February new Automatic Replenishment and Forecasting systems will begin to leverage the information provided by the new store technology.
This new store technology supports multiple payment types such as pin-based debit cards which now are accepted at all ALCO Stores.
In addition, a Wide Area Network (WAN) now allows for 24/7 connectivity with all stores. The WAN has reduced credit card authorization time from 45 seconds to five seconds.
Another element of the IT initiative includes the successful implementation of a centralized Accounts Receivable system for private charge accounts.
"We are pleased to complete the overhaul of software and hardware at all the ALCO retail locations," said Tony Corradi, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer with Duckwall-ALCO Stores. "Our IT and Store Operations teams did a terrific job throughout the implementation process, and our technology vendors served as true partners every step of the way. The completion of this process means huge strides for our company as we begin to see the results of our efforts. Our employees have enthusiastically embraced this new technology."
Bruce Dale, President and CEO of Duckwall-ALCO Stores added, "This is a major milestone for our Company, and we commend our IT and Store Operations teams for completing this enormous task. Thanks to this successful implementation, we are able to deliver a better in-store experience for our customers, improve real time merchandising information, enhance employee productivity and increase our stores' operational efficiencies."
About Duckwall-ALCO Stores
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 256 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.