ABILENE, Kan., June 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the fiscal four-week period ended May 29, 2011, increased 4.0% to $39.8 million, compared to $38.2 million during the same period of the prior year. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 3.3% versus the prior year.
On a year-to-date basis, sales from continuing operations increased 5.2% to $154.3 million, compared to $146.7 million in the first four months of fiscal 2011. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 3.2% versus a year earlier.
Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "In-spite of adverse weather conditions in several of our markets during May, we have delivered our fourth consecutive month of increased comparable-store sales. We remain pleased with our progress in top line sales. Clearly our improved value proposition, marketing and merchandise offering is resonating with our core customer. In addition, we remain focused on improving execution, reducing expenses and delivering increased profitability for our shareholders."
About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a broad-line retailer, primarily located in small underserved communities across 23 states. The Company has 214 ALCO stores that offer both name brand and private label products of exceptional quality at reasonable prices. We are proud to have continually provided friendly, personal service to our customers for the past 110 years. To learn more about the Company, visit www.ALCOstores.com.
The Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5865
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as referenced in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("the Act"). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the inclusion of "will," "believe," "intend," "expect," "plan," "project" and similar future-looking terms. You should not rely unduly on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and projections regarding economic conditions, retail industry environments, and the Company performance. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, and, accordingly, actual results may vary materially. 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.