ABILENE, Kan., Aug. 4, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that sales from continuing operations increased 7.6% to $33.2 million for the fiscal four-week period ended July 31, 2011, compared to $30.8 million during the same period of the prior year. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 7.6% versus the prior year.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2012, sales from continuing operations increased 7.9% to $122.0 million, compared to $113.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2011. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 7.2% versus a year earlier.
In the first six months of fiscal 2012, sales from continuing operations increased 6.8% to $236.2 million, compared to $221.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2011. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 5.2% versus a year earlier.
Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Six consecutive months of positive sales performance have given Duckwall-ALCO a solid growth trend for the first half of this fiscal year. This achievement is a result of improved merchandise assortments, stronger value proposition, and better customer service. Sales growth was balanced across many categories in the store, including Apparel, Consumables, Electronics, Housewares, Domestics and Outdoor Furniture. Duckwall-ALCO remains committed to building shareholder value by improving operational efficiency and continuing comparable-store sales growth."
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 213 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.