ABILENE, Kan., Sept. 4, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that its sales from continuing operations for the four weeks ended August 31, 2008 (fiscal month of August) were flat at $35.7 million compared to $35.7 million in the prior-year month. Same-store sales for the same period decreased 11.1% with fuel and decreased 11.7% without fuel. Approximately two-thirds of the same-store sales decline was due to not repeating costly prior year promotions. The underlying same-store sales decrease is consistent with the low single digit decline of the most recent quarter.

Sales year-to-date increased 4.0% to $271.2 million compared to $260.9 million in the prior year and same-store sales decreased 5.9%. Without fuel, same-stores sales decreased 6.2% year-to-date.

Larry Zigerelli, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "While we are obviously disappointed in our same-store sales performance, we expect the strengthened merchandising and operational programs already being implemented will improve results near-term."

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on September 12, 2008, to discuss operating results for the second quarter ended August 3, 2008. The Company will release earnings following the close of business on September 11, 2008. The dial-in number for the conference call is 800-388-8975 (international/local participants dial 913-312-0408), and the Confirmation Code is 5345297. Parties interested in participating in the conference call should dial in approximately five minutes prior to 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time. A replay of the call will be available from two hours after completion on September 12 through September 26 by dialing 888-203-1112 or for international/local callers by dialing 719-457-0820. The Replay Passcode is 5345297.

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. Its specialty is delivering those products with the friendly, personal service its customers have come to expect. With 258 stores across 23 states, Duckwall-ALCO Stores is proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to its customers for 107 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. visit 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 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.