ABILENE, Kan., Feb. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALCS) today announced sales for the January period, fourth quarter period and for the fiscal year-ended February 3, 2013. As a result of the Company's fiscal 2013 year containing 53 weeks, each fiscal 2013 period presented here has one additional week of sales in the current year when compared to the prior-year periods which contain 52 weeks. The Company will report actual results and also will compare the same-store percentage changes for each period "as adjusted" to an equal number of weeks with the prior year, by excluding the current fiscal year's 53rd week of activity.
Sales from continuing operations, excluding fuel, increased 26.0% to $34.8 million for the fiscal five-week period ended February 3, 2013, compared to $27.6 million during the four-week period of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 21.4% from a year earlier. As adjusted, same-store sales excluding fuel, decreased 1.0% from a year earlier.
For the fourth quarter ended February 3, 2013, sales from continuing operations, excluding fuel, increased 8.3% to $145.1 million, compared to $133.9 million for the fourth quarter ended January 29, 2012 of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 4.2% from a year earlier. As adjusted, January same-store sales excluding fuel, decreased 0.5% from a year earlier.
For the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 2013, sales from continuing operations, excluding fuel, increased 3.6% to $485.7 million, compared to $468.8 million during the 52-week period of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales for the 53-week period increased 0.3% from a year earlier. As adjusted, same-store sales, excluding fuel, decreased 1.0% from a year earlier.
Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "January sales were somewhat soft due to a combination of positive and negative factors. Cooler temperatures in January drove ALCO's business in seasonal categories within the Home and Hardlines Divisions, and we also experienced growth in our Commodities Division as a result of our expanded freezer and cooler product offerings. However, consumer spending was subdued amid uncertainty on the future of the economy with the fiscal cliff, payroll tax increase, and other issues in the period."
About ALCO Stores, Inc.
ALCO Stores, Inc. is a broad-line retailer, primarily located in small underserved communities across 23 states. The Company has 217 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 112 years. To learn more about the Company, 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"). 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.