DUCK Alco Stores, Inc. (MM)

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the fiscal five-week period ended July 3, 2011, increased 11.8% to $49.4 million, compared to $44.1 million during the same period of the prior year. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 10.6% versus the prior year.

On a year-to-date basis, sales from continuing operations increased 6.7% to $203.0 million, compared to $190.3 million in the first five months of fiscal 2011. On a comparable-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 4.9% versus a year earlier.

Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "June marks the Company's fifth consecutive month of positive comparable-store sales. Momentum continues to build as our improved merchandise assortments, store execution and value proposition resonate with our core customer. We experienced strong June sales in Apparel, Sporting Goods, Outdoor Furniture, Air Conditioners and the Health and Beauty areas of the stores."

Mr. Wilson added, "The Company is well positioned for the upcoming 'Back to School' selling period with an improved store execution strategy, powerful value statements and the right product mix."

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.

CONTACT: Wayne S. Peterson
         Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
         785-263-3350 X164
         email: wpeterson@ALCOstores.com
         or
         Debbie Hagen
         Hagen and Partners
         913-642-6363
         email: dhagen@hagenandpartners.com