DUCK Alco Stores, Inc. (MM)

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. Reports December Sales ABILENE, Kan., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUCK), a leading regional retailer operating 265 full-line discount and hometown variety stores in 21 states in the central portion of the United States, today announced that its sales for the five weeks ended January 2, 2005 (fiscal month of December) increased approximately 3.4% to $61.3 million, compared with $59.3 million in the prior-year month. Same-store sales increased approximately 1.0% during fiscal December 2004 when compared with the year-earlier period. ALCO stores, which generate approximately 93% of the Company's total revenues, recorded a 1.0% same-store sales increase, while the Duckwall division recorded an increase of 0.8% in same-store sales. Management believes that same-store sales comparisons with last year continue to be unfavorably impacted by higher gasoline prices, which have affected discretionary spending by consumers in recent months. Merchandise categories that were particularly strong during December 2004 included: consumables, crafts, domestics, stationery, toys, infants / toddlers, pet supplies, sporting goods and ladies. For the forty-eight weeks ended January 2, 2005, total sales increased approximately 2.1% to $407.8 million, versus $399.5 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, while same-store sales were essentially flat. During the month of December 2004, the Company did not open or close any ALCO or Duckwall stores. Store openings during the first forty-eight weeks of the current fiscal year included 6 new ALCO stores, 3 ALCO Market Place stores (conversions), and 2 new Duckwall stores. No additional ALCO stores are scheduled to open during the balance of the fiscal year. Founded in 1901, Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a leading regional retailer that operates 265 full-line discount and hometown variety stores in 21 states in the central portion of the United States under the names "ALCO", "ALCO Market Place" and "Duckwall", respectively. The Company's strategy is to target smaller markets not served by other regional or national full-line retail discount chains and provide the most convenient access to retail shopping within each market. Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is headquartered in Abilene, Kansas, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "DUCK". 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 quarterly 10-Q filings and other public documents, copies of which are available from the Company on request. CONTACT: Dick Mansfield Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer 785-263-3350 x286 e-mail: internet home page: http://www.duckwall.com/ or RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., Investor Relations Counsel, at (800) 377-9893 or via e-mail at DATASOURCE: Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. CONTACT: Dick Mansfield, Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc., +1-785-263-3350, ext. 286, ; or Investor Relations Counsel, RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., +1-800-377-9893, Web site: http://www.duckwall.com/

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