Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports Positive February Sales Results

ABILENE, Kan., March 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that sales from continuing operations for the fiscal four-week period ended February 27, 2011, increased 5.5% to $35.5 million, compared to $33.6 million during the same period of the prior year. On a comparable store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 3.1% versus the prior year.

Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Despite the impact of inclement weather during the first two weeks, our February sales performance represents a solid start to the new fiscal year. We continue to achieve positive momentum as a result of several key initiatives that include enhancing the shopping experience for ALCO customers, improving product selection, and integrating the 'Best Choice' and 'Always Save' private label brands."

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 214 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 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: For more information, contact:
         Wayne S. Peterson
         Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
         785-263-3350 X164
         email: [e-mail]
         or
         Debbie Hagen
         Hagen and Partners
         913-652-6547
         email: [e-mail]