ALCO Stores, Inc. Announces Positive December Sales Results

ABILENE, Kan., Jan. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALCS) today announced that sales from continuing operations, excluding fuel, increased 4.4% to $67.9 million for the fiscal five-week period ended December 30, 2012, compared to $65.0 million during the same period of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 1.1% from a year earlier.

On a year-to-date basis, sales from continuing operations, excluding fuel, increased 2.2% to $450.9 million for the fiscal 48-week period ended December 30, 2012, compared to $441.2 million during the same period of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales for the 48-week period decreased 1.0% from a year earlier.

Rich Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased with our December sales results, especially in light of the highly competitive environment and difficult economic landscape. Customers responded to our merchandise and value proposition to deliver a successful 2012 holiday season for ALCO Stores. Sales were led by increases in food and consumables, toys, housewares, domestics, gifts and stationery, as well as ladies apparel. I would also like to acknowledge our team of store associates who made a significant contribution to our success by providing improved customer service and a clean, easy-to-shop store environment."

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 111 years. To learn more about the Company, visit www.ALCOstores.com .

The 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: [e-mail]
         or
         Debbie Hagen
         Hagen and Partners
         913-642-6363
         email: [e-mail]