ALCO unveils eco-friendly prototype store

ABILENE, Kan. Duckwall-ALCO Stores announced today that it is testing a new store format for its ALCO stores. The first of this new prototype is set open on Sept. 27 in Louisburg, Kan. and will sport a fresh color scheme as well as environmentally-friendly initiatives, the company reported. It will be the first of 14 new stores set to open this fall that will incorporate the company's new prototype features.

According to Duckwall-ALCO, the Louisburg store will feature a color scheme of subtle tans and browns, plus black fixtures instead of the traditional chrome and metal. Generating a fresh look and contemporary feel, the store's new signage will also carry the tan and brown colors. This will replace the company's trademark purple, which will not be used in future stores. 

The new ALCO stores are also designed to be eco-friendly, with the roof, ceiling and walls being made with nearly 100% recyclable steel and T5 fluorescent lights replacin traditional lights, the company said.

"We are very excited about the fresh look of our new stores, but we are even more excited about implementing so many environmentally friendly initiatives as we build them,'' said Bruce Dale, Duckwall-ALCO president and ceo. `"Not only are our new stores a bit less expensive to build, they are considerably less expensive to operate. Plus each completed building will be nearly 100% recyclable.''