Duckwall-ALCO Sept. sales rise, comps drop

ABILENE, Kan. Duckwall-ALCO Stores announced a 6.6% increase in net sales for the month of September to $43.2 million compared to $40.5 million in the prior-year period. Same-store sales for the five weeks ended Oct. 5 decreased 5.1% with fuel, and decreased 5.3% without fuel.

"Improving our sales performance while continuing to drive down SG&A costs is our top corporate priority," stated president and ceo Larry Zigerelli. "The September same-store sales decline of 5.1% improved from the 11.1% decline in August behind the initial impact of an improved merchandising program. Our new stores continue to perform well on a sales and return on investment basis."