Duckwall-ALCO streamlines exec team

ABILENE, Kan. Duckwall-ALCO Stores has announced that as part of its streamlining efforts, it has terminated the positions of senior vp store operations, senuor vp of merchandising, vp and divisional merchandise manager for softlines and vp of marketing.

The company said the responsibilities of the eliminated positions will be assumed by Phil Hixon (store operations), Bob Swartz (merchandising) and Brent Streit (marketing).

"During our recent re-evaluation of plans for fiscal 2009, we recognized that reducing corporate staff is imperative,'' said Donny Johnson, interim ceo of Duckwall-ALCO Stores. "The changes announced today are the first step in a change process that will prove very positive for Duckwall-ALCO Stores. We are implementing a plan to cut expenses and improve operations, streamline the organization and strengthen our senior management team. An analysis of the company's operations conducted jointly with the new board of directors and management has identified numerous opportunities for cutting costs and improving operations. These changes will strengthen the company and improve profitability, with the ultimate goal of dramatically improving shareholder value.''