Duckwall-ALCO Stores Reports March Sales Increase of 2.9 Percent

ABILENE, Kan., April 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
(Nasdaq:DUCK) today announced that its sales from continuing operations for the
five weeks ended April 6, 2008 (fiscal month of March) increased approximately
2.9% to $43.1 million compared to $41.9 million in the prior-year month.
Same-store sales decreased 5.6%. Without fuel sales, same-store sales decreased
5.5%.

Sales year-to-date increased approximately 2.1% to $76.3 million compared to
$74.7 million during the same period last year. Same-store sales decreased 6.1%
compared to the same period last year. Without fuel sales, same-store sales
decreased 6.2%.

Despite the decrease in same-store sales, total Company sales increased because
sales from 26 ALCO stores were excluded from the same-store computation because
these stores were not open a complete fiscal year.

During the month of March the Company closed one Duckwall store, which will be
replaced in that market by an ALCO store that opens in April.

Donny Johnson, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "Like
other retailers, we are continuing to experience soft sales during this
challenging retail environment. The Company continues to evaluate its inventory
position and operating expense levels as we move into the spring and summer
selling season. We are committed to maximizing our sales and profits."

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight
Time on April 21, 2008 to discuss operating results in greater detail for the
quarter and year ended February 3, 2008. The dial-in number for the conference
call is 888-259-8389 (international/local participants dial 913-312-1269), and
the Confirmation Code is 5094149. Parties interested in participating in the
conference call should dial in approximately five minutes prior to 10:00 a.m.
Central Daylight Time. A replay of the call will be available two hours after
completion from April 21 through May 5 by dialing 888-203-1112 or for
international/local callers by dialing 719-457-0820. The Replay Passcode is
5094149.

About Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a regional retailer that specializes in meeting
the needs of smaller, underserved communities throughout the central United
States. The Company offers an exceptional selection of fashionable merchandise,
quality products and recognized brand names at reasonable prices. Its specialty
is delivering those products with the friendly, personal service its customers
have come to expect. With 260 stores across 22 states, Duckwall-ALCO Stores is
proud to have continually provided excellent products at good value prices to
its customers for 107 years. To learn more about Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
visit www.ALCOstores.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as referenced in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("the Act"). Any
forward-looking statements are made by the Company in good faith, pursuant to
the safe-harbor provisions of the Act. These forward-looking statements reflect
management's current views and projections regarding economic conditions, retail
industry environments, and Company performance. 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.

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CONTACT: Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.
Jon A. Ramsey, Vice President and
Interim Chief Financial Officer
785-263-3350 x221
jramsey@ALCOstores.com
www.ALCOstores.com

Hagen and Partners
Debbie Hagen
913-652-6547
dhagen@hagenandpartners.com