An early spring did more than just raise flowers, it was the key reason that Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc., announced that sales from continuing operations increased 4 percent to $36.2 million for the fiscal four-week period ended April 29, 2012, compared to $34.8 million during the same period of the prior year.

On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales increased 2.5 percent from a year earlier.

“Overall, our sales performance during the first quarter was consistent with our expectations,” said Rich Wilson, president and chief executive officer. “Customers continued to respond well to our improved product offerings and value proposition. Sales were positive in all lines of our commodities division as well as our furniture, plastic storage,décor,giftware and hardware departments.

“Warmer temperatures during the first quarter also helped to drive an early spring season and contributed to strong increases in several of our seasonal departments such as outdoor living, horticulture and sporting goods,” Wilson said.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, sales from continuing operations increased 3.6 percent to $117.2 million compared to $113.2 million during the same period of the prior year. On a same-store basis, excluding fuel, sales for the first quarter increased 1.7 percent versus a year earlier.

The company will host an investor conference call at 10 a.m. CDT on Friday, June 8 to discuss operating results for the first quarter of fiscal year ended April 29.