ABILENE, Kan. — Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc., a regional discounter that has mainly focused on small towns in the Midwest, plans to try opening urban stores.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc., a regional discounter that has mainly focused on small towns in the Midwest, plans to try opening urban stores.

The company, which announced that it had posted a profit for its fiscal second quarter, says it plans to open Alco stores in Houston and in Grand Prairie, Texas (just outside of Dallas) by the end of January 2012.

"We believe these stores in more densely populated areas will reach a higher volume of customers with merchandise that meets their basic daily shopping needs," said company president and chief executive officer Rich Wilson.

The chain currently has 31 stores in Texas.