99¢ Only Stores® Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 Consolidated Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.35 versus $0.18 in the Third Quarter Fiscal 2009

99¢ Only Stores® (NYSE:NDN) (the "Company”) announces its financial results for the third quarter ended December 26, 2009.

Highlights for Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 versus Third Quarter Fiscal 2009:

• Retail sales for the Company’s consolidated operations (including Texas) increased by 2.3% to $348.9 million and same-store sales increased 3.1%
• Consolidated gross margin increased by 240 basis points to 43.1% of sales
  • Product cost decreased by 70 basis points to 54.9%
  • Shrinkage decreased by 30 basis points on an ongoing basis and an additional 80 basis points due to an adjustment to inventory reserves based on an analysis conducted at the end of the quarter to a net 1.9%
• Consolidated operating expenses decreased to 30.4% of sales, including a 300 basis points reduction in expenses for ongoing operations
  • Retail operating costs decreased 110 basis points to 21.9%
  • Distribution and transportation costs decreased 80 basis points to 4.7%
  • Corporate G&A costs decreased 60 basis points to 3.2%
• Consolidated Net Income (including Texas) increased by $12.0 million to $24.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, versus $12.5 million in the prior year, or $0.18 per diluted share
  • Non-Texas Operating Income increased to $34.9 million from $20.6 million in the prior year
  • Texas Operating Income improved to $3.7 million from a loss of $3.7 million in the prior year

Eric Schiffer, CEO of 99¢ Only Stores®, stated, "We are pleased that our financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 demonstrated significant progress. The results from our long-term operational improvement initiatives have substantially exceeded our original goal set in February 2008. We have surpassed our original goal for fiscal 2012 of reaching consolidated income before taxes of 4.7% of sales, and done so over two years ahead of schedule. We also refer to consolidated income before taxes as earnings before taxes, or EBT. Over the four quarters ended December 26, 2009, we achieved 5.9% EBT, and we believe that we will achieve EBT of approximately 6.3% for the current fiscal year. We have made significant improvements in our operating income in all regions, including Texas. We believe that these strong results are a validation of the strength of our retail concept. Based on our updated strategic and operational plans, we now believe that we can achieve approximately 7.5% EBT in fiscal 2012. We look forward to further discussing our results and plans on today’s earnings release conference call.”

Consolidated Results (including Non-Texas and Texas operations)

Net consolidated sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were $359.1 million, a 2.3% increase compared to net sales of $351.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Same-store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 increased 3.1% versus the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Consolidated gross profit for the fiscal 2010 third quarter was $154.9 million, compared to $142.8 million in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. The Company's consolidated gross profit margin was 43.1% in the fiscal 2010 third quarter versus 40.7% in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses declined by $7.8 million to $109.3 million, or 30.4% of consolidated sales, in the fiscal 2010 third quarter versus $117.1 million, or 33.4% of sales, in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. Corporate G&A was reduced by $2.0 million for the quarter compared to the same quarter last year.

Consolidated operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was $38.6 million, compared to $16.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Operating income as a percentage of sales increased 590 basis points to 10.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 versus 4.8% in the comparable period last year.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 increased to $24.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $12.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company opened two stores in California. The Company currently operates 272 stores, with 203 stores in California, 32 in Texas, 25 in Arizona, and 12 in Nevada. The Company plans to open three stores in March 2010, all in California.

Management Analysis of Texas and Non-Texas Operations

The Company reports the results of its Texas operations on a consolidated basis with its non-Texas operations in accordance with GAAP in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. In addition, in Table 1 at the end of this release, the Company is also providing a management analysis of its quarterly operating results for non-Texas and Texas operations and reconciliation to its GAAP consolidated results. Due to the Company’s previously announced plan to exit the Texas market, and the rescission of that decision by the Company’s Board of Directors on August 4, 2009, the Company believes it is meaningful for investors to review an analysis of its results of operations separately for non-Texas and Texas operations in addition to its consolidated results while the cost structure of its non-Texas operations are still materially different from the cost structure of its overall financial results. Its non-Texas operations comprise all of its operations in California, Arizona, and Nevada and generate approximately 91% of its retail sales revenue. The analysis for Texas operations provided in Table 1 for the third quarter of both fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 includes only revenues and expenses incurred directly in the Texas operations, with no allocation of costs incurred in the California distribution centers or corporate offices; these unallocated, indirect costs are not material to non-Texas results but may be material to Texas results. During the past fiscal year, Texas stores were operated under unusual conditions, with 11 stores closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and one store closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, and thus the comparison of quarterly results to the prior fiscal year is not indicative of future comparisons for the ongoing operation of the 32 stores that currently remain open. The non-GAAP financial measures in Table 1 should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Third Quarter Management Analysis of Non-Texas Operations

Highlights for Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 versus Third Quarter Fiscal 2009:

• Retail sales in the Company’s non-Texas retail operations increased by 4.0% to $319.6 million and same-store sales increased 1.8%
• Non-Texas gross margin increased by 210 basis points to 43.1% of sales
  • Product cost decreased 70 basis points to 54.9%
  • Shrinkage decreased 60 basis points to 2.2%
• Non-Texas operating expenses decreased 190 basis points to 30.5% of sales
  • Retail operating costs decreased 50 basis points
  • Distribution and transportation costs decreased 80 basis points
  • Corporate G&A costs decreased 70 basis points
• Non-Texas operating income increased to $34.9 million, or 10.6% of sales, from $20.6 million, an increase in operating income of $14.3 million.

Gross profit for the Company’s non-Texas operations was $141.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $129.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This equates to a gross profit margin of 43.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a 210 basis points improvement from a gross profit margin of 41.0% in the comparable period last year. This improvement primarily reflects a 70 basis points improvement in merchandise purchase cost, and a decrease of 60 basis points in shrinkage. The Company believes that the improvement in gross margin is also due to a favorable product mix, and to new buying and merchandising initiatives that are focused on increasing sales of higher margin items.

Non-Texas operating expenses were $100.2 million, or 30.5% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 versus $102.3 million, or 32.4% of sales, in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. The Company’s improved operating expense ratio is a result of across-the-board decreases in the components of operating expense. This is a key objective in the Company’s long-term profit improvement plan.

A primary driver of this improvement is lower payroll-related expenses as a result of improvement in labor productivity and improved cost control methods resulting in lower utilities and supplies costs. Additionally, the Company’s distribution and transportation costs improved due to labor efficiencies, improved processing methods, lower fuel costs and improved trailer space utilization. Further, corporate G&A costs were reduced due to the implementation of cost control measures and lower consulting and professional fees.

Non-Texas operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was $34.9 million, an operating margin of 10.6% of sales, compared to operating income of $20.6 million and an operating margin of 6.5% of sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This represents an operating margin improvement of 410 basis points.

Third Quarter Analysis of Texas Operations

Retail sales for the Company’s Texas operations were $29.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a 13.1% decrease from retail sales of $33.7 million in the comparable period last year, due to the effect of 17 Texas stores being closed, 12 of which were closed during the first two quarters of fiscal 2010. These closed stores had approximately $10.1 million in sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Same-store sales in Texas operations increased by 19.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The Company currently operates 32 Texas stores compared to 47 stores in the same quarter last year.

Gross profit for the Company’s Texas operations was $13.5 million, or 43.7% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $13.2 million, or 37.6% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This 610 basis points increase primarily reflects a reduction in shrink reserves of $1.4 million (450 basis points) for Texas based on a shrink analysis performed at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010. This represents a decrease of 170 basis points in ongoing shrinkage, which is partially offset by an increase in merchandise purchase cost and a decrease in other costs of goods sold, including freight rates, compared to the prior year. The Company believes the closing of certain Texas stores over the past year and the anticipation and subsequent announcement of the Texas market exit plan in September 2008 contributed to an unusually high level of shrinkage of 5.2% of sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Texas operating expenses were $9.2 million, or 29.7% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, versus $14.8 million, or 42.0% of sales, in the third quarter of the prior year. Texas SG&A costs for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 included severance expense of approximately $1.4 million (400 basis points) related to the Company’s September 2008 decision to exit the Texas market. Depreciation has been substantially reduced due to the permanent impairment of certain Texas assets in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.

Texas third quarter fiscal 2010 operating income was $3.7 million, compared to a $3.7 million loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company eliminated the costs and losses from 17 stores that were closed starting from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 through the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Excluding approximately $1.4 million of shrinkage adjustment during the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the operating income in Texas was $2.3 million. Excluding approximately $1.4 million in severance expenses during last year’s third quarter, the operating loss in Texas was $2.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

CASH AND LIQUIDITY

As of the end of the third quarter, the Company held $187.0 million in cash and short and long-term marketable securities, and had no debt.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

During the third quarter, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company had approximately $17.1 million available for potential future repurchases under its $30 million share repurchase program originally authorized in fiscal 2009.

OUTLOOK

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company expects positive same-store sales in the low single digits. The Company has achieved a 5.9% EBT over the four quarters ended December 26, 2009, and we believe that we will achieve EBT of approximately 4.9% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and EBT of approximately 6.3% for the current fiscal year.

PROFIT IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE

The key initiatives of our profit improvement plan originally announced in February 2008 have demonstrated greater potential than we had anticipated. As mentioned previously, the Company has surpassed its original goal of 4.7% EBT in fiscal 2012. Based on our updated strategic and operational plans, we now believe that we can achieve 7.5% EBT in fiscal 2012.

The primary initiatives of our profit improvement plan which we are continuing to pursue over the next two years are:

• Offsetting potential pressure on our purchasing costs and inbound freight costs by managing our merchandise mix and package sizes, increasing direct imports, and controlling shrinkage to maintain our gross margin;
• Offsetting increases in our distribution and transportation costs by improving our distribution network, gaining efficiencies by increasing our capacity, and increasing our transportation equipment utilization;
• Reducing our retail operating costs through labor productivity improvements and improved support systems for managing controllable costs;
• Reducing occupancy cost in the softening commercial real estate market through potential landlord concessions during lease renewal negotiations and reallocation of our capital to opportunistically purchase some of our leased stores;
• Reducing our corporate G&A as a percentage of sales through leveraging sales growth, tight cost control, and the automation of administrative processes; and
• The continued development and implementation of integrated information systems in order to improve our store in-stock positions, especially for higher margin items, and support the other operational improvements mentioned above.

During the period through the end of fiscal 2012, while we focus on continuing to improve our margins, we will continue to target a controlled expansion with:

• low single digit same-store sales increases, and
• new store unit growth of at least 5% per year.

Based on our controlled expansion plans during this period, we expect to allocate our capital dynamically, subject to favorable market conditions and other factors, to several areas including:

• purchasing certain leased stores,
• purchasing certain new store locations and opening certain new leased stores, and
• new investments in information technology and other operational capital programs.

In addition, we will consider purchasing distribution locations and further repurchases of Company stock, depending on favorable market conditions and other factors.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company’s conference call to discuss our fiscal 2010 third quarter and the other matters described in this release is scheduled for today, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Investors interested in participating in the live call can dial (866) 900-3561 from the U.S.A. and international callers can dial (816) 249-4306. Please phone in approximately 9 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and hold for an InterCall operator to assist you. Please inform the operator that you are calling in for 99¢ Only Stores’ third quarter fiscal 2010 earnings release conference call, and be prepared to provide the operator with your name, company name, and position if requested. A telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes and will be available through Wednesday, February 17, 2010, by dialing (800) 642-1687 from the United States, or (706) 645-9291 from international locations, and entering confirmation code 53952380.

A copy of this earnings release and any other financial and statistical information about the period to be presented in the conference call will be available prior to the call at the section of the Company’s website entitled "Investor Relations” at www.99only.com.

Founded over 25 years ago, 99¢ Only Stores® operates 272 extreme value retail stores with 203 in California, 32 in Texas, 25 in Arizona and 12 in Nevada. 99¢ Only Stores® emphasizes quality name-brand consumables, priced at an excellent value, in convenient, attractively merchandised stores. Over half of the Company’s sales come from food and beverages, including produce, dairy, deli and frozen foods, along with organic and gourmet foods. The Company’s New York Stock Exchange symbol is NDN.

We have included statements in this release that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "believe," "intend” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements appear in this release and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting the financial condition or results of operations of the Company, the business and growth strategies of the Company, including new store openings, the results of the Company’s operational and other improvements, including pursuant to the Company’s profit improvement plan, the results of operations for the current quarter and current and future fiscal years, and potential uses of capital. The shareholders of the Company and other readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this release for the reasons, among others, discussed herein and in the reports and other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors contained in the Section – "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Note to Editors: 99¢ Only Stores® news releases and information available at www.99only.com.