September Comps Down 1.7% For ShopKo

ShopKo Stores consolidated sales for the five weeks ended October 4, 2003 decreased 1.9 % to $266.8 million from $272.0 million during the same period last year. Consolidated comparable store sales decreased 1.7%.

Sales Summary by Business Segment (dollars in millions)

Retail Segments Period Ended % Change

     5 Weeks:                     10/04/03          Total**         Comp*
       ShopKo                       $196.9          (3.8)%          (3.8)%
       Pamida                         69.9           3.8             4.6
       Total Retail                 $266.8          (1.9)%          (1.7)%

     35 Weeks:
       ShopKo                     $1,481.7          (3.5)%          (3.5)%
       Pamida                        513.9           2.4             3.2
       Total Retail               $1,995.6          (2.0)%          (1.9)%

     * Comparable store sales represent sales of those stores open during both
       fiscal years.

     ** Pamida division total sales variance reflects sales in the prior year
        periods from seven locations, which have been closed and not replaced,
        and two new Pamida locations opened in the month of September.

October Outlook

The company expects consolidated comparable store sales for the month of October to be in the negative low single digit range.