Shopko October Comps Down 3.5%

ShopKo Stores consolidated sales for the four weeks ended November 1, 2003 decreased 3.6 percent to $235.5 million from $244.4 million during the same period last year. Consolidated comparable store sales decreased 3.5 percent.

           Sales Summary by Business Segment (dollars in millions)

    Retail Segments                       Period Ended       % Change
    4 Weeks:                                11/01/03      Total**    Comp*

      ShopKo                                  $176.1      (4.3)%     (4.3)%
      Pamida                                    59.4      (1.4)      (0.8)
      Total Retail                            $235.5      (3.6)%     (3.5)%

    13 Weeks:
      ShopKo                                  $568.5      (2.7)%     (2.7)%
      Pamida                                   190.0       2.4        3.3
      Total Retail                            $758.5      (1.4)%     (1.3)%

    39 Weeks:
      ShopKo                                $1,657.8      (3.6)%     (3.6)%
      Pamida                                   573.3       2.0        2.8
      Total Retail                          $2,231.1      (2.2)%     (2.0)%

     * 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.

The company expects consolidated comparable store sales for the month of November to be flat compared to a year ago.