Stage Stores Announces Increase of 11 Percent in Quarterly Dividend Rate

Stage Stores, Inc.

today announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the Company's quarterly dividend rate to 10 cents per share from the previous quarterly rate of 9 cents per share. The new quarterly rate of 10 cents per share will be applicable to dividends declared by the Board after June 20, 2012. Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Stage Stores has a consistent track record of raising its quarterly dividend rate, and we are pleased to announce an 11 percent increase. The increase in our quarterly dividend rate is a testament to the strength of our balance sheet and our confidence in our ability to generate continued strong cash flows.”