Stage Stores Reports Comparable Store Sales Increase of 5.3% for July and 5.4% for the Second Quarter

Stage Stores, Inc.

today reported that total sales for the four week July period ended July 28, 2012 increased 7.9% to $110 million from $102 million in the prior year four week July period ended July 30, 2011. Comparable store sales for the July period increased 5.3%. The Company stated that most of its merchandise categories achieved comparable store sales increases during July, with accessories, cosmetics, home & gifts, misses sportswear and young men's exceeding the Company average. Geographically, the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, South Central and Southwest regions all outperformed. For the second quarter, the Company reported that total sales increased 8.2% to $381 million from $353 million last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 5.4%. For the first six months of the fiscal year, the Company reported total sales of $747 million and a comparable store sales increase of 4.0%.