HOUSTON (Business Wire) -- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today reported that total sales for the five week June period ended June 30, 2012 increased 5.8% to $141 million from $134 million in the prior year five week period ended July 2, 2011. Comparable store sales for the month increased 3.3%.

The Company noted that the comparable store sales increase for June was broad based, with cosmetics, footwear, home & gifts and men's categories exceeding the Company average. Geographically, the Northeast, South Central, which includes Texas, and Southwest regions outperformed.

SALES SUMMARY
				Comparable Store Sales								Total Sales
				% Increase (Decrease)								($ in Millions)
Fiscal Period				2012				2011				2012				2011
1st Quarter				2.5				0.2				366				347
May				8.0				0.0				130				117
June				3.3				1.8				141				134
2nd Qtr-to-Date				5.5				0.9				271				251
Year-To-Date (5 Mos)				3.8				0.5				637				598

Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with our 3.3% comparable store sales increase for June. Desirable merchandise selections and successful sales events contributed to our solid performance for the month.”

Store Activity

The Company also reported today that it opened new Steele's stores in Pampa, TX, Sulphur Springs, TX and Leesville, LA during June.

About Stage Stores

Stage Stores, Inc. operates primarily in small and mid-sized towns and communities. Its stores, which operate under the Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Peebles, Stage and Steele's names, offer moderately priced, nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family. The Company operates 832 stores in 40 states. The Company also has an eCommerce website. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company's web site at www.stagestoresinc.com.

Stage Stores, Inc.
Bob Aronson, 800-579-2302
Vice President, Investor Relations
baronson@stagestores.com