Stage Stores Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

Stage Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:STGS) today announced that
its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 2.5
cents per share on the Company's common stock, payable on March 29,
2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 14,
2006.
   Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name
apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to
small and mid-size towns and communities. The Company currently
operates 376 Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage stores throughout the
South Central states, and operates 174 Peebles stores throughout the
Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New England states. On
February 27, 2006, the Company purchased B.C. Moore & Sons, Inc. and
acquired 78 retail locations. The Company currently plans to convert
69 of the acquired stores to its Peebles name and format, in phases,
beginning in mid July. For more information about Stage Stores, visit
the Company's web site at www.stagestores.com.