Stage Stores Names Andrew Hall President and Chief Operating Officer

Stage Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:STGS) today announced that
Andrew Hall will join the Company as President and Chief Operating
Officer effective February 20, 2006. Hall joins Stage Stores from
Federated Department Stores, Inc., where he most recently served as
Chairman of Foley's, a Houston-based division of Federated with 72
stores in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. As
President and COO, Hall will oversee the Company's merchandising,
marketing and store operations functions. Hall, 44, will report to Jim
Scarborough, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company.
   "We are extremely pleased and excited that Andy will be joining
Stage Stores," stated Scarborough. "I know that based upon his broad
background and experience, he will be an asset to our Company and will
further strengthen our management team. I am confident that Andy will
play an integral role in helping us fully realize the great potential
of our company. In my continuing role as Chairman and CEO, I will work
closely with Andy as he assumes his new responsibilities."
   "I am delighted to be joining Stage Stores at such an exciting
time of growth and opportunity," commented Hall. "I look forward to
working with Jim and the other members of the Stage management team as
we strengthen our position as the leading small town retailer of
nationally branded family apparel."
   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 through 550 stores located in
31 states. The Company operates under the Bealls, Palais Royal and
Stage names throughout the South Central states, and under the Peebles
name throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New
England states. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the
Company's web site at www.stagestores.com.