Stage Stores, Inc. reported that its total sales for
the four week February period ended Feb. 27, 2010 decreased 2.1% to
$99 million from $101 million a year earlier. Comparable store sales decreased 3.9% this year
versus a decrease of 8.6% last year.

Cosmetics, juniors, outerwear and young men’s achieved comparable store
sales increases during February. Accessories and children’s performed
better than the Company average. The Southeast region, which achieved a
comparable store sales increase during the month, was the Company’s best
performing region. The Mid Atlantic and Northeast regions, which were
hurt by adverse weather conditions, were the Company’s weakest regions.

Andy Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “A good
early response to our spring merchandise was not enough to overcome the
negative impact of unseasonably cold temperatures in the South and
several major snow storms.”