Stage Stores January Comps Jump 10.5 Percent

Stage Stores, Inc. reported total sales of
$100 million for the five week January period ended Feb. 2  versus $85
million for the prior year four week January period ended Jan. 28, 2012.
Comparable store sales for the first four weeks of this years January period
increased 10.5 percent.

Every merchandise category achieved a comparable store sales
increase for the month, with accessories, home, intimates, junior sportswear
and misses sportswear posting comparable store sales gains that exceeded the company average. Geographically, every region of the country achieved a
comparable store sales increase, with the Northeast, Mid Atlantic and South
Central regions outperforming.

For the fourteen week fourth quarter, the company reported
total sales of $528 million versus $479 million for the thirteen week fourth
quarter last year. Comparable store sales during the first thirteen weeks of
this years fourth quarter grew 6.6 percent. For the 53 week 2012 fiscal year,
total sales were $1,646 million versus $1,512 million for the 52 week 2011
fiscal year. Comparable store sales during the first 52 weeks of the 2012
fiscal year increased 5.7 percent.

January put an exclamation point on a fantastic fourth quarter and
year, as the months strong performance helped push comparable store sales for
both periods to their highest levels in over 10 years, said Michael Glazer, president and CEO. We achieved solid
comparable store sales increases across all of our families of business and in
all areas of the country in January. With these strong sales results, as we
previously announced, we will meet or exceed the high end of our earnings
guidance range for the 2012 fiscal year.

Our strong finish to the year gives us momentum heading
into 2013. That, coupled with the initiatives we have in place to build upon
the excitement that we created in 2012 in our merchandising, marketing and
stores, makes us optimistic that we can continue to deliver strong sales and
earnings growth, Glazer concluded.