Stage Stores Reports Comp Increase of 11.1 Percent for September

Stage Stores, Inc. reported that total sales for the five week September period ended Sept. 29, 2012 increased 13.7 percent to $134 million from $118 million in the prior year five week September period ended October 1, 2011. Comparable store sales for the September period increased 11.1 percent. The Company noted that it was reporting its sales results earlier than normal due to its participation at the Telsey Advisory Group’s Fall Consumer Conference on October 2, 2012.

Every merchandise category achieved a comparable store sales increase during September, with footwear, home & gifts, junior sportswear, misses sportswear, petites and plus sizes leading the way with gains that exceeded the Company average. Geographically, the South Central, Southwest and Northeast regions all outperformed.
                        

Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “September was an outstanding month for our company, as gains across all of our families of business drove our double-digit comparable store sales increase. September began with strong back-to-school sales and the positive momentum carried throughout the month, resulting in solid full price selling of our fall selections. Our customers are clearly reacting favorably to our merchandising and marketing initiatives, with even more excitement planned for the upcoming holiday season.”