Stage Stores, Inc. raised its fourth-quarter guidance while reporting holiday comparable sales grew 6.5 percent for the nine week period ending Jan. 3.

Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are very pleased with our holiday sales and margin performance. Footwear, women’s and cosmetics categories were especially strong. Our customers responded well to our holiday assortments, marketing, promotions and strategic initiatives in stores and in our direct-to-consumer business. In light of our strong holiday sales, we now expect EPS from continuing operations for the fiscal year to be $1.14 to $1.18.”

The company plans to report its fourth quarter and full year results on March 3, 2015.

Stage Stores, Inc. operates 858 specialty department stores located in 40 states under the BEALLS, GOODY'S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES and STAGE nameplates.