Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today reported that its total sales for the four week July period ended August 1, 2009 decreased 10.1% to $97 million from $108 million in the prior year four week period ended August 2, 2008. Comparable store sales decreased 11.9% this year versus a decrease of 6.2% last year.

While comparable store sales for all families of business were negative in July, the feminine apparel categories continued to outperform the Company average. With regard to region of the country, the Mid Atlantic was the Company’s best performing region during the month. Several regions were negatively impacted by the shift in the timing of a number of state sales tax holidays from July last year to August this year.

For the second quarter, the Company reported that total sales decreased 8.3% to $342 million from $373 million last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 10.7% versus a decrease of 1.4% in the prior year period.

SALES SUMMARY

 
               

Comparable Store Sales Trend

Total Sales

% Increase (Decrease)

($ in Millions)

Fiscal Period

2009

2008

2009

2008

1st Quarter (9.0 )% (5.4 )% $ 333 $ 353
May (7.2 ) 0.1 117 123
June (12.6 ) 1.2 128 142
July (11.9 ) (6.2 ) 97 108
2nd Quarter (10.7 ) (1.4 ) 342 373
Year-To-Date (6 Mos) (9.9 ) (3.4 ) 675 726

Andy Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our July comparable store sales performance reflects our reduced clearance levels and the shift in the timing of ten state sales tax holidays.”

Mr. Hall continued, “Despite the challenging business environment, we effectively controlled inventories and expenses throughout the quarter. Based on the strength of our merchandise margins and our strong expense controls, we are projecting EPS for the second quarter of $0.23, which is within our guidance range for the quarter of $0.20 to $0.27.”

The Company plans to report its second quarter results before the market opens on Thursday, August 20, 2009, and will hold a conference call and webcast the same day beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Store Activity

The Company did not open any new stores during July. The Company closed a Bealls store in Espanola, NM. For the second quarter, no new stores were opened and 4 stores were closed.

Looking forward, the Company expects to open 16 to 17 new stores during the second half of the year. The Company noted that most of these new stores will be opened under the Goody’s name, which the Company acquired through the Goody’s bankruptcy auction.

About Stage Stores

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 743 stores located in 39 states. The Company operates its stores under the five names of Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestores.com.

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