WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

 <C>

[TYPE] EXHIBIT 27.1
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE CONTAINS
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
FROM THE STAGE STORES, INC.  CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

<MULTIPLIER>                   1000
<PERIOD-TYPE>                 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>          2/3/2001
<PERIOD-END>             10/28/2000
<CASH>                       14,911
<SECURITIES>                      0
<RECEIVABLES>               302,596
<ALLOWANCES>                 26,219
<INVENTORY>                 271,303
<CURRENT-ASSETS>            578,089
<PP&E>                      324,457
<DEPRECIATION>              170,994
<TOTAL-ASSETS>              746,730
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>       383,929
<BONDS>                           0
<COMMON>                        281
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>             0
<PREFERRED>                       0
<OTHER-SE>                (212,755)

<SALES>                     662,389
<TOTAL-REVENUES>            662,389
<CGS>                       514,712
<TOTAL-COSTS>               514,712
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                  0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                  0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>           31,776
<INCOME-PRETAX>           (137,901)
<INCOME-TAX>                     75
<INCOME-CONTINUING>       (137,976)
<DISCONTINUED>                    0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                   0
<CHANGES>                         0
<NET-INCOME>              (137,976)
<EPS-BASIC>                (4.91)
<EPS-DILUTED>                (4.91)