8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

August 22, 2005

(Date of Report, date of earliest event reported)

Stage Stores, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1-14035

(Commission File Number)

NEVADA	91-1826900
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
10201 Main Street, Houston, Texas	77025
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(800) 579-2302

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.Other Events.

On August 22, 2005, Stage Stores, Inc. (the "Company") issued a news release announcing the completion of its previously announced 3-for-2 stock split. A copy of the news release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.

This information shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits.

99 News release issued by Stage Stores, Inc. on August 22, 2005, announcing the completion of its previously announced 3-for-2 stock split. A copy of the news release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

	STAGE STORES, INC.
August 25, 2005	/s/ Michael E. McCreery
(Date)	Michael E. McCreery
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

2

EX-99

Exhibit 99

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Bob Aronson

Vice President, Investor Relations

800-579-2302

(baronson@stagestores.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stage Stores Completes 3-for-2 Stock Split

HOUSTON, TX, August 22, 2005 - Stage Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: STGS) today reported that its previously announced 3-for-2-stock split dividend was paid on August 19, 2005. Holders of record of the Company's common stock as of the close of business on August 4, 2005 received one additional share of common stock for every two shares owned. Fractional shares resulting from the stock split were paid in cash in lieu of shares. As a result of the split, there are approximately 27.3 million shares of the Company's common stock outstanding.

The Company stated that, effective August 22^nd, its stock price as quoted on Nasdaq will be adjusted for the split. Going forward, the Company will issue its financial information and earnings guidance on a post-split basis. The Company noted that, on a post-split basis, its current earnings outlook is $0.31 to $0.34 per diluted share for the third quarter, $0.66 to $0.69 per diluted share for the fourth quarter and $1.87 to $1.93 per diluted share for the 2005 fiscal year. These projections compare to fiscal 2004 third quarter, fourth quarter and full year earnings, adjusted for the split, of $0.30, $0.62 and $1.72, respectively.

For reference purposes, the following table details the impact on the Company's diluted share count and diluted earnings per share for the historical periods indicated:

Fiscal	Diluted Share Count (mm)		Diluted Earnings Per Share
Period	Pre-Split	Post-Split	Pre-Split	Post-Split
1Q 2004	20.8	31.2	$0.89	$0.59
2Q 2004	20.0	30.0	0.27	0.18
3Q 2004	19.5	29.2	0.46	0.30
4Q 2004	19.9	29.8	0.94	0.62
FY 2004	19.9	29.8	2.58	1.72
1Q 2005	20.0	30.0	1.03	0.68
2Q 2005	19.9	29.8	0.33	0.22

--more--

Stage Stores Completes

3-for-2 Stock Split

Page - - 2

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 545 stores located in 30 states. The Company operates under the Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage names throughout the South Central states, and under the Peebles name throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern and Midwestern states. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company's web site at www.stagestores.com.

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