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

September 26, 2008

(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 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

(b) Retirement of Principal Executive Officer

On September 26, 2008, Stage Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a News Release announcing that as part of its planned succession process, effective November 3, 2008, Jim Scarborough, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be retiring after more than eight years with the Company.  Upon the effective date of Mr. Scarborough’s retirement, Andrew Hall, the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Scarborough will continue as Chairman of the Board.

A copy of the News Release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

99 News Release issued by Stage Stores, Inc. on September 26, 2008 announcing that James Scarborough will be retiring as Chief Executive Officer and that he will be succeeded by Andrew Hall.

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.
September 29, 2008	/s/ Edward J. Record
(Date)	Edward J. Record
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-99

Exhibit 99

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Bob Aronson

Vice President, Investor Relations

800-579-2302

(baronson@stagestores.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAGE STORES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF JIM SCARBOROUGH, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2008

--Scarborough to Remain Chairman of the Board--

ANDREW HALL TO BECOME CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

HOUSTON, TX, September 26, 2008 - Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today announced that as part of its planned succession process, effective November 3, 2008, Jim Scarborough, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be retiring after more than eight years with the Company.  Scarborough, 58, will continue as Chairman of the Board. Upon the effective date of Scarborough’s retirement, Andrew Hall, President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Hall, 47, who joined the Company in February 2006, will also continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

As President and CEO, Hall will be responsible for the continued development and execution of the Company’s strategic long term growth plans, and will oversee all daily operational aspects of the business.

“I have worked with Andy for almost 3 years, and I am confident that he is the right choice to lead Stage Stores,” said Scarborough. “His unique combination of strategic vision and hands-on management experience will allow him to successfully lead our company through years of profitable future growth.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to so many people for their help and support during the last eight years, and for having had the privilege of leading this wonderful company.  I look forward to serving in my continued role as Chairman of our

--more--

Stage Stores Announces Retirement

Of Jim Scarborough

Page – 2

Board of Directors, and I know I will enjoy watching Andy take our company to even greater heights in the years ahead,” Scarborough concluded.

“We want to sincerely thank Jim for the outstanding job that he did as our CEO, and for his invaluable contributions to our Company,” commented Hall.  “Jim not only played the lead role in our successful reorganization efforts, but he was also instrumental in bringing about many needed changes and improvements in our business.  Jim has been an outstanding leader of our Company and we wish him the very best as he begins this new phase of his life.

“As President and COO for nearly 3 years, I have had the opportunity to work on every aspect of our business, which will ensure a very smooth transition.  I look forward to assuming the position of President and CEO, and to collaborating with the other members of our Stage management team, as we work to strengthen our position as the leading small town retailer of nationally branded family apparel,” Hall concluded.

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 729 stores located in 38 states.  The Company operates under the Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage names throughout the South Central, Southwestern and Northwestern states, and under the Peebles name throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New England states.  For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestores.com.

###