Exhibit 99

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Bob Aronson

Vice President, Investor Relations

800-579-2302

(baronson@stagestores.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAGE STORES BOARD DECLARES QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND

HOUSTON, TX, August 28, 2009 - Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of five cents per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on September 23, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 8, 2009.

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 752 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.stagestoresinc.com.

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