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, February 22, 2013 - Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of ten cents per share on the Company's common stock, payable on March 20, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2013.

Stage Stores, Inc. operates primarily in small and mid-sized towns and communities.  Its stores, which operate under the Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Peebles, Stage and Steele's names, offer moderately priced, nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family.  The Company operates 864 stores in 40 states.  The Company also has an eCommerce website.  For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company's web site at www.stagestoresinc.com.

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