8-K

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                                    FORM 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 16, 1998
                (Date of Report, date of earliest event reported)


                               STAGE STORES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                        Commission file number 001-14035


               DELAWARE
    (State or other jurisdiction of                   76-0407711
    incorporation or organization)       (I.R.S. Employer Identifications No.)

      10201 MAIN STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS                    77025
   (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)


                                 (713) 667-5601
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                                 NOT APPLICABLE
             (Former name or address, if changed since last report)

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ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS.

      A press release regarding the Company's third quarter 1998 sales update
and certain other matters was issued by the Company on September 16, 1998 and is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

      (a)  Financial statements of business acquired.

           Not applicable.

      (b)  Pro forma financial information.

           Not applicable.

      (c)  Exhibits.

           99.1  Press release dated September 16, 1998 issued by the Company.


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                                   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, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                STAGE STORES, INC.

SEPTEMBER 16, 1998                              /s/ JAMES A. MARCUM
(Date)                                              James A. Marcum
                                                    Vice Chairman and
                                                    Chief Financial Officer

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EX-99.1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


                                  NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Bob Aronson
Director of Investor Relations
(800) 579-2302

                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

         STAGE STORES, INC. PROVIDES THIRD QUARTER 1998 SALES UPDATE
 -- Comparable Store Sales Up 5% For The Six Week, Quarter-To-Date Period --

                        ------------------------------

HOUSTON, TX, September 16, 1998 -- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SGE) today reported
that comparable store sales for the six week, quarter-to-date period ended
September 12, 1998 increased 5%. Total sales, although not comparable with last
year as a result of the liquidation sales associated with the C.R. Anthony store
conversions, were up 2% over the same period last year. The Company's sales
results for the entire third quarter will be reported on Thursday, November 5,
1998.

Carl E. Tooker, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The
positive sales trends that we have seen so far this quarter were fueled by
back-to-school shopping, spring and summer clearance events and our continuing
heightened promotional initiatives. We also benefited from a moderation in the
extreme weather that was prevalent throughout most of our primary market areas
for much of the second quarter. As you know, we typically only report sales on a
quarterly basis. However, given our most recently published results, we felt it
was important to provide updated guidance with respect to our current trends."

Mr. Tooker, concluded, "Although we are encouraged by the sales trends that we
have experienced to date in the third quarter, we continue to remain cautious in
our outlook for the remainder of the third quarter and the all important fourth
quarter. Since sales for the quarter-to-date period have been driven by our
stepped-up promotional activities and our spring and summer clearance events,
gross margins will be below our historical level. At this time, we are
comfortable with the current range of analysts' earnings forecasts for the third
quarter."

The Company also announced that it will host a conference call today, September
16, 1998 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time). All those wishing to participate should
call (703) 736-7228.


Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name family apparel,
accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to small towns and
communities throughout the central United States. The company operated 630
stores in 28 states at the end of the second quarter, primarily under the Stage,
Bealls and Palais Royal trade names.

Any statements in this press release that may be considered forward-looking
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in
periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission that the Company urges investors to consider.

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