X0202 3 2004-08-02 0 0000006885 STAGE STORES INC STGS 0001300418 Murray Cynthia 10201 S MAIN ST HOUSTON TX 77025 0 1 0 0 EVP, General Merchandise Mgr. Common Stock 10000 D Stock Options 35.53 2005-08-02 2014-08-02 Common Stock 60000 D Represents restricted stock which shall vest on August 2, 2007. The right to exercise these options vest over four years from August 2, 2004, with 25% of each grouping vesting at the end of each of the first four years following the date of grant, and will expire on the earlier of (i) sixty days after the termination of the Officer's employment with the Company, or (ii) ten years from the date of grant. /s/ Rick Stasyszen on behalf of Cynthia Murray 2004-08-12