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

March 16, 2006

(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 8.01. Other Events.

Stage Stores, Inc. Begins Trading on the New York Stock Exchange

On March 16, 2006, Stage Stores, Inc. (the "Company") issued a news release announcing that it began trading its Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "SSI". The Company's Common Stock had been trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "STGS" since January 8, 2002. Its Series A and Series B Warrants, which have also traded on the NASDAQ National Market since January 8, 2002 under the symbols "STGSW" and "STGSZ", respectively, will not move to the NYSE since they will expire on August 23, 2006.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits.

99 News Release issued by Stage Stores, Inc. on March 16, 2006 announcing that it began trading its Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange.

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.
March 20, 2006	/s/ Michael E. McCreery
(Date)	Michael E. McCreery
	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, INC. BEGINS TRADING ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

-- New Symbol is "SSI" --

HOUSTON, TX, March 16, 2006 - Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) announced that, effective today, it has begun trading its Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "SSI". Stage's Common Stock had been trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "STGS" since January 8, 2002. Its Series A and Series B Warrants, which have also traded on the NASDAQ National Market since January 8, 2002 under the symbols "STGSW" and "STGSZ", respectively, will not move to the NYSE since they will expire on August 23, 2006.

Jim Scarborough, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and believe that this move to the NYSE further advances our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. We are very proud to be joining the list of other distinguished companies on this premier stock exchange."

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. The Company currently operates 194 Bealls, 48 Palais Royal and 134 Stage stores throughout the South Central states, and operates 174 Peebles stores throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New England states. On February 27, 2006, the Company purchased B.C. Moore & Sons, Inc., and acquired 78 retail locations. The Company currently plans to convert 69 of the acquired stores to its Peebles name and format, in phases, beginning in mid July. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company's web site at www.stagestores.com.

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