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

February 27, 2009

(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

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.

On February 27, 2009, Stage Stores, Inc. (“the Company”) issued a News Release announcing that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of five cents per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on March 25, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2009.  A copy of the News Release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

99 News Release issued by Stage Stores, Inc. on February 27, 2009, announcing that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend.

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 2, 2009	/s/ Edward J. Record
(Date)	Edward J. Record
	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 BOARD DECLARES QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND

HOUSTON, TX, February 27, 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 March 25, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 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 738 stores located in 38 states.  The Company operates its stores under the four names of Bealls, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.  For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestores.com.

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