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

May 12, 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 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	91-1826900 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
10201 Main Street, Houston, Texas (Address of principal executive offices)	77025 (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.

On May 12, 2009, Stage Stores, Inc. (the "Company") issued a News Release announcing that it will launch an exclusive brand by designer David Rodriguez.  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 May 12, 2009, announcing that it will launch an exclusive brand by designer David Rodriguez.

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.
May 13, 2009	/s/ Edward J. Record
(Date)	Edward J. Record
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-99

Exhibit 99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2009

CONTACT:

Kim Bell

Special Events/PR Manager

Stage Stores, Inc.

kimbell@stagestores.com

713.838.4231

STAGE STORES TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE BRAND BY

DESIGNER DAVID RODRIGUEZ

HOUSTON, TEXAS -- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI), announced today that acclaimed New York designer David Rodriguez has created an exclusive line of women’s fashions for the retailer. Beginning this month, customers will be able to find the latest looks from the runway in their own communities, giving them the opportunity to dress Fabulous for Less. The exclusive line will be carried in 100 of the retailer’s Palais Royal, Bealls and Stage stores.

“The inspiration for my designs comes from the feminine form,” says Rodriguez. “The details, fabrics, colors and prints all flatter feminine curves.”

The ‘D.R. by D. Rodriguez’ collection features classic sportswear with a modern edge. Quality fabrics, lush prints, rich colors and soft, feminine detailing are hallmarks of the line. Customers will enjoy designer quality and attention to detail at affordable prices.

“Our stores have offered outstanding values by trusted brands for years. But today, many of our customers feel the pressure to do more with less – less money, less time, less effort,” says Andrew Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stage Stores.

-more-

Stage Stores Announces Launch of

Exclusive David Rodriguez Line

Page - 2

“Too many women feel they must sacrifice sophistication and quality for themselves in order to take care of the others in their lives. But our exclusive D.R. by D. Rodriguez collection gives our customer a chance to indulge her sense of style with designer fashions while staying within her budget.”

To celebrate the launch of the collection, Rodriguez will be making appearances at three Houston-area Palais Royal and three San Antonio-area Bealls locations in late June. In addition to an informal fashion show, style makeovers and goodie bags, one lucky customer at each appearance will receive a personal consultation with Rodriguez and a complete outfit from the exclusive line.

About David Rodriguez

Combining rare talent with discipline and drive, award-winning New York designer David Rodriguez has managed to emerge above the fray and establish himself as one of America’s rising young stars in the fashion world. His designs have appeared onscreen in “Friends”, “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada”. He has become a favorite among celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria Parker, Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood and Mariah Carey.

About Stage Stores

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 747 stores located in 39 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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