8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

February 26, 2010

(Date of Report, Date of Earliest Event Reported)

Stage Stores, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in 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(b) 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 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

            (b) Retirement of Named Executive Officer

On March 1, 2010, Ernest Cruse, Executive Vice President Store Operations, Houston Division of Stage Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) retired after forty-four years with the Company.

            (e) Entry into Retirement Agreement with Named Executive Officer

On February 26, 2010, Mr. Cruse and the Company entered into a Retirement Agreement, which terminated Mr. Cruse’s Employment Agreement dated January 30, 2002.  The Retirement Agreement provides that (i) the Company will make specified payments to Mr. Cruse in the aggregate amount of approximately $566,900, and (ii) Mr. Cruse has the right to continue medical coverage (for himself and his spouse) until he reaches the age of 65 under the terms of the Company’s current group medical plan applicable to its retired senior executives.  The Company does not believe that the amount of the retirement payments to be paid Mr. Cruse and the cost of the benefits to be maintained on his behalf are material to the Company.

Item 8.01 Other Events

On February 26, 2010, the Company issued a News Release announcing the retirement of Mr. Cruse effective March 1, 2010 and that Jon Gunnerson will assume the position of Senior Vice President Store Director, Houston Division of the Company.  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 26, 2010, announcing the retirement of Ernest Cruse effective March 1, 2010 and that Jon Gunnerson will assume the position of Senior Vice President Store Director, Houston Division of the Company.

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 4, 2010	/s/ Edward J. Record
(Date)	Edward J. Record
	Chief Financial Officer and
	Chief Operating 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 Announces Retirement of Ernest Cruse, EVP Store Operations, Houston Division; Names Jon Gunnerson SVP Director of Stores, Houston Division

HOUSTON, TX, February 26, 2010 – Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SSI) today announced that Ernest Cruse, Executive Vice President Store Operations, Houston Division, is retiring from the Company effective March 1, 2010.  Cruse, 59, began his career with the Company 44 years ago.

Andy Hall, President and CEO, commented, “We want to sincerely thank Ernie for his 44 years of dedicated service and for his invaluable contributions to our Company.  During his long tenure at Stage, his many contributions have shaped the development, growth and success of our Company.  He has played a key role in our evolution and was instrumental in positioning us for future growth.  We wish him the very best as he begins this new phase of his life.”

The Company also announced that Jon Gunnerson, Senior Vice President Store Director, Houston Division, will assume the Position of Senior Vice President Director of Stores, Houston Division.  In his new position, Gunnerson will oversee all store operations for the Houston Division, which includes 470 stores located in 17 states.  Real Estate, Store Planning and Construction, and Loss Prevention, which formerly reported to Cruse, will fall under Edward Record, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer.  Gunnerson will report to Hall.

Commenting on Gunnerson’s appointment, Hall stated, “I want to congratulate Jon on his appointment.  He is a strong, experienced leader with an in-depth understanding of store operations, merchandising, and small town markets.  I am confident that he will successfully lead our outstanding store operations team in achieving comparable store sales increases and new store growth.”

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 758 stores located in 39 states.  The Company operates its stores under the five names of Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.  For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestoresinc.com.