Stage Stores Inc. announced that, with effect from September 20, 2012, Lisa R. Kranc, 59, has been appointed to the company's Board of Directors. Ms. Kranc, an Independent Director, has been named to serve on the Board's Compensation Committee and its Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Since August 2001, Ms. Kranc has been Senior Vice President, Marketing and a Member of the Executive Committee of AutoZone Inc. The company also announced that, with effect from September 21, 2012, Diane M. Ellis, 54, has been appointed to the company's Board of Directors.

Ms. Ellis, an Independent Director, has been named to serve on the Board's Compensation Committee and its Audit Committee.