<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
EXTRACTED FROM THE STAGE STORES, INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> Feb-3-2001
<PERIOD-END> Mar-29-2000
<CASH> 21,064
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 261,332
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 355,315
<PP&E> 164,739
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 535,745
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 625,000
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 281
0
0
<OTHER-SE> (98,979)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 535,745
<SALES> 230,352
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 230,352
<CGS> 172,034
<TOTAL-COSTS> 172,034
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 13,428
<INCOME-PRETAX> (24,176)
<INCOME-TAX> 25
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (24,201)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (24,201)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.86)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.86)
</TABLE>
