WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
[TYPE] EXHIBIT 27.1
<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> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> 2/3/2001
<PERIOD-END> 10/28/2000
<CASH> 14,911
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 302,596
<ALLOWANCES> 26,219
<INVENTORY> 271,303
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 578,089
<PP&E> 324,457
<DEPRECIATION> 170,994
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 746,730
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 383,929
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 281
0
0
<OTHER-SE> (212,755)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND- 746,730
EQUITY>
<SALES> 662,389
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 662,389
<CGS> 514,712
<TOTAL-COSTS> 514,712
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 31,776
<INCOME-PRETAX> (137,901)
<INCOME-TAX> 75
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (137,976)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (137,976)
<EPS-BASIC> (4.91)
<EPS-DILUTED> (4.91)
</TABLE>
