Stage Stores, Inc. (Stage Stores) is a specialty department store retailer that offers brand name and private-label apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear. As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated 739 stores located in 38 states. The Company operates its stores under four names: Bealls, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage. The Company offers a range of branded merchandise within merchandise categories, such as women's, men's and children's apparel, as well as accessories, cosmetics and footwear. The Company focuses on consumers in small and mid-size markets. Stage Stores has an average store size of approximately 18,600 selling square feet and approximately 80% of the Company's stores are located in strip shopping centers in which they are one of the anchor stores. An additional 14% of the Company's stores are located in local or regional shopping malls, while the remaining 6% are located in either free standing or downtown buildings.