Debtwire: Stage Stores taps advisors to assist with refinancing

Stage Stores has brought in experts to help it rework its debt.

The company is working with Peter J Solomon to explore a refinancing of its bank debt, according to an emailed report from Debtwire. Kirkland & Ellis is acting as legal counsel.

Stage Stores is in the middle of a major transformation. In September, the retailer, whose brands include Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Stage and Peebles, announced plans to convert its entire store fleet to its off-price Gordmans banner, with a goal of reaching approximately 700 total off-price stores by mid-2020. As part of the overhaul, the company said it expected to close 40 locations during fiscal 2020. (Stage Stores entered the off-price channel in 2017 with its acquisition of Gordmans.)
 
But amidst the revamp, the retailer recently guided for earnings to come at the low-end of fiscal year 2019 guidance. The revision punctuated a challenging holiday period for the retailer in which its 1.4% comp store increase missed expectations, setting off liquidity concerns, said two sources involved in the company’s supply chain, according to Debtwire.

Stage Stores lists $365 million of debt, split between a $47.5 million term loan and USD $317 million of borrowings under its revolver. Liquidity-wise, the company has $447.5 million of availability, with the credit facility set to mature in December 2021, SEC documents show, Debtwire reported.