Stage May comps down from prior year

HOUSTON Stage Stores today reported that its total sales for the four-week May period ended June 2 increased 9.8% to $116.6 million from $106.2 million in the prior year four-week period ended May 27, 2006. Comparable-store sales increased 1.7% versus an increase of 4% last year.

Jim Scarborough, chairman and ceo, commented, "Our top three performing categories during May were dresses, cosmetics and plus sizes, which posted comp gains of 9.5%, 4.6% and 4.2%, respectively."

For the second quarter 2007, the company expects total sales to range from $371 million to $379 million and diluted earnings per share to range from 23 cents to 26 cents.