Stage Stores Q3 loss widens; cuts forecast

New York -- Stage Stores said Thursday that its fiscal third-quarter loss widened as some expenses rose. The company cut its fiscal 2013 adjusted earnings forecast.



The department store retailer lost $11 million for the period ended Nov. 2, compared to a loss of $8.9 million.



Revenue declined 3% to $360.2 million, from $370.6 million. Same-store sales fell 4.6%.



Selling, general and administrative expenses climbed to $98.6 million from $92.5 million during the quarter. Interest expense increased to $718,000 from $568,000.



Stage Stores said that its strongest categories were cosmetics, accessories and footwear. By region, sales were strongest in the Northeast and South Central.