Message to Our Trading Partners

Enclosed is our updated Vendor Compliance Manual release number 0909. You will notice that it has been redesigned to provide you with an accurate, one-stop reference to Stage Stores Inc's (SSI) logistical strategy.

We encourage you to read the entire document since it has been redesigned. However, for your convenience we have included a reference page that highlights the major changes from our previous release edition number 0309.

As you know, supply-chain efficiencies are more critical than ever in satisfying customer needs and remaining competitive. Smooth operations between the Vendor community and SSI are absolutely critical for our mutual success. To this end, buyers do not have the authority to approve exceptions to any of the policies established in this compliance manual. Any exceptions to policies contained in this compliance manual must be approved by the Logistics Department in writing prior to shipping.

We ask that you distribute copies of this document to all departments that are impacted by these specific requirements. The Vendor Compliance manual is also available to view or download online at http://www.stagestores.com/vendorguidelines/message.htm.

These revised instructions are effective September 21, 2009 and supersede all previously issued instructions.

We continue to review our supply chain in order to identify areas of opportunity for improvement of our day-to-day operations and planning.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing efforts to satisfy our compliance requirements.