Beals/Goody’s/Peebles/Stage/Palais Royal

Stage Stores, Inc., once a prominent player in the regional retail landscape, was a Houston-based operator known for its specialty department stores under well-recognized banners such as Bealls, Goody's, Peebles, Palais Royal, and Stage. The company began its journey in 1988 as Specialty Retailers, Inc., quickly expanding by acquiring established regional chains. This strategy allowed Stage Stores to grow its presence significantly, especially in small and mid-sized markets across the Midwest, South, and Southeast. At its height, the company operated over 700 locations in 42 states, offering a diverse range of products including apparel, footwear, cosmetics, and home goods.

A notable milestone in Stage Stores' history was the acquisition of the Gordmans off-price chain in 2017. This move marked an effort to pivot in response to evolving retail trends, as the company began converting many of its stores to the Gordmans brand. Despite these efforts, Stage Stores struggled with the challenges posed by the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences, which ultimately led to declining sales and profitability.

In May 2020, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer, Stage Stores announced the liquidation of all its locations. By September 2020, all stores under its banners were permanently closed. The intellectual property of several brands, including Gordmans, was later acquired by other retailers.

Though Stage Stores no longer operates, its legacy is significant. The company played a crucial role in bringing department store retail to communities often overlooked by larger national chains, leaving a lasting impact on the regional retail sector over its three decades of operation.