Photo Release -- Stage Stores Develops Mobile Database to Enable More Engaging Customer Communications and Promote Customer Loyalty

SoundBite Communications Drives Opt-Ins With Mobile Marketing Program


HOUSTON, Aug. 31, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI) ("Stage Stores" or the "Company"), today reported that it is building its mobile database through the current mobile "Gotta Getta Soul" sweepstakes held in partnership with the U.S. Polo Association brand of young men's and juniors apparel. Stage Stores, which operates stores under the trade names Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage, is collaborating with SoundBite Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SDBT), a global provider of cloud-based proactive customer communications and mobile marketing solutions, and is leveraging its multi-channel communications platform and expertise to develop relationships with new and existing customers.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10405

"Our collaboration with SoundBite Communications provides us with the technology and mobile marketing expertise required for more efficient, measurable contact with customers," said Tom Kail, VP Marketing, Stage Stores. "Back-to-school shoppers, as well as U.S. Polo Association brand enthusiasts, have been benefitting from the convenience of our mobile microsite, or WAP site, and a number of instant-win prizes from Stage Stores and the USPA. We're hoping to make Stage Stores these shoppers' retail destination of choice while focusing on building more meaningful and profitable relationships with new and loyal customers."

The "Gotta Getta Soul" sweepstakes offers the grand prize of a Kia Soul and has seen high participation rates. The sweepstakes also features instant-win prizes such as iTunes gift cards, iPods, and Stage Stores gift cards via ePrize, the leading global provider of interactive promotions and loyalty solutions.

Stage Stores and USPA's "Gotta Getta Soul" allows the Company to build customer awareness while enabling them to grow their mobile database. By partnering with SoundBite, Stage Stores has been able to optimize their customer outreach, increasing interactions by adding an additional communications channel – text – to its voice communications. Stage Stores has increased response and conversion rates by using SoundBite's mobile marketing solutions to reach on-the-go customers via their mobile devices.

"SoundBite is delighted to work with Stage Stores on 'Gotta Getta Soul,'" added Mike Romano, Senior VP, Mobile Sales and Services of SoundBite. "Our multi-channel communications technology and consultative expertise is helping Stage build a mobile marketing database, and the sweepstakes provides a valuable experience for on-the-go customers while cutting through the clutter of standard strategies."

The U.S. Polo Association-sponsored "Gotta Getta Soul" sweepstakes double opt-in procedure ensures customer validation while providing hip, cool prizes for the back-to-school period. Short promotional messages and reminders following the contest will encourage further interaction.

Stage Stores and the USPA's "Gotta Getta Soul" Back-to-School sweepstakes ends September 5th, 2011. Stage Stores anticipates increased customer communications and substantial conversion rates into their ongoing mobile program with their newest initiative.

Following on from Stage Stores' "Gotta Getta Soul" sweepstakes in September is a webinar that will explore mobile strategies and multi-channel effectiveness in the retail sector. Using the Stage Stores "Gotta Getta Soul" Back-to-School sweepstakes as a case study, the webinar will also look at using the upcoming holiday season as an opportunity to build express consent databases, increase mobile engagement, and further maximize consumer databases. Click here to register for the free webinar.

For media inquiries about Stage Stores' mobile program developed with SoundBite, the "Gotta Getta Soul" sweepstakes, or to request an interview, please contact Rachael Royds, Marketing Communications Manager at SoundBite on 781.897.2584, or rroyds@soundbite.com.

About Stage Stores

Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to small and mid-size towns and communities through more than 800 stores located in 39 states. The Company operates its stores under the five names of Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company's web site at www.stagestoresinc.com.

About SoundBite Communications

SoundBite Communications is a leading provider of on-demand, multi-channel proactive customer communications solutions designed to transform the way organizations communicate throughout the customer lifecycle to build trusted, lifelong and profitable relationships. Clients can leverage SoundBite's proactive customer communications offering and expertise in designing, executing and optimizing communications strategies to engage in relevant customer interactions that deliver long-term business value. Visit SoundBite.com for more information.

The SoundBite Communications, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4393

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.



            
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