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                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

      (MARK ONE)
      [ X ] QUARTERLY   REPORT   PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13  OR  15(d)  OF  THE
            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the quarterly period ended May 3, 1997

                                       OR

      [   ] TRANSITION   REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13  OR  15(d)  OF  THE
            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the transition period from ________ to  ________

                        Commission file number 333-10843


                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


            DELAWARE                                    51-349276
 (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

    10201 MAIN STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS                  77025
 (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

                                 (713) 667-5601
               Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

The  number  of shares of common  stock  outstanding  as of June 17,  1997 was
1,000 shares which were held by Specialty  Retailers,  Inc.  (formerly  Palais
Royal, Inc.). Specialty Retailers,  Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stage
Stores, Inc.

THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(A) AND
(B) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE
FORMAT.

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<PAGE>
                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
          (An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stage Stores, Inc.)
                             CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
                        (in thousands, except par value)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 May 3, 1997       February 1, 1997
                                                               ----------------    ----------------
                                    ASSETS
                                    ------
<S>                                                               <C>                   <C>     
Retained Certificates in Trust .................................  $ 73,376              $ 90,102
Restricted cash ................................................     7,901                 5,632
Debt issue costs ...............................................     2,307                 2,440
Trust organization costs .......................................     4,818                 5,011
                                                                  --------              --------
                                                                  $ 88,402              $103,185
                                                                  ========              ========
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities .................  $  1,508              $    609
State franchise taxes payable ..................................       661                   610
Payable to SRI .................................................    16,733                35,041
Deferred income taxes ..........................................     1,959                 1,443
Long-term debt .................................................    30,000                30,000
                                                                  --------              --------
      Total liabilities ........................................    50,861                67,703


Common stock, par value $0.01, 1 share
 authorized, issued and outstanding ............................      --                    --
Additional paid-in capital .....................................    30,827                29,726
Retained earnings ..............................................     6,714                 5,756
                                                                  --------              --------
      Stockholder's equity .....................................    37,541                35,482
                                                                  --------              --------
Commitments and contingencies ..................................      --                    --
                                                                  --------              --------
                                                                  $ 88,402              $103,185
                                                                  ========              ========
</TABLE>
                                       1
<PAGE>
                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
          (An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stage Stores, Inc.)
                          CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                 (in thousands)

                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     May 3, 1997     May 4, 1996
                                                     -----------     -----------
Gain associated with Retained Certificates .........   $1,752          $1,374
Interest income on balances with SRI ...............      979             269
Interest income ....................................       53              28
Interest expense ...................................      935            --
Amortization of debt issue costs ...................      157            --
General and administrative expenses ................      167             262
                                                     -----------     -----------
Operating income ...................................    1,525           1,409
                                                                  
Income tax expense .................................      567             520
                                                     -----------     -----------
Net income .........................................      958             889
                                                     ===========     ===========
                                       2
<PAGE>
                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
          (An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stage Stores, Inc.)
                        CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Three Months Ended
                                                                         -----------------------------
                                                                         May 3, 1997       May 4, 1996
                                                                         -----------       -----------                              
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                      <C>                 <C>     
   Net income .........................................................  $     958           $    889
                                                                         -----------       -----------
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash used in operating activities:
     Amortization of trust organization and debt issue costs ..........        349                249
     Deferred income taxes ............................................        516               (112)
     Change in working capital ........................................    (17,205)           (16,004)
                                                                         -----------       -----------
     Total adjustments ................................................    (16,340)           (15,867)
                                                                         -----------       -----------
   Net cash used in operating activities ..............................    (15,382)           (14,978)
                                                                         -----------       -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Increase in restricted cash ......................................     (2,269)              (204)
     Purchases of accounts receivable from SRI ........................    (85,809)           (78,568)
     Transfer of accounts receivable to the Trust .....................    103,483             95,727
                                                                         -----------       -----------
       Net cash provided by investing activities ......................     15,405             16,955
                                                                         -----------       -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Additions to debt issue costs ....................................        (23)              --
     Dividends paid to Palais .........................................       --               (1,977)
                                                                         -----------       -----------
       Net cash used in investing activities ..........................        (23)            (1,977)
                                                                         -----------       -----------
       Net change in cash and cash equivalents ........................       --                 --

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
     Beginning of period ..............................................       --                 --
                                                                         -----------       -----------
     End of period ....................................................  $    --             $   --
                                                                         ===========       ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     Contribution of ineligible accounts receivable ...................  $   1,101           $    997
                                                                         ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
                                       3
<PAGE>
                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
          (An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stage Stores, Inc.)
                   CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Common Stock
                                                                 -----------------------
                                                                                               Additional
                                                                    Shares                      Paid-In       Retained
                                                                 Outstanding      Amount        Capital       Earnings      Total
                                                                 -----------   -----------     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>               <C>                                                     <C>      <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>    
Balance, February 1, 1997 ........................................        1        $--          $29,726        $5,756      $35,482

Net income .......................................................        -         --             --             958          958
Dividends ........................................................        -         --             --            --           --
Contribution of ineligible accounts receivable ...................        -         --            1,101          --          1,101
Contribution of trust organization costs .........................        -         --             --            --           --

Balance, May 3, 1997 .............................................        1        $--          $30,827        $6,714      $37,541
                                                                        ----      ----          -------        ------      -------
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
                       SRI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE CO., INC.
          (An indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Stage Stores, Inc.)
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


      1. The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements of SRI
Receivables Purchase Co., Inc. ("SRPC") have been prepared in accordance with
Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. Those adjustments, which include only normal recurring
adjustments, that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of the interim periods have been made. The results
of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results
of operations for a full year. SRPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Specialty
Retailers, Inc. ("SRI"). SRPC's ultimate parent is Stage Stores, Inc. ("Stage
Stores"). The fiscal years discussed herein end on the Saturday nearest to
January 31 in the following calendar year. For example, references to "1997"
mean the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.

      2. Pursuant to the accounts receivable securitization program (the
"Accounts Receivable Program"), Stage Stores transfers all of the accounts
receivable generated by the holders of Stage Stores' private label credit card
accounts to SRPC. SRPC, in turn, transfers the accounts receivable to a
securitization vehicle, a special purpose trust (the "Trust"), in exchange for
cash or an increase in a retained interest in the Trust which is represented by
two certificates of beneficial ownership (the "Retained Certificates"). SRPC is
operated in a fashion intended to ensure that its assets and liabilities are
distinct from those of Stage Stores and its other affiliates as SRPC's creditors
have a claim on its assets prior to becoming available to any creditor of Stage
Stores.

                                       5
<PAGE>
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995.

      Certain items discussed or incorporated by reference herein contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but
not limited to, the seasonality of demand for apparel which can be affected by
weather patterns, levels of competition, competitors' marketing strategies,
changes in fashion trends and availability of product, the failure of Stage
Stores to achieve the expected results of merchandising and marketing plans or
store opening or closing plans. The occurrence of any of the above could have a
material adverse impact on the amount of accounts receivable transferred to
SRPC, which in turn could affect the operating results of SRPC. Additionally,
changes in economic conditions (including interest rates and payment patterns of
the holders of Stage Stores private label credit card accounts) could negatively
impact SRPC's results of operations. Certain information herein contains
estimates which represent management's best judgment as of the date hereof based
on information currently available; however, SRPC does not intend to update this
information to reflect developments or information obtained after the date
hereof and disclaims any legal obligation to the contrary.

GENERAL

      OVERVIEW OF SRPC AND STAGE STORES. SRPC is an indirect, wholly owned,
limited-purpose subsidiary of Stage Stores and was formed in 1993 pursuant to
the Accounts Receivable Program. SRPC purchases substantially all of the
accounts receivable generated by the use of the SRI credit cards on a daily
basis and sells those accounts receivable to the Trust. Stage Stores, through
SRI, operates retail stores under the trade names "Bealls", "Palais Royal" and
"Stage." Stage Stores offers to its customers a proprietary credit card which
can be used to purchase merchandise and services only at Stage Stores locations.
SRPC is dependent upon SRI for the generation of accounts receivable as SRI is
its only source of accounts receivable.

      Stage Stores' retail concept is to offer moderately priced, branded
fashion apparel, accessories and footwear for women, men and children. At May 3,
1997, Stage Stores operated 327 stores in 20 states located throughout the
central United States.

      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE PROGRAM. The Accounts Receivable Program provides SRPC
with a source of funds from the sale of accounts receivable to the Trust. In
connection with the implementation of the Accounts Receivable Program, SRI
transferred or sold all of its accounts receivable to SRPC. SRPC, in turn,
transferred all of the accounts receivable to the Trust for $140.0 million in
cash and a certificate representing an undivided interest in the Trust. The
Trust obtained the $140.0 million through the issuance of term certificates to
third-party investors. The Trust has also issued an additional $25.0 million
term certificate and a $40.0 million revolving certificate, each representing
undivided interests in the Trust. The holder of the revolving certificate agreed
to purchase interests in the Trust equal to the amount of accounts receivable in
the Trust above the level required (aggregating $200.1 million at May 3, 1997)
to support the term certificates, up to a maximum of $40.0 million. If
receivable balances in the Trust fall below the level required to support the
term certificates, the seasonal retained interest and revolving certificate,
certain principal collections may be retained in the Trust until such time as
the accounts receivable balances exceed the amount of accounts receivable
required to support the Trust Certificates and any required transferor's
interest. As of May 3, 1997, there was no outstanding balance under the
revolving certificate. The Trust may issue additional series of certificates
from time to time on various terms. Terms of any future series will be
determined at the time of issuance.

      On an ongoing daily basis, SRI sells to SRPC substantially all of the
accounts receivable generated from purchases by the holders of the Stage Stores
proprietary credit card. SRPC in turn transfers, on a daily basis, the accounts
receivable purchased and transferred from SRI to the Trust in exchange for cash
or a certificate representing an undivided interest in the Trust. The cash flows
generated from the accounts receivable in the Trust are dedicated to (i) the
purchase of new accounts receivable generated by SRI, (ii) payment of a return
on the certificates and (iii) the payment of a servicing fee to Stage Stores.
Any remaining cash flows are remitted to SRPC. The term certificates entitle the
holders to receive a return, based upon LIBOR, plus a specified margin paid on a
quarterly basis. Principal payments commence in December 1999 but can be
accelerated upon occurrence of certain events. The revolving certificate
entitles the holder to receive a return based upon a floating LIBOR rate, plus a
specified margin, or prime rate, at the option of SRPC paid on a monthly basis.
The Trust is currently protected against increases above 12% under an agreement
entered into with a bank. The Trust is exposed to loss in the event

                                       6
<PAGE>
of non-performance by the bank. However, the Trust does not anticipate
non-performance by the bank. At May 3, 1997, the average rate of return on the
term certificates was 6.6%. The purchase commitment for the revolving
certificate is five years, subject to renewal at the option of the parties. The
revolving certificate holders are entitled to repayment in the event the
accounts receivable decrease below that required to support such certificates.

      The financial  information,  discussion  and analysis that follow should
be read in  conjunction  with  Amendment No. 2 to  Registration  Statement No.
333-10843 of SRPC on Form S-4 dated March 12, 1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      The gain associated with the Retained Certificates for the first quarter
of 1997 increased 28.6% to $1.8 million from $1.4 million in the same period in
1996. Bad debt expense decreased 31.3% to $2.2 million from $3.2 million due
primarily to the sale of $4.8 million in defaulted accounts receivable during
the first quarter of 1997 to SRI as compared to $3.6 million for the first
quarter of 1996. The decrease in bad debt expense was partially offset by a $0.6
million increase in the premiums on accounts receivable purchased from SRI
during the first quarter of 1997 as compared to the first quarter of 1996.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      SRPC issued $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 12.5% Trust
Certificate-Backed Notes (the "Notes") on May 30, 1996. Substantially all of the
net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were transferred to SRI to fund the
acquisition of Uhlmans Inc. The Notes are secured by the Collateral
Certificates, including SRPC's retained interest in accounts receivable.
Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of
each year from amounts received by SRPC from such retained interest. The
expected maturity date of the Notes is December 15, 2000. The issuance of the
Notes does not impact the ability of the Trust to issue additional certificates
under the Accounts Receivable Program to third-party investors.

      Intercompany interest is charged at LIBOR plus 1.0% (6.7% at May 3, 1997).
The payable balance to SRI was $16.7 million and $35.0 million at May 3, 1997
and February 1, 1997, respectively. The decrease in the payable balance results
from the liquidation of the higher accounts receivable balances generated during
the Christmas season.

      SRPC's primary sources of funds are the issuance of term certificates by
the Trust to third-party investors, advances under the revolving certificate and
principal and finance charge collections on accounts receivable previously sold
or transferred to the Trust. SRPC's primary uses of funds include payment of
interest on the Notes and the purchase of accounts receivable from SRI.
Management anticipates that interest payments on the Notes will be approximately
$3.8 million during 1997. Management believes that collections on accounts
receivable will be sufficient to permit the Company to meet its cash
requirements during 1997.

                                       7
<PAGE>
                                     PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      None.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES

      Omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b).

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

      Omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b).

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

      Omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b).

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

      None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

      EXHIBITS

    3.1  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of SRI  Receivables  Purchase Co., Inc.
         (incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 3.1 to  Registration  Statement
         No. 333-10843 on Form S-4 dated August 27, 1996).

    3.2  By-laws  of  SRI  Receivables  Purchase  Co.,  Inc.   (incorporated  by
         reference to Exhibit 3.2 to  Registration  Statement  No.  333-10843 on
         Form S-4 dated August 27, 1996).

    4.1  Form of Indenture among SRI Receivables  Purchase Co., Inc.,  Specialty
         Retailers,  Inc., as  Administrative  Agent, and Bankers Trust Company,
         as Trustee and Collateral  Agent,  relating to the 12.5% Series B Notes
         of  SRI  Receivables  Purchase  Co.,  Inc.  (including  form  of  note)
         (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1 to  Amendment  No.  1 to
         Registration  Statement  No.  333-10843  on Form S-4 dated  August  27,
         1996).

    4.2  Amended and Restated  Pooling and Servicing  Agreement by and among SRI
         Receivables Purchase Co., Inc.,  Specialty Retailers,  Inc. and Bankers
         Trust  (Delaware)  dated  as  of  August  11,  1995   (incorporated  by
         reference to Exhibit 4.6 on Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers,  Inc. dated
         October 28, 1995)

    4.3  First Amendment to Amended and Restated Pooling and Servicing Agreement
         by and among SRI Receivables Purchase Co., Inc., Specialty Retailers,
         Inc. and Bankers Trust (Delaware) dated as of May 30, 1996
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 on Form 10-Q of Apparel
         Retailers, Inc., dated May 4, 1996)

    4.4  Amended and Restated Series 1993-1 Supplement among SRI Receivables
         Purchase Co., Inc., Specialty Retailers, Inc. and Bankers Trust
         (Delaware) dated as of May 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 4.3 on Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated May 4,
         1996).

    4.5  Amended and Restated Series 1993-2 Supplement among SRI Receivables
         Purchase Co., Inc., Specialty Retailers, Inc. and Bankers Trust
         (Delaware) dated as of May 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 4.4 on Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated May 4,
         1996).

                                       8
<PAGE>
    4.6  First amendment to the Series 1993-2 Supplement and Revolving
         Certificate Purchase Agreement by and among Specialty Retailers, Inc.,
         SRI Receivables Purchase Co., Inc., Bankers Trust (Delaware) as Trustee
         for the SRI Receivables Maser Trust, the financial institutions parties
         thereto and National Westminster Bank Plc, New York branch, dated as of
         August 11, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 on Form 10-Q
         of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated May 4,
         1996).

    4.7  Amended and Retailed Series 1995-1 Supplement by and among SRI
         Receivables Purchase Co., Inc., Specialty Retailers, Inc. and Bankers
         Trust (Delaware) on behalf of the Series 1995-1 Certificateholders
         dated as of May 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 on
         Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated May 4, 1996).

    4.8  Amended  and  Restated   Receivables   Purchase   Agreement  among  SRI
         Receivables  Purchase Co., Inc. and the Originators dated as of May 30,
         1996  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 on Form 10-Q of Apparel
         Retailers, Inc., dated May 4, 1996).

    4.9  Certificate  Purchase Agreements between SRI Receivables  Purchase Co.,
         Inc.  an the  Purchasers  of the  Series  1993-1  Offered  Certificates
         (incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.10  of  Registration  No.
         33-68258 on Form S-4 of Specialty Retailers, Inc.)

   4.10  Revolving Certificate Purchase Agreement between SRI Receivables
         Purchase Co., Inc., the Facility Agent and the Revolving Purchasers
         with respect to the Class a-R Certificates (incorporated by reference
         to Exhibit 4.11 of Registration No. 33-68258 on Form S-4 of Specialty
         Retailers, Inc.)

   4.11  Certificate  Purchase  Agreement  among SRI  Receivables  Purchase Co.,
         Inc., Specialty Retailers,  Inc. and the Certificate Purchaser dated as
         of August 11, 1995  (incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.9 on Form
         10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated October 28, 1995).

   10.1  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 30, 1996 by and among SRI
         Receivables Purchase Co., Inc. and BT Securities Corporation relating
         to the sale of SRI Receivables Purchase Co., Inc. 12.5% Trust
         Certificate-Backed Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
         Registration Statement No. 333-10843 on Form S-4 dated August 27,
         1996).

   10.2  Employment  Agreement  between  Specialty  Retailers,  Inc. and Carl E.
         Tooker dated June 9, 1993  (incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.17
         to Registration No. 33-68258 on Form S-4 of Specialty Retailers, Inc.).

   10.3  Stock Option Agreement  between Specialty  Retailers,  Inc. and Carl E.
         Tooker dated June 9, 1993  (incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.18
         to Registration No. 33-68258 on Form S-4 of Specialty Retailers, Inc.).

   10.4  Employment Agreement between James Marcum and Specialty Retailers,
         Inc., dated as of May 15, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.3 on Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated April 29, 1995).

   10.5  Employment Agreement between Stephen Lovell and Specialty Retailers,
         Inc., dated as of May 19, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.4 on Form 10-Q of Apparel Retailers, Inc., dated April 29, 1995).

      REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

      None.

                                       9
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                 SRI RECEIVABLES  PURCHASE CO., INC.

JUNE 17, 1997                    /S/ CARL E. TOOKER
 (Date)                          Carl E. Tooker
                                 President, Chairman and
                                 Chief Executive Officer

JUNE 17, 1997                    /S/ JAMES A. MARCUM
 (Date)                          James A. Marcum
                                 Executive Vice President and
                                 Chief Financial Officer
                                 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)