WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE GREAT
ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. FORM 10-Q FOR THE 3RD QUARTER ENDED
DECEMBER 3, 1994 AND IS QUALIFIED IT ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   QTR-3
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-25-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-03-1994
<CASH>                                          128732
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   213254
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     908734
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<PP&E>                                         1580572
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          1187144
<BONDS>                                         786589
<COMMON>                                         38229
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<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      731715
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   3014928
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<CGS>                                          5697743
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  5697743
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               2351049
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<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               54166
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (141088)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     31275
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (172363)
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<CHANGES>                                       (4950)
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