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. 10-Q FOR THE THIRD QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER
2, 1995 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   QTR-3
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-24-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-02-1995
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<INVENTORY>                                     896149
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          1050193
<BONDS>                                         823054
<COMMON>                                         38229
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