<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE GREAT
ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. 10-Q FOR THE 28 WEEK PERIOD ENDED
SEPTEMBER 12, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-27-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-12-1998
<CASH>                                          107050
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<INVENTORY>                                     883108
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<BONDS>                                         803916
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<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         38287
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<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   3062213
<SALES>                                        5408635
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               5408635
<CGS>                                        (3849044)
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                (3849044)
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             (1486707)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             (33176)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  39708
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (9588)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              30120
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     30120
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .79
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .79