<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE MAY
DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 30, 1999
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-29-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-30-1999
<CASH>                                              18
<SECURITIES>                                        16
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,886
<ALLOWANCES>                                        69
<INVENTORY>                                      3,382
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 5,303
<PP&E>                                           7,623
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,925
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  11,025
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,775
<BONDS>                                          3,567
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                       3,833
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    11,025
<SALES>                                          9,179
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 9,435
<CGS>                                            6,605
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    6,605
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 213
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    688
<INCOME-TAX>                                       274
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                414
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       414
<EPS-BASIC>                                       1.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.15