INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  Registration  Statement  No.
33-50185 of Service  Merchandise  Company,  Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated
May 29,  1998,  appearing  in the  Annual  Report  on Form  11-K of the  Service
Merchandise  Company,  Inc.  Savings  and  Investment  Plan for the  year  ended
December 31, 1997.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
- -------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
June 24, 1998