EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors J. Baker, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements of J. Baker, Inc. on Form S-8 No. 33-10385, No. 33-20302, No. 33-39425, No. 33-59786, No. 33-59788 and No. 33-59790, and on Form S-3 No. 33-51645 of our report dated March 10, 1995 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of J. Baker, Inc. for the year ended January 28, 1995. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ------------------------- KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Boston, Massachusetts April 25, 1995