SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
  [ X ]           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                          THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  For the quarterly period ended November 2, 1996

                                                        OR

  [    ]          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                          THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  For the transition period from __________ to __________


                        Commission file Number 0-14681

                                J. BAKER, INC.
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Massachusetts                                   04-2866591
State of Incorporation)            (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
               555 Turnpike Street, Canton, Massachusetts  02021
                  (Address of principal executive offices)

                            (617) 828-9300
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)







The  registrant  (1) has filed all reports to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
period that the registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been
subject to filing such reports for the past 90 days.

                            YES  [ X ]          NO

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of November
2, 1996 was 13,892,010.

                                      1





                      J. BAKER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        Consolidated Balance Sheets
              November 2, 1996 (unaudited) and February 3, 1996


                                                                                                    
                                                                                    November 2,           February 3,
        Assets                                                                         1996                   1996
                                                                                    ----------            -----------
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                       $  2,298,981          $  3,287,141
    Accounts receivable:
        Trade, net                                                                    30,399,523            19,514,985
        Other                                                                          2,524,726             3,219,862
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
                                                                                      32,924,249            22,734,847
                                                                                     -----------           -----------

    Merchandise inventories                                                          319,134,625           285,703,289
    Prepaid expenses                                                                  10,874,458             8,600,990
    Income tax receivable                                                                      -             7,236,732
    Deferred income taxes                                                              6,949,350             9,198,000
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
             Total current assets                                                    372,181,663           336,760,999
                                                                                     -----------           -----------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
    Land and buildings                                                                25,064,423            25,064,423
    Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                                124,520,204           115,099,770
    Leasehold improvements                                                            47,382,680            43,442,932
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
                                                                                     196,967,307           183,607,125
    Less accumulated depreciation                                                     77,739,566            62,524,262
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
             Net property, plant and equipment                                       119,227,741           121,082,863
                                                                                     -----------           -----------

Deferred income taxes                                                                  6,939,000             6,939,000
Other assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization                                  53,553,855            61,298,880
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
                                                                                    $551,902,259          $526,081,742
                                                                                     ===========           ===========
        Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 

Current liabilities:
    Current portion of long-term debt                                               $  1,500,000          $  1,500,000
    Accounts payable                                                                  92,497,995           105,113,721
    Accrued expenses                                                                  13,968,446            25,066,874
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
             Total current liabilities                                               107,966,441           131,680,595
                                                                                     -----------           -----------

Other liabilities                                                                      1,785,893             2,598,026
Long-term debt, net of current portion                                               181,500,000           133,000,000
Senior subordinated debt                                                               2,941,736             4,412,711
Convertible subordinated debt                                                         70,353,000            70,353,000

Stockholders' equity                                                                 187,355,189           184,037,410
                                                                                     -----------           -----------
                                                                                    $551,902,259          $526,081,742
                                                                                     ===========           ===========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       2





                     J. BAKER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Consolidated  Statements of Earnings
           For the  quarters  ended  November  2,  1996  and
                          October 28, 1995
                            (Unaudited)


                                                                                          
                                                                          Quarter                    Quarter
                                                                           Ended                      Ended
                                                                      November 2, 1996          October 28, 1995
                                                                      ----------------          ----------------

Sales                                                                     $222,763,576              $245,255,488

Cost of sales                                                              126,579,222               140,655,165
                                                                           -----------               -----------

      Gross profit                                                          96,184,354               104,600,323

Selling, administrative and general expenses                                83,321,536                93,583,557

Depreciation and amortization                                                7,513,198                 7,826,000

Restructuring charges                                                                -                69,300,000
                                                                           -----------               -----------

      Operating income (loss)                                                5,349,620               (66,109,234)

Net interest expense                                                         3,025,257                 2,748,348
                                                                           -----------               -----------

      Earnings (loss) before income taxes                                    2,324,363               (68,857,582)

Income tax expense (benefit)                                                   906,000               (27,530,000)
                                                                           -----------               -----------

      Net earnings (loss)                                                 $  1,418,363              $(41,327,582)
                                                                           ===========               ===========

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
       Primary                                                            $       0.10              $      (2.98)
                                                                           ===========               ===========
       Fully diluted                                                      $       0.10              $      (2.98)
                                                                           ===========               ===========

Number of shares used to compute net earnings (loss) per 
   common share:
      Primary                                                               13,892,318                13,865,879
                                                                           ===========               ===========
      Fully diluted                                                         13,898,704                13,898,865
                                                                           ===========               ===========

Dividends declared per share                                              $      0.015              $      0.015
                                                                           ===========               ===========




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3




                  J. BAKER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Consolidated  Statements of Earnings
          For the nine  months  ended  November  2,  1996 and
                        October 28, 1995
                         (Unaudited)


                                                                                           
                                                                        Nine Months                Nine Months
                                                                           Ended                      Ended
                                                                      November 2, 1996           October 28, 1995
                                                                      ----------------           ---------------- 

Sales                                                                    $650,099,176             $749,160,219

Cost of sales                                                             361,867,161              420,825,725
                                                                          -----------              -----------

      Gross profit                                                        288,232,015              328,334,494

Selling, administrative and general expenses                              250,916,559              294,039,167

Depreciation and amortization                                              22,175,821               22,510,000

Restructuring charges                                                               -               69,300,000
                                                                          -----------              -----------

      Operating income (loss)                                              15,139,635              (57,514,673)

Net interest expense                                                        9,026,990                8,035,044
                                                                          -----------              -----------

      Earnings (loss) before income taxes                                   6,112,645              (65,549,717)

Income tax expense (benefit)                                                2,383,000              (26,257,000)
                                                                          -----------              -----------

      Net earnings (loss)                                                $  3,729,645             $(39,292,717)
                                                                          ===========              ===========

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
      Primary                                                            $       0.27             $      (2.84)
                                                                          ===========              ===========
       Fully diluted                                                     $       0.27             $      (2.84)
                                                                          ===========              ===========

Number of shares used to compute net earnings (loss) per 
   common share:
      Primary                                                              13,885,926               13,853,211
                                                                          ===========              ===========
      Fully diluted                                                        13,900,010               13,925,488
                                                                          ===========              ===========

Dividends declared per share                                             $      0.045             $      0.045
                                                                          ===========              ===========



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4



                     J. BAKER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
            For the nine  months  ended  November  2,  1996 and
                         October 28, 1995
                            (Unaudited)

                                                                                            
                                                                       November 2, 1996           October 28, 1995
                                                                       ----------------           ----------------
Cash flows from operating activities:     
      Net earnings (loss)                                                 $  3,729,645              $(39,292,717)
      Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash
        used in operating activities:
         Depreciation and amortization:
             Fixed assets                                                   15,215,304                15,809,000
             Deferred charges, intangible assets and
               deferred financing costs                                      6,989,542                 6,736,906
         Deferred income taxes                                               2,248,650               (17,800,000)
         Loss on disposal of Fayva assets                                            -                30,845,328
         Change in:
             Accounts receivable                                           (10,189,402)              (10,929,494)
             Merchandise inventories                                       (33,431,336)               (4,141,147)
             Prepaid expenses                                               (3,704,513)               (1,900,518)
             Accounts payable                                              (12,615,726)                4,082,041
             Accrued expenses                                              (11,098,428)               25,701,368
             Income taxes payable/receivable                                 7,236,732               (10,782,048)
             Other liabilities                                                (722,385)               (2,255,562)
                                                                           -----------               -----------
                Net cash used in operating
                  activities                                               (36,341,917)               (3,926,843)
                                                                           -----------               -----------

Cash  flows from investing activities: 
      Capital expenditures for:
         Property, plant and equipment                                     (13,360,182)              (21,608,410)
         Other assets                                                       (1,037,195)               (3,624,685)
      Payments received on notes receivable                                  3,163,000                 2,175,000
                                                                           -----------               -----------
                Net cash used in investing activities                      (11,234,377)              (23,058,095)
                                                                           -----------               -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
      Proceeds from long-term debt                                          48,500,000                26,700,000
      Repayment of senior subordinated debt                                 (1,500,000)               (1,500,000)
      Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                   213,081                   153,269
      Payment of dividends                                                    (624,947)                 (623,492)
                                                                           -----------               -----------
                Net cash provided by financing activities                   46,588,134                24,729,777
                                                                           -----------               -----------

                Net decrease in cash                                          (988,160)               (2,255,161)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                               3,287,141                 4,915,491
                                                                           -----------               -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                $  2,298,981              $  2,660,330
                                                                           ===========               ===========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash paid 
   (received) for:
      Interest                                                            $  7,728,559              $  6,742,493
      Income taxes                                                           4,631,650                 2,325,048
      Income taxes refunded                                                 (8,315,483)                        -
                                                                           ===========               ===========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       5




                     J. BAKER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                NOTES

1] The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements,  in the opinion
of  management,  include  all  adjustments  (which  consist  only  of  recurring
accruals)  necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position
and  results  of  operations.  The  results  for  the  interim  periods  are not
necessarily  indicative  of results that may be expected  for the entire  fiscal
year.

2] Primary  earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares
of Common Stock outstanding  during such period.  Stock options and warrants are
excluded from the calculation since they have less than a 3% dilutive effect.

      Fully diluted  earnings per share is based on the weighted  average number
of shares of Common  Stock  outstanding  during  such  period.  Included in this
calculation  is the dilutive  effect of stock options and  warrants.  The common
stock issuable under the 7% convertible  subordinated  notes was not included in
the  calculation  for the  quarter and nine  months  ended  November 2, 1996 and
October 28, 1995 because it was antidilutive.

3] On  September  5, 1995,  the Company  announced  its intent to dispose of its
Fayva  footwear  division by the end of fiscal 1996.  When the Company  acquired
Morse in early 1993,  it did so primarily for the strategic fit of the Morse and
Baker licensed footwear divisions.  In addition,  the Company believed,  at that
time,  that it could improve the operations of Morse's Fayva  division.  Fayva's
profitability  had suffered in the years prior to the Company's  acquisition  of
Morse due, in part, to the financial difficulties of Morse. The Company believed
that by bringing  additional  financial  resources  to Fayva,  along with making
divisional  management  changes, it could restore the division to profitability.
However,  after operating Fayva for two and one half years,  the Company decided
to dispose  of Fayva due to the  continued  operating  losses  generated  by the
division,  along with  Fayva's  declining  market  share in an  already  crowded
discount retail footwear industry.

      During  the  third   quarter  of  fiscal   1996,   the  Company   recorded
restructuring  charges of $69.3 million  ($41.6 million or $3.00 per share on an
after tax basis)  related to the  disposal of Fayva.  Such  charges  include the
costs to exit from and dispose of the Fayva division,  including the loss on the
disposal of inventory, severance payments, the write-off of fixed assets and the
costs to dispose of store leases.  Accrued at November 2, 1996 are costs of $1.7
million,  primarily related to lease termination costs, which are expected to be
paid by the end of fiscal 1998. As part of its Fayva exit strategy,  the Company
engaged  a  third  party  to  maximize  the  Company's  net  recovery  from  the
liquidation of the Fayva inventory.  All of Fayva's  inventory was liquidated by
the end of fiscal  1996.  The Company  also hired a  consultant  to mitigate the
disposition  costs of the  Fayva  store  leases.  Sales in the  Company's  Fayva
division for the quarter ended October 28, 1995 were $24.7  million,  and $106.0
million  for the nine  months  ended  October  28,  1995 and  fiscal  year ended
February 3, 1996.

4] On June 23,  1995,  Bradlees  Stores,  Inc.  ("Bradlees"),  a licensor of the
Company,  filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States  Bankruptcy
Code. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, the Company had outstanding accounts
receivable of  approximately  $1.8 million due from Bradlees.  Under  bankruptcy
law,  Bradlees has the option of  continuing  (assuming)  the  existing  license
agreement with the Company or terminating  (rejecting)  that  agreement.  If the
license  agreement  is  assumed,  Bradlees  must  cure all  defaults  under  the
agreement  and the  Company  will  collect  in full  the  outstanding  past  due
receivable.  The Company has no assurance  that the agreement will be assumed or
that Bradlees will continue in business.  Although the Company believes that the
rejection of the license agreement or the cessation of Bradlees' business is not
probable,  in the event that the  agreement  is rejected  or  Bradlees  does not
continue in business,  the Company believes it will have a substantial claim for
damages.  If such a claim is  necessary,  the amount  realized  by the  Company,
relative to the carrying values of the Company's  Bradlees-related  assets, will
be based on the relevant  facts and  circumstances.  The Company does not expect
this  filing  under the  Bankruptcy  Code to have a material  adverse  effect on
future  earnings.  The Company's sales in the Bradlees chain for the quarter and
nine  months  ended  November  2, 1996 were  $15.9  million  and $44.7  million,
respectively.

5] On October 18, 1995, Jamesway  Corporation  ("Jamesway"),  then a licensor of
the  Company,  filed  for  protection  under  Chapter  11 of the  United  States
Bankruptcy  Code and announced its intention to liquidate its  inventory,  fixed
assets and real estate and to cease  operation  of its business in all of its 90
stores.  During the quarter ended February 3, 1996, the Company  participated in
Jamesway's going out of business sales and liquidated  substantially  all of its
footwear  inventory in the 90 Jamesway  stores  during the going out of business
sales. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, the Company had outstanding

                                       6





accounts  receivable of  approximately  $1.4 million due from Jamesway.  Because
Jamesway ceased  operation of its business,  the Company believes that rejection
of its license  agreement is probable and has asserted a  substantial  claim for
damages.  The Company has  negotiated  a settlement  of its claim with  Jamesway
which remains subject to approval by the Bankruptcy  Court. The Company does not
expect the closing of the Jamesway  stores to have a material  adverse effect on
future  earnings.  The Company's sales in the Jamesway chain for the quarter and
nine months ended  October 28, 1995 and fiscal year ended  February 3, 1996 were
$6.2 million, $18.9 million and $24.3 million, respectively.

6] On November 10, 1993,  a federal jury in  Minneapolis,  MN returned a verdict
assessing royalties of $1,550,000,  and additional damages of $1,500,000 against
the Company in a patent  infringement suit brought by Susan Maxwell with respect
to a device used to connect  pairs of shoes.  Certain  post trial  motions  were
filed by Susan Maxwell  seeking treble  damages,  attorney's fees and injunctive
relief,  which motions were granted on March 10, 1995.  Judgment was entered for
Maxwell. The Company appealed the judgment.  On June 11, 1996, the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit  reversed the trial court's findings in
part,  affirmed  the trial  court's  findings  in part and  vacated the award to
Maxwell  of treble  damages,  attorney's  fees and  injunctive  relief.  Maxwell
subsequently  requested  a  rehearing  in banc of the matter  which  request was
denied by order of the Court dated August 28, 1996.  The case has been  remanded
to the trial court for a redetermination  of damages consistent with the opinion
of the appellate  court.  Maxwell has petitioned the United States Supreme Court
for a writ of certiorari to hear the case, and it is anticipated  that no action
will be taken by the trial  court on remand  until the  Supreme  Court acts with
respect to the petition.

      A complaint  was also filed by Susan  Maxwell in  November,  1992  against
Morse Shoe, Inc. ("Morse"),  a subsidiary of the Company,  alleging infringement
of the patent referred to above.  The Morse trial was stayed pending the outcome
of the J. Baker appeal.  In light of the decision of the appellate court and the
petition to the Supreme Court, it is not clear when a trial date will be set for
the Morse case.



                                       7





  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
                              OF OPERATIONS.


All references  herein to fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 relate to the years ending
February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996, respectively.


Results of Operations

       First Nine Months Fiscal 1997 versus First Nine Months Fiscal 1996

      Net sales  decreased by $99.1 million to $650.1  million in the first nine
months of fiscal  1997 from  $749.2  million in the first nine  months of fiscal
1996. Sales in the Company's footwear operations  decreased by $126.2 million to
$453.1  million from $579.3  million  primarily  due to a $106.0  million  sales
decrease in the Company's  Fayva division (which is the result of the closing of
all 357 Fayva stores in the third  quarter of fiscal 1996) and a decrease in the
number of licensed shoe departments in operation during the first nine months of
fiscal  1997 versus the first nine months of fiscal 1996 (which was due in large
part to Jamesway  ceasing  operations),  partially  offset by a 0.1% increase in
comparable    footwear   store   sales   (comparable    footwear   store   sales
increases/decreases  are  based  upon  comparisons  of  weekly  sales  volume in
licensed departments and Parade of Shoes stores which were open in corresponding
weeks of the two comparison  periods) and an increase in the number of Parade of
Shoes stores in operation during the first nine months of fiscal 1997 versus the
first nine months of fiscal  1996.  Sales in the  Company's  apparel  operations
increased by $27.1 million to $197.0 million from $169.9  million  primarily due
to an  increase  in the number of Casual Male Big & Tall stores and Work 'n Gear
stores in  operation  during the first nine months of fiscal 1997 over the first
nine months of fiscal 1996 and a 3.3% increase in comparable apparel store sales
(comparable apparel store sales  increases/decreases  are based upon comparisons
of weekly  sales volume in Casual Male Big & Tall stores and Work 'n Gear stores
which were open in corresponding weeks of the two comparison periods).

      Cost of sales  constituted  55.7% of sales in the  first  nine  months  of
fiscal  1997 as  compared  to 56.2% of sales in the first nine  months of fiscal
1996. Cost of sales in the Company's  footwear  operations was 57.7% of sales in
the first nine months of fiscal 1997 which was  comparable to the 57.7% of sales
in the first nine months of fiscal 1996  primarily  due to lower  markdowns as a
percentage of sales,  offset by a lower initial markup on merchandise  purchases
in the Company's continuing footwear operations and the closing of the Company's
Fayva  division  in the third  quarter of fiscal  1996,  which had lower cost of
sales  as  a  percentage  of  sales  than  the  Company's   continuing  footwear
operations. Cost of sales in the Company's apparel operations was 50.9% of sales
in the first nine  months of fiscal  1997 as  compared  to 51.1% of sales in the
first  nine  months  of  fiscal  1996  primarily  due to  lower  markdowns  as a
percentage of sales  partially  offset by a lower initial  markup on merchandise
purchases.

      Selling,  administrative  and general expenses  decreased $43.1 million or
14.7% in the first  nine  months of fiscal  1997 as  compared  to the first nine
months of fiscal  1996  primarily  due to the  closing  of the  Company's  Fayva
division in the third quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, selling,
administrative  and  general  expenses  were 38.6% in the first  nine  months of
fiscal  1997 as  compared  to 39.2% in the first  nine  months  of fiscal  1996.
Selling,   administrative   and  general  expenses  in  the  Company's  footwear
operations  were  37.1% of sales in the first  nine  months  of  fiscal  1997 as
compared  to 38.2% of sales in the  first  nine  months  of  fiscal  1996.  This
decrease  was  primarily  the  result  of the  closing  of the  Company's  Fayva
division,  which had higher selling,  administrative  and general  expenses as a
percentage of sales than the Company's continuing footwear operations.  Selling,
administrative  and general  expenses in the Company's  apparel  operations were
42.1% of sales in the first nine  months of fiscal  1997 as compared to 42.7% of
sales in the first nine months of fiscal 1996.  This  decrease was primarily the
result of the increase in comparable apparel store sales.

      Depreciation and amortization  expense  decreased by $334,000 in the first
nine  months of fiscal  1997 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 1996
primarily due to the write-off of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements
as a result of the closing of the Company's  Fayva division in the third quarter
of fiscal 1996. This decrease was partially  offset by capital  expenditures for
depreciable and amortizable assets.


                                       8






      During  the  quarter  ended  October  28,  1995,   the  Company   recorded
restructuring  charges of $69.3  million  ($41.6  million on an after tax basis)
related to the disposal of its Fayva footwear  division.  Such charges  included
the costs to exit from and dispose of Fayva,  including  the loss on disposal of
inventory,  severance  payments,  the write-off of fixed assets and the costs to
dispose of store leases.

      As a result of the above described effects, the Company's operating income
increased  to $15.1  million  in the first  nine  months of fiscal  1997 from an
operating loss of $57.5 million (operating income of $11.8 million excluding the
restructuring  charges) in the first nine months of fiscal 1996. As a percentage
of sales,  operating  income was 2.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 1997 as
compared  to an  operating  loss of 7.7% in the first nine months of fiscal 1996
(operating income of 1.6% excluding the restructuring charges).

      Net interest expense increased  $992,000 to $9.0 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 1997 from $8.0  million in the first nine months of fiscal 1996
due to higher levels of borrowings and higher interest rates.

      Taxes on  earnings  for the first  nine  months  of fiscal  1997 were $2.4
million,  yielding an effective tax rate of 39.0%,  as compared to a tax benefit
of $26.3  million,  yielding  an  effective  tax rate of 40.1% in the first nine
months of fiscal 1996.

      Net earnings for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 were $3.7 million as
compared to a net loss of $39.3 million in the first nine months of 1996.

           Third Quarter Fiscal 1997 versus Third Quarter Fiscal 1996

      Net  sales  decreased  by $22.5  million  to $222.8  million  in the third
quarter of fiscal 1997 from $245.3  million in the third quarter of fiscal 1996.
Sales in the Company's footwear operations  decreased by $31.4 million to $153.1
million from $184.5  million  primarily due to a $24.7 million sales decrease in
the Company's Fayva division (which is the result of the aforementioned  closing
of all 357 Fayva stores in the third quarter of fiscal 1996),  a decrease in the
number of discount  licensed  shoe  departments  in  operation  during the third
quarter of fiscal 1997 versus the third quarter of fiscal 1996 (which was due in
large part to Jamesway ceasing operations),  partially offset by a 4.7% increase
in  comparable  footwear  store sales and an increase in the number of Parade of
Shoes  stores in  operation  during the third  quarter of fiscal 1997 versus the
third  quarter  of  fiscal  1996.  Sales  in the  Company's  apparel  operations
increased by $8.9 million to $69.7 million from $60.8  million  primarily due to
an increase in the number of Casual Male Big & Tall stores in  operation  during
the third quarter of fiscal 1997 over the third quarter of fiscal 1996,  coupled
with a 5.4% increase in comparable apparel store sales.

      Cost of sales  constituted  56.8% of sales in the third  quarter of fiscal
1997 as compared to 57.4% of sales in the third quarter of fiscal 1996.  Cost of
sales in the  Company's  footwear  operations  was  59.4% of sales in the  third
quarter of fiscal  1997 as  compared  to 59.1% of sales in the third  quarter of
fiscal 1996. The increase in such  percentage was primarily  attributable to the
closing of the  Company's  Fayva  division in the third  quarter of fiscal 1996,
which  had  lower  cost of sales as a  percentage  of sales  than the  Company's
continuing  footwear  operations,   coupled  with  a  lower  initial  markup  on
merchandise  purchases  partially  offset by lower  markdowns as a percentage of
sales in the  Company's  continuing  footwear  operations.  Cost of sales in the
Company's  apparel  operations was 51.1% of sales in the third quarter of fiscal
1997 as  compared  to 51.9% of sales in the third  quarter of fiscal  1996.  The
decrease  in  such  percentage  was  primarily  attributable  to a  decrease  in
markdowns as a percentage of sales partially offset by a lower initial markup on
merchandise purchases.

      Selling,  administrative  and general expenses  decreased $10.3 million or
11.0% in the third  quarter of fiscal 1997 as  compared to the third  quarter of
fiscal 1996 primarily due to the closing of the Company's  Fayva division in the
third quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, selling,  administrative
and general  expenses were 37.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared
to 38.2% in the  third  quarter  of fiscal  1996.  Selling,  administrative  and
general expenses in the Company's footwear operations were 36.5% of sales in the
third  quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to 37.3% of sales in the third quarter
of fiscal 1996.  This  decrease was  primarily  the result of the closing of the
Company's Fayva division,  which had higher selling,  administrative and general
expenses  as a  percentage  of sales  than  the  Company's  continuing  footwear
operations  coupled  with the  increase  in  comparable  footwear  store  sales.
Selling, administrative and general expenses in the Company's apparel operations
were 39.5% of sales in the third  quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to 40.9% of
sales in the third  quarter of fiscal  1996  primarily  due to the  increase  in
comparable apparel store sales.

      Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $313,000 in the third 
quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to the

                                       9





third  quarter of fiscal  1996  primarily  due to the  write-off  of  furniture,
fixtures and leasehold  improvements as a result of the closing of the Company's
Fayva division in the third quarter of fiscal 1996.  This decrease was partially
offset by capital expenditures for depreciable and amortizable assets.

      During  the  quarter  ended  October  28,  1995,   the  Company   recorded
restructuring  charges of $69.3  million  ($41.6  million on an after tax basis)
related to the disposal of its Fayva footwear  division.  Such charges  included
the costs to exit from and dispose of Fayva,  including  the loss on disposal of
inventory,  severance  payments,  the write-off of fixed assets and the costs to
dispose of store leases.

      As a result of the above described effects, the Company's operating income
increased to $5.3 million in the third  quarter of fiscal 1997 from an operating
loss  of  $66.1  million   (operating  income  of  $3.2  million  excluding  the
restructuring  charges) in the third  quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of
sales, operating income was 2.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared
to an  operating  loss of 27.0% in the third  quarter of fiscal 1996  (operating
income of 1.3% excluding the restructuring charges).

      Net  interest  expense  increased  $277,000  to $3.0  million in the third
quarter of fiscal 1997 from $2.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 due
to higher levels of borrowings and higher interest rates.

      Taxes on  earnings  for the third  quarter of fiscal  1997 were  $906,000,
yielding an effective  tax rate of 39.0%,  as compared to a tax benefit of $27.5
million,  yielding an effective tax rate of 40.0% in the third quarter of fiscal
1996.

      Net  earnings  for the third  quarter of fiscal 1997 were $1.4  million as
compared to a net loss of $41.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 1996.


Financial Condition

                 November 2, 1996 versus February 3, 1996

      The increase in accounts  receivable  at November 2, 1996 from February 3,
1996 is  primarily  due to seasonal  factors,  licensed  sales in October  being
higher than licensed sales in January.

      Merchandise  inventories  at November 2, 1996 were higher than at February
3, 1996 primarily due to a seasonal  increase in the average inventory level per
location.

      The decrease in income tax  receivable  is due to receipt of the estimated
federal  income tax refund  recorded at  February  3, 1996 which  related to the
federal income tax carryback  benefits  resulting from the disposal of the Fayva
division.

      The  decrease  in  other  assets  is  primarily  due to the  recording  of
amortization expense and collections on notes receivable in fiscal 1997.

      The ratio of accounts payable to merchandise  inventory decreased to 29.0%
at November 2, 1996 as  compared to 36.8% at February 3, 1996  primarily  due to
seasonal  factors and the  Company's  decision  to reduce the average  financing
terms of its foreign purchases.

      Accrued  expenses  at  November  2, 1996  decreased  from the  balance  at
February 3, 1996  primarily  due to payments of costs related to the disposal of
the Fayva division.

      Debt  increased  $47.0 million to $254.8  million at November 2, 1996 from
$207.8 million at February 3, 1996 primarily due to additional  borrowings under
the Company's  revolving line of credit to meet seasonal  working  capital needs
and to fund capital expenditures.




                                       10






Liquidity and Capital Resources

      The Company  currently has a revolving  credit facility on a predominantly
unsecured basis with Fleet National Bank, The First National Bank of Boston, The
Yasuda Trust and Banking Co., Ltd.,  Bank Hapoalim  B.M.,  National City Bank of
Columbus,  Standard  Chartered  Bank and  Citizens  Bank of  Massachusetts  (the
"Banks").  The aggregate  commitment  amount under the revolving credit facility
was reduced from $240  million to $225 million on November 30, 1996.  Borrowings
under the revolving  credit facility bear interest at variable rates and, at the
discretion of the Company, can be in the form of loans, bankers' acceptances and
letters of credit. This facility expires on December 31, 1997. As of November 2,
1996,  the  Company  had  outstanding  obligations  under the  revolving  credit
facility of $217.5  million,  consisting of loans,  obligations  under  bankers'
acceptances and letters of credit.

      Following is a table showing actual and planned store openings by division
for fiscal 1997:

                                                                                         
                                        Actual Openings                 Planned Openings             Total
                                         First - Third                       Fourth               Actual/Planned
      Division                        Quarter Fiscal 1997              Quarter Fiscal 1997          Openings
      --------                        -------------------              -------------------        --------------

      Licensed                               83                                 12                     95
      Parade of Shoes                        42                                  0                     42
      Casual Male                            42                                  7                     49
      Work 'n Gear                            0                                  0                      0


      Offsetting the above actual and planned store openings, the Company closed
192 licensed departments,  11 Parade of Shoes stores, 6 Casual Male stores and 3
Work 'n Gear stores during the first nine months of fiscal 1997. The Company has
plans to close approximately an additional 120 licensed departments, 9 Parade of
Shoes stores and 1 Casual Male store during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997.

      The  information  on store  openings  and closings  reflects  management's
current  plans and should not be  interpreted  as an assurance of actual  future
developments.

      The Company  believes that amounts  available  under its revolving  credit
facility,  along with internally generated funds, will be sufficient to meet its
operating and capital requirements under ordinary  circumstances through the end
of the current fiscal year.



                                       11






PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

    (a)  The Exhibits in the Exhibit Index are filed as part of this report.

    (b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the  registrant  during the quarter
for which this report is filed.




                                       12






                                SIGNATURES




    Pursuant  to the  requirements  of  Section  13 or 15(d)  of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.






                                           J. BAKER, INC.





                                       By:/s/Alan I. Weinstein
                                          ---------------------
                                       Alan I. Weinstein
                                       President and Acting Chief 
                                       Executive Officer

Date:    Canton, Massachusetts
         December 12, 1996




                                       By:/s/Philip Rosenberg
                                          ----------------------
                                       Philip Rosenberg
                                       Executive Vice President and Treasurer,
                                       Acting Chief Financial Officer
                                       (Chief Accounting Officer)

Date:    Canton, Massachusetts
         December 12, 1996














                                       13

















                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                        WASHINGTON, DC  20549


                         -------------------


                              EXHIBITS

                             Filed with

                      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
 
                                  of

                              J. BAKER, INC.

                           555 Turnpike Street

                            Canton, MA  02021

                   For the Quarter ended November 2, 1996




















                                       14




                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


                                                                                                       
Exhibit                                                                                                   Page No.



10.  Material Contracts

     (.01)  Performance Share Award granted to James Lee, dated October 18,                                  *
            1996, attached.

     (.02)  Performance Share Award granted to Stuart M. Needleman, dated                                    *
            October 18, 1996, attached.

     (.03)  Performance Share Award granted to Philip G. Rosenberg, dated                                    *
            October 18, 1996, attached.


11.  Computation of Primary and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share, attached.                                  *
     -----------------------------------------------------------

27.  Financial Data Schedule                                                                                 **
     -----------------------






*           Included herein
**          This  exhibit  has been  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange
            Commission as part of J. Baker, Inc.'s electronic submission of this
            Form 10-Q under EDGAR filing requirements.  It has not been included
            herein.