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, No. 33-59790 and No. 33-60605, and on Form S-3 No. 33-51645, No. 333-2797 and No. 333-35923 of our report dated March 17, 1999 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of J. Baker, Inc. for the year ended January 30, 1999. /s/KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ------------------------ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Boston, Massachusetts April 26, 1999