<ARTICLE> 5 <LEGEND> This schedule contains financial information extracted from Forstmann & Company, Inc.'s condensed consolidated financial statements for the thirty-nine weeks ended August 1, 1999 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. </LEGEND> <MULTIPLIER> 1,000 <PERIOD-TYPE> 9-mos <FISCAL-YEAR-END> Oct-31-1999 <PERIOD-START> Nov-02-1999 <PERIOD-END> Aug-01-1999 <CASH> 204 <SECURITIES> 0 <RECEIVABLES> 29,329 <ALLOWANCES> 1,778 <INVENTORY> 23,499 <CURRENT-ASSETS> 54,507 <PP&E> 19,664 <DEPRECIATION> 5,188 <TOTAL-ASSETS> 70,903 <CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 47,531 <BONDS> 265 <PREFERRED-MANDATORY> 0 <PREFERRED> 0 <COMMON> 44 <OTHER-SE> 16,779 <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 70,903 <SALES> 68,930 <TOTAL-REVENUES> 68,930 <CGS> 66,203 <TOTAL-COSTS> 66,203 <OTHER-EXPENSES> 8,390 <LOSS-PROVISION> 469 <INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,311 <INCOME-PRETAX> 13,787 <INCOME-TAX> 0 <INCOME-CONTINUING> (13,787) <DISCONTINUED> 1,400 <EXTRAORDINARY> 314 <CHANGES> 0 <NET-INCOME> (14,873) <EPS-BASIC> (3.38) <EPS-DILUTED> (3.38)