<ARTICLE>         5

<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets of Designs, Inc. as of May 3, 1997, May 4, 1996
and February 1, 1997 and the Consolidated Statements of Income for the
three months and twelve months ending May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>

<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-02-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-03-1997
<CASH>                                             119
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      467
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    104,112
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               113,236
<PP&E>                                          76,132
<DEPRECIATION>                                  35,281
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           46,362
<BONDS>                                              0
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<OTHER-SE>                                     107,815
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   160,143
<SALES>                                         55,470
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<CGS>                                           41,984
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   41,984
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                18,841
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 151
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (5,435)
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