<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheets
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<CASH>                                             100
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    45200
<ALLOWANCES>                                      3800
<INVENTORY>                                     227400
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                315800
<PP&E>                                          273300
<DEPRECIATION>                                  148500
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  494600
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           215400
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                          1700
<OTHER-SE>                                      169500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    494600
<SALES>                                          67100
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 67100
<CGS>                                            38900
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    38900
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 23900
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                1300
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   3400
<INCOME-TAX>                                      1300
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               2100
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      2100
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.12