<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND BALANCE SHEET AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END>                              NOV-29-1997
<CASH>                                         37,807
<SECURITIES>                                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   9,335
<ALLOWANCES>                                      233
<INVENTORY>                                   249,594
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              370,363
<PP&E>                                        370,607
<DEPRECIATION>                                152,707
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                619,796
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         116,438
<BONDS>                                       115,318
<COMMON>                                       68,041
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<OTHER-SE>                                    296,363
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  619,796
<SALES>                                       750,099
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              750,099
<CGS>                                         428,502
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 428,502
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               17,336
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              6,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                81,553
<INCOME-TAX>                                   30,077
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            51,476
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                   51,476
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .75 <F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .71 <F1>

<FN>
<F1> Shares Outstanding have been adjusted to reflect a 3 for 2 stock split
     effected in the form of a stock dividend, distributed July 30, 1997. 
     Prior financial data schedules have not been restated to reflect the
     stock split.