<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Pathmark
Stores, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 39 weeks ended
November 2, 1996 and Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 2, 1996 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-02-1996
<CASH>                                          11,122
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,468
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (1,128)
<INVENTORY>                                    230,800
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               304,743
<PP&E>                                         993,147
<DEPRECIATION>                               (395,685)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 991,151
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          475,383
<BONDS>                                      1,195,986
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                 (1,034,963)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   991,151
<SALES>                                      2,929,470
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,929,470
<CGS>                                        2,057,398
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,057,398
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 (271)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           (120,663)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (16,189)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,334
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (9,855)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (877)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (10,732)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0