<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           MAR-1-1997
<PERIOD-START>                              MAR-3-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<CASH>                                          43,195
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  217,106
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                  1,844,782
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,242,744
<PP&E>                                         494,248
<DEPRECIATION>                                 173,783
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,576,047
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,674,386
<BONDS>                                        212,768
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         4,327
<OTHER-SE>                                     425,358
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,576,047
<SALES>                                      5,423,148
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             5,423,148
<CGS>                                        4,690,064
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                4,690,064
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               703,558
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              40,639
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (11,113)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (4,337)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (6,776)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (6,776)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.16)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.16)