<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Pathmark
Stores, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks ended May 3,
1997 and Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 3, 1997 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-03-1997
<CASH>                                          13,938
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   13,519
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (1,188)
<INVENTORY>                                    215,715
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               293,180
<PP&E>                                         993,768
<DEPRECIATION>                               (400,057)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 987,300
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          500,655
<BONDS>                                      1,171,452
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                 (1,050,508)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   987,300
<SALES>                                        922,319
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               922,319
<CGS>                                          663,057
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  663,057
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    23
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                            (41,290)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (14,543)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,701
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (8,842)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,842)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0