EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS CONSENT

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of Heilig-Meyers Company on Form S-8 of our report dated March 24,
1999, except for Note 17 as to which the date is June 1, 1999, appearing in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Heilig-Meyers Company and subsidiaries for the
year ended February 28, 1999.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Richmond, Virginia
June 30, 1999

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