<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  AT MARCH 31, 1997 (UNAUDITED) AND THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31, 1997 (UNAUDITED) OF GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORP AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          35,483
<SECURITIES>                                    36,324
<RECEIVABLES>                                  123,091
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     87,109
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               304,185
<PP&E>                                          21,687
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 341,510
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           99,585
<BONDS>                                          1,969
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           379
<OTHER-SE>                                     238,358
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   341,510
<SALES>                                        273,537
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               273,537
<CGS>                                          204,130
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  204,130
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                50,776
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               (710)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 19,341
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,253
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,088
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    12,088
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .32
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .32