Exhibit 23.12


                         Consent of Director Designee
                         ----------------------------

February 25, 1997

        The undersigned hereby consents, pursuant to Rule 438 under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the references to him as a future 
director of Cabot Noble, Inc. in the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus included
in this Registration Statement.


                                        Signed: /s/ Mclvyn J. Eshrin
                                               --------------------------
                                               Mclvyn J. Eshrin