<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998  AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-02-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                          42,667
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,695
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     33,927
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               108,962
<PP&E>                                         124,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                  53,483
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 183,238
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           66,962
<BONDS>                                         50,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                              511
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      58,264
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   183,238
<SALES>                                        521,617
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               521,617
<CGS>                                          320,537
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  320,537
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               116,955
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,583
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 80,542
<INCOME-TAX>                                    32,220
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             48,322
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    48,322
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .95
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .94