<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF NOVEMBER 24, 1996, AND THE CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 24, 1996, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-24-1996
<CASH>                                          13,646
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    225,160
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               241,098
<PP&E>                                         124,563
<DEPRECIATION>                                  38,322 
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 339,025
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          135,743
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           685
<OTHER-SE>                                     193,786
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   339,025
<SALES>                                        577,954
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               577,954
<CGS>                                          339,565
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  339,565
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               177,882
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               (404)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 60,911
<INCOME-TAX>                                    24,212
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             36,699
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    36,699
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .52