<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORWOOD PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-K.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-30-1997
<CASH>                                           2,609
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   24,924
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (642)
<INVENTORY>                                     32,105
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                62,724
<PP&E>                                          35,355
<DEPRECIATION>                                (14,214)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 135,194
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           24,848
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        51,829
<OTHER-SE>                                       (553)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   135,194
<SALES>                                        175,835
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               175,835
<CGS>                                          125,732
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  125,732
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                36,945
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,002
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,156
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,091
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,065
<DISCONTINUED>                                 (4,820)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (241)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,004
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.18