<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Forstmann &
Company Inc.'s condensed financial statements for the fifty-two weeks ended
October 30, 1994 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-30-1994
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1993
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-30-1994
<CASH>                                              49
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   57,089
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,100
<INVENTORY>                                     76,881
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               140,801
<PP&E>                                          79,479
<DEPRECIATION>                                  20,566
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 229,256
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           28,139
<BONDS>                                        155,597
<COMMON>                                             6
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                            2,425
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      35,830
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   229,256
<SALES>                                        237,085
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               237,085
<CGS>                                          189,233
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  189,233
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                22,268
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,167
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,517
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,900
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,331
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,569
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,569
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.60