<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 2, 1995 and the Consolidated 
Statement of Earnings for the 40 weeks ended December 2, 1995 and is qualified 
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           FEB-24-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                DEC-02-1995
<CASH>                                            5,396
<SECURITIES>                                          0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   445,010
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (25,848)
<INVENTORY>                                   1,179,209
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              1,728,901
<PP&E>                                        2,479,923
<DEPRECIATION>                                (901,348)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                4,338,669
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         1,505,037
<BONDS>                                       1,454,167
<COMMON>                                         75,335
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                 0
<PREFERRED>                                       5,908
<OTHER-SE>                                    1,113,998
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  4,338,669
<SALES>                                      12,639,029
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             12,639,029
<CGS>                                        11,460,135
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                11,460,135
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                      0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  1,938
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              107,966
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 192,245
<INCOME-TAX>                                     74,571
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             117,674
<DISCONTINUED>                                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                       0
<CHANGES>                                             0
<NET-INCOME>                                    117,674
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      1.72   
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      1.72