1 EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors J. Baker, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements of J. Baker, Inc. on Form S-8 no. 33-10385, No. 33-20302, No. 33-39425, No. 33-59786, No. 33-59788 and No. 33-59790 and on Form S-3 No. 33-42830, No. 33-47825 and 33-51645 of our report dated March 11, 1994 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of J. Baker, Inc. for the year ended January 29, 1994. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick --------------------- KPMG PEAT MARWICK Boston, Massachusetts April 27, 1994