<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MARK VII, INC. FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 1996
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-29-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-29-1996
<CASH>                                             409
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   63,881
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,607
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                69,152
<PP&E>                                           8,573
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,436
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  79,988
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           52,822
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           489
<OTHER-SE>                                      26,025
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    79,988
<SALES>                                        264,785
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               264,785
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  260,176
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   173
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   384
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  73
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,436
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,863
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,573
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,573
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .54
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .54