<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CROWN CRAFTS FOR THE 9 MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 29,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                              APR-1-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-29-1996
<CASH>                                             565
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   26,399
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     57,412
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                88,730
<PP&E>                                         113,484
<DEPRECIATION>                                  39,640
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 177,205
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           34,922
<BONDS>                                         50,300
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         9,051
<OTHER-SE>                                      75,254
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   177,205
<SALES>                                        192,135
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               192,135
<CGS>                                          155,078
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  155,078
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,770
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,107
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,104
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,003
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,003
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0