<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CROWN CRAFTS FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER
28, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-29-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-28-1997
<CASH>                                           1,310
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   34,968
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     80,165
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               122,957
<PP&E>                                         120,804
<DEPRECIATION>                                  49,089
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 221,702
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           68,281
<BONDS>                                         50,200     
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         9,231
<OTHER-SE>                                      85,493
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   221,702
<SALES>                                        242,015
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               242,015
<CGS>                                          185,896
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  185,896
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,853
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,403
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,676
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,727
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,727
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .96
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .93