<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from consolidated
balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-23-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-25-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-24-1998
<CASH>                                          47,725
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   84,345
<ALLOWANCES>                                       857
<INVENTORY>                                  1,232,745
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,412,316
<PP&E>                                         547,069
<DEPRECIATION>                                 213,311
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,111,082
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          868,219
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       867,627
<OTHER-SE>                                     296,969
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,111,082
<SALES>                                      3,087,903
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,087,903
<CGS>                                        2,353,947
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,353,947
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,389
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 90,321
<INCOME-TAX>                                    35,044
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             55,277
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    55,277
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .45