<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                           1,267
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    7,114
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    361,945
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F1>
<PP&E>                                          16,500
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,908
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 399,595
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F1>
<BONDS>                                        115,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         20
<COMMON>                                            83
<OTHER-SE>                                     179,173
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   399,595
<SALES>                                        851,101
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               851,101
<CGS>                                          735,849
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  833,445
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (538)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 18,194
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,005
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             11,189
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    11,189
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.15
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.15
<FN>
<F1>The Company presents a condensed balance sheet.
</FN>