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S E L E C T E D    Q U A R T E R L Y    F I N A N C I A L    D A T A    ( U N A U D I T E D )

Earnings per share amounts in the following table reflect the effect of the two-for-one stock splits distributed in June 1998 and June 1997.

	First	Second	Third	Fourth
In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1999
Net sales	$1,775,847	$1,864,236	$2,026,578	$2,282,440
Gross earnings*	445,586	445,746	546,077	554,277
Income from continuing operations
before extraordinary item	87,767	84,876	133,667	126,892
Diluted earnings per share	.26	.25	.40	.39
Net income	87,767	84,876	124,619	126,892
Diluted earnings per share	.26	.25	.38	.39
Fiscal year ended January 31, 1998 (53 Weeks)				(14 Weeks)
Net sales	$1,560,150	$1,698,372	$1,887,698	$2,242,849
Gross earnings*	357,531	375,111	473,362	506,524
Income from continuing operations
before extraordinary item	48,461	52,578	106,942	98,611
Diluted earnings per share	.14	.15	.31	.29
Net income	48,461	52,578	105,165	98,611
Diluted earnings per share	.14	.15	.30	.29

*Gross earnings equal net sales less cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs.

Fourth quarter comparisons are impacted by the shift in the fiscal calendar resulting from the extra week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, as well as the favorable adjustments to the Company’s tax provision and certain accrued expenses in fiscal 1999. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 1999 includes an after-tax charge of $9.0 million as a loss on disposal of discontinued operations for lease related obligations, primarily for the Company’s Hit or Miss stores. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 includes an after-tax extraordinary charge of $1.8 million for the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the early termination of a revolving credit facility.

F O R W A R D - L O O K I N G     I N F O R M A T I O N 

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: general economic conditions and consumer demand and consumer preferences and weather patterns in the U.S., Canada and Europe, particularly the United Kingdom; competitive factors, including continuing pressure from pricing and promotional activities of major competitors; impact of excess retail capacity and the availability of desirable store locations on suitable terms; the availability, selection and purchasing of attractive merchandise on favorable terms; import risks, including potential disruptions and duties, tariffs and quotas on imported merchandise, including economic and political problems in countries from which merchandise is imported; currency and exchange rate factors in the Company’s foreign operations; risks in the development of new businesses and application of the Company’s off-price strategies in foreign countries; acquisition and divestment activities; risks and uncertainties relating to the Year 2000 issue; and other factors that may be described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

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