<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTH INTERIM PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAY-31-2001
<PERIOD-START> JUN-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-2000
<CASH> 669
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 136,319
<ALLOWANCES> 10,113
<INVENTORY> 275,228
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 510,278
<PP&E> 186,818
<DEPRECIATION> 78,785
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 747,543
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 168,282
<BONDS> 180,367
0
0
<COMMON> 29,171
<OTHER-SE> 310,082
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 747,543
<SALES> 241,770
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 241,770
<CGS> 207,355
<TOTAL-COSTS> 231,899
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 337<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 5,482<F2>
<INCOME-PRETAX> 4,389
<INCOME-TAX> 1,230
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,159
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 3,159
<EPS-BASIC> .12
<EPS-DILUTED> .12
<FN>
<F1>Provision for doubtful accounts is included in Total Costs and Expenses
<F2>Interest expense is presented net of $506 of interest income
</FN>
</TABLE>