WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> 0CT-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 20,808
<SECURITIES> 00
<RECEIVABLES> 38,949
<ALLOWANCES> 00
<INVENTORY> 616,426
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 792,287
<PP&E> 55,615
<DEPRECIATION> 21,062
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 841,518
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 338,397
<BONDS> 256,724
00
00
<COMMON> 251
<OTHER-SE> 246,146
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 841,518
<SALES> 766,321
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 784,019
<CGS> 614,574
<TOTAL-COSTS> 737,277
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 00
<LOSS-PROVISION> 00
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 24,256
<INCOME-PRETAX> 22,486
<INCOME-TAX> 7,485
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 15,001
<DISCONTINUED> 00
<EXTRAORDINARY> 00
<CHANGES> 00
<NET-INCOME> 15,001
<EPS-BASIC> 0.68
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.68
</TABLE>