<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE MAY
DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JULY 29, 2000 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-END> JUL-29-2000
<CASH> 21
<SECURITIES> 23
<RECEIVABLES> 1,841
<ALLOWANCES> 64
<INVENTORY> 2,983
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 4,881
<PP&E> 8,092
<DEPRECIATION> 3,247
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 10,776
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,102
<BONDS> 4,357
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 3,385
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 10,776
<SALES> 6,182
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 6,181
<CGS> 4,295
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,295
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 153
<INCOME-PRETAX> 425
<INCOME-TAX> 170
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 255
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 255
<EPS-BASIC> 0.78
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.76
</TABLE>