<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 OCTOBER 28, 2000 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-END> OCT-28-2000
<CASH> 19
<SECURITIES> 37
<RECEIVABLES> 1,935
<ALLOWANCES> 67
<INVENTORY> 3,582
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,606
<PP&E> 8,036
<DEPRECIATION> 3,157
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,879
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,993
<BONDS> 4,540
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 3,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 11,879
<SALES> 9,510
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 9,507
<CGS> 6,692
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,692
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 244
<INCOME-PRETAX> 566
<INCOME-TAX> 226
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 340
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 340
<EPS-BASIC> 1.06
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.03
</TABLE>