<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 APRIL 29, 2000 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-END> APR-29-2000
<CASH> 23
<SECURITIES> 17
<RECEIVABLES> 1,979
<ALLOWANCES> 66
<INVENTORY> 3,191
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,227
<PP&E> 7,945
<DEPRECIATION> 3,136
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,080
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,556
<BONDS> 3,709
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 3,897
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 11,080
<SALES> 3,041
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,050
<CGS> 2,141
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,141
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 71
<INCOME-PRETAX> 200
<INCOME-TAX> 80
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 120
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 120
<EPS-BASIC> 0.36
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.35
</TABLE>