SAKS INC
8-K, 1998-11-23
DEPARTMENT STORES
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                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, D.C. 20549


                             FORM 8-K

                          CURRENT REPORT

              Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                 Securities Exchange Act of 1934


         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
                        November 23, 1998


                        SAKS INCORPORATED
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              Tennessee             1-13113             62-0331040
      (State of incorporation)   (Commission           (I.R.S. Employer
                                 File Number)         Identification No.)

         750 Lakeshore Parkway
          Birmingham, Alabama                            35211
         (Address of principal                         (Zip Code)
         executive offices)


     Registrant's telephone number, including area code (205) 940-4000


                         PROFFITT'S, INC.
     (Former name or address, if changed since last report.)


=================================================================


Item 7.   Financial Statements and Exhibits

     7(a) and 7(b).  The financial statements and pro forma
financial information required by Items 7(a) and 7(b) have been
previously reported (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934).  The following financial information, which
has been restated to account for the merger as a pooling of
interests is included herewith:

     Five Year Financial Summary

     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and  Results of Operations 

     Consolidated Annual Financial Statements

          Consolidated Statements of Income --
          Fiscal years ended January 31, 1998,
          February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996

          Consolidated Balance Sheets -- 
          January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997
     
          Consolidated Statements of
          Shareholders' Equity -- Fiscal years ended
          January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
          February 3, 1996
     
          Consolidated Statements of Cash
          Flows -- Fiscal years ended January 31, 1998,
          February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996
     
          Notes to Consolidated Annual Financial Statements

     Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     (Unaudited)

          Condensed Consolidated Balance
          Sheets -- August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997
          
          Condensed Consolidated Statements
          of Income -- Three and Six Months Ended August
          1, 1998 and August 2, 1997
 
          Condensed Consolidated Statements
          of Cash Flows -- Six Months Ended August 1,
          1998 and August 2, 1997
     
          Notes to Condensed Consolidated
          Financial Statements
     
     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations

     7(c).  The following exhibits are furnished as required by
Item 7(c):

         Exhibit
         Number     Description
         -------    -----------

          23.0     Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

          27.0     Financial Data Schedule



     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                   SAKS INCORPORATED

Date: November 23, 1998



                                   By:       /s/ Brian J. Martin
                                        __________________________
                                        Brian J. Martin,
                                        Executive Vice President
                                        of Law and General
                                        Counsel


Five Year Financial Summary
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          52        52            53           52           52
                                         Weeks     Weeks         Weeks        Weeks        Weeks
                                         Ended     Ended         Ended        Ended        Ended
                                        1/31/98    2/1/97        2/3/96       1/28/95     1/29/94
                                       --------   --------       --------    --------    ---------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Consolidated Income Statement Data:
Net sales                              $5,726,346  $4,926,862  $4,422,107  $4,085,595    $3,600,897 
Cost of sales                           3,731,293   3,208,989   2,900,026   2,665,525     2,357,829 
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------    ----------
    Gross margin                        1,995,053   1,717,873   1,522,081   1,420,070     1,243,068 
                                                  
Selling, general, and admin-
  istrative expenses                    1,165,118   1,057,144     961,407     852,896       784,091 
Other operating expenses                  444,276     367,247     330,634     317,585       328,288 
Expenses related to attempted 
  Younkers takeover                                                10,017 
(Gains) losses from long-lived
  assets                                     (134)      1,406     (36,058)
Merger, restructuring and
  integration charges                      36,524      16,929      64,237       2,000       179,731 
Year 2000 expenses                          6,590 
ESOP expenses                               9,513       3,910       2,931       2,787         2,939 
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------    ----------
    Operating income (loss)               333,166     271,237     188,913     244,802       (51,981)

  Other income (expense)
    Interest expense                     (113,685)   (114,881)   (141,725)   (117,065)      (99,205)
    Other income (expense), net             2,330     (11,780)      4,051       4,826         4,063 
    Reorganization items                                                                   (219,857)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------    ----------
    Income (loss) before pro-
     vision for income taxes
     and extraordinary items
     and cumulative effect of
     changes in accounting
     methods                              221,811     144,576      51,239     132,563      (366,980)

  Provision (benefit) for income
    taxes                                (194,426)     50,998      48,914      58,112        34,432 
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------    ----------
    Income (loss) before extra-
     ordinary items and cumul-
     ative effect of changes in
     accounting methods                   416,237      93,578       2,325      74,451      (401,412)
Extraordinary loss on debt,
  net of taxes                            (11,323)    (12,746)     (8,051)       (535)      (28,728)
Extraordinary gain on reorg-
  anization, net of taxes                                                                   212,139 
Cumulative effect of changes in 
  accounting methods, net of
  taxes                                                                                     (12,090)
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------    ----------
Net income (loss)                        $404,914     $80,832     $(5,726)    $73,916     $(230,091)
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========    ==========
Basic earnings (loss) per
  common share before extra-
  ordinary items and cumul-
  ative effect                              $3.03       $0.72       $0.00       $0.62        $(3.44)
Basic earnings (loss) per
  common share                              $2.94       $0.62      $(0.07)      $0.62        $(1.97)
Diluted earnings (loss) per
  common share before extra-
  ordinary items and cumul-
  ative effect                              $2.86       $0.70       $0.00       $0.61        $(3.44)
Diluted earnings (loss) per
  common share                              $2.79       $0.60      $(0.07)      $0.61        $(1.97)
Weighted average common shares
  Basic                                   137,588     125,056     111,974     117,217       116,590 
  Diluted                                 149,085     132,583     113,309     118,504       116,590 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital                        $1,090,304    $951,752    $710,468    $777,444      $801,589 
Total assets                           $4,270,253  $3,630,276  $2,899,565  $2,908,258    $2,593,779 
Senior long-term debt, less
  current portion                      $1,093,806    $863,475  $1,256,349  $1,263,147    $1,171,817 
Subordinated debt                        $286,964    $501,767    $150,505    $150,269     $ 136,250 
Shareholders' equity                   $1,944,529  $1,397,934    $691,059    $739,893      $658,101 
</TABLE>

Management's Discussion & Analysis

On September 17, 1998, Saks Holdings, Inc. ("SFA") merged with and
into a wholly owned subsidiary of Proffitt's, Inc.  SFA is the
holding company of Saks & Company which does business as Saks Fifth
Avenue, Off 5th, Folio and Bullock & Jones.  The merger provided for
the exchange of each outstanding share of SFA Common Stock for .82
shares of Proffitt's, Inc. Common Stock.  In connection with the
merger, Proffitt's, Inc. changed the corporate name of Proffitt's,
Inc. to Saks Incorporated. 

     Saks Incorporated (formerly Proffitt's, Inc. and hereinafter
the "Company"), is a national retailer principally operating 331
premier and traditional department stores under the following
names: Saks Fifth Avenue (56 stores), Off 5th (39 stores),
Proffitt's (24 stores), McRae's (29 stores), Younkers (51 stores),
Parisian (39 stores), Herberger's (37 stores), Carson Pirie Scott
("Carson's") (30 stores), Bergner's (13 stores), Boston Store (12
stores) and Bullock & Jones (1 store). The Company also operates a
direct mail business, under the Folio and Bullock & Jones names.

     The Company's major acquisitions are outlined below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Current Number                           Date          Accounting
Name                  Headquarters        of Stores     Locations             Acquired         Treatment
- ----------             ----------        ---------    -----------           ----------        ---------
<S>                  <C>                     <C>      <C>                  <C>                 <C>
McRae's              Jackson, MS             31       Southeast            March 31, 1994      Purchase
Younkers             Des Moines, IA          50       Midwest              February 3, 1996    Pooling
Parisian             Birmingham, AL          40       Southeast/Midwest    October 11, 1996    Purchase
Herberger's          St. Cloud, MN           37       Midwest              February 1, 1997    Pooling
Carson Pirie Scott,  Milwaukee, WI           55       Midwest              January 31, 1998    Pooling
  Boston Store, 
  and Bergner's
Saks Fifth           New York, NY            95       National             September 17, 1998  Pooling
 Avenue, Off 5th

</TABLE>

     Merchandising, sales promotion, and certain store operating
support functions are conducted in multiple locations. The
Proffitt's Merchandising Group, headquartered in Birmingham, was
formed in 1996 to ensure coordination of merchandise planning and
execution for the Company and the achievement of certain scale
economies while supporting the Company's strategy of tailoring
merchandising to local taste with regional assortments. Certain
back office administrative support functions for the Company, such
as accounting, credit administration, store planning, and
information technology, are centralized.

     Income statement information for each year presented has been
restated to reflect the Younkers, Herberger's, Carson Pirie Scott
("Carson's"), and SFA mergers, which were accounted for as poolings
of interests. The operations of  Parisian have been included in the
income statement subsequent to the October 11, 1996 purchase date.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
items from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, expressed
as percentages of net sales (numbers may not total due to rounding):

                                  52           52          53
                                 Weeks        Weeks       Weeks
                                 Ended        Ended       Ended
                                1/31/98       2/1/97      2/3/96
                               ("1997")      ("1996")     ("1995")
                               ---------    ---------   ---------
Net sales                       100.0%       100.0%        100.0%
Cost of sales                    65.2         65.1          65.6
                               ---------    ---------   ---------
    Gross margin                 34.8         34.9          34.4

Selling, general, and
  administrative expenses        20.3         21.5          21.7 
Other operating expenses          7.7          7.4           7.4 
Expenses related to attempted
  Younkers takeover                                          0.2 
(Gains) losses from long-
  lived assets                                              (0.8)
Merger,  restructuring, and
  integration charges             0.6          0.3           1.5 
Year 2000 expenses                0.1
ESOP expenses                     0.2          0.1           0.1 
                               ---------    ---------   ---------
    Operating income              5.8          5.5           4.3 

Other income (expense)
  Interest expense               (2.0)        (2.3)         (3.2)
  Other income (expense), net                 (0.2)          0.1 
                               ---------    ---------   ---------
     Income before provision
     for income taxes and 
     extraordinary loss           3.9          2.9           1.2 

Provision (benefit) for
  income taxes                   (3.3)         1.0           1.1 
                               ---------    ---------   ---------

Income before extraordinary
  loss                            7.3          1.9           0.1 
Extraordinary loss (net of
  tax)                           (0.2)        (0.3)         (0.2)
                               ---------    ---------   ---------
Net income                        7.1%         1.6%         (0.1)%
                               ========      ========   =========

Net Sales 

Total Company net sales increased by 16%, 11%, and 8% in 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively. The 1997 increase primarily was due
to a comparable store sales increase of 5% and incremental revenues
generated from new store additions during 1997 and 1996 combined
with the full year inclusion of Parisian which was acquired in
October 1996. The 1996 increase primarily was due to a comparable
store sales increase of 6% and new store additions during 1996 and
1995 and a partial year of revenues generated from Parisian. In
1995, comparable store sales increased 6%. 

Gross Margins

Gross margins were 34.8%, 34.9%, and 34.4% in 1997, 1996, and 1995,
respectively. The Company uses a full-cost method to account for
inventories and cost of sales, which includes certain purchasing
and distribution costs.

     The decrease in gross margin percent from 1996 to 1997 was
primarily due to increased penetration in certain lower margin
categories, spring sales shortfalls in bridge apparel, higher
inventory shortage and processing costs associated with a new
distribution center offset by enhanced buying power with core
vendors due to the Company's increased scale, expansion of key
brands and benchmarking of operations.

     The improvement in gross margin percent from 1995 to 1996 was
primarily due to increased leverage of costs associated with the
comparable sales growth, expansion of higher margin merchandise
categories and continued focus on benchmarking of operations.

     Management believes the merchandising operations of the
business can be further enhanced through continued execution of 
the Company's best practices and benchmarking process as well as
through the introduction of a new private brand program in its
non-SFA stores beginning in fall 1998 and the expansion of existing
private brand offerings in the SFA stores. While the Company
anticipates that it will continue to emphasize premier national
brands and exclusive designer labels in its stores, management's
goal is to significantly increase the private brand business.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses ("SG&A") were 20.3%
of net sales in 1997, 21.5% of net sales in 1996, and 21.7% of net
sales in 1995. The reduction of the SG&A percentage from 1995 to
1997 was due to increased economies of scale and the implementation
of the synergies associated with the Company's recent acquisitions
and targeted cost savings programs combined with increases in net
finance charge income. The improvement was also impacted by SFA's
implementation of cost reduction initiatives during 1997.

     Management identified synergies in conjunction with the
Younkers, Parisian, Herberger's, and Carson's business
combinations. The implementation of these synergies reduced
operating expenses by a total of $6 million in 1996 and $20 million
in 1997. Incremental savings relating to these mergers of
approximately $15 million are planned in 1998. In connection with
the SFA merger, the Company identified synergies and cost reduction
opportunities that are expected to be realized in late 1998 and
1999. The Company expects savings of approximately $12 million in
1998 and $60 to $70 million in 1999 relating to the SFA merger.
Cost reductions are being achieved through the elimination of
duplicate corporate expenses, economies of scale, implementation of
best practices, and consolidation of certain administrative support
functions. These changes are expected to deliver future additional
leverage on expenses.

     Finance charge income derived from the Company's proprietary
credit cards is included as a component of SG&A.  Gross finance
charge income (before allocation of finance charges to the third
party purchasers of accounts receivable (see "Liquidity")), was
$198.5 million, $170.9 million and $156.4 million in 1997, 1996 and
1995 respectively. This increase since 1995 is due to increased
penetration and certain credit card term changes combined with the
successful May 1997 introduction of a proprietary charge card at
Herberger's. The allocation of finance charges to the third party
purchasers of accounts receivable totaled approximately $47.3
million in 1997; $40.7 million in 1996; and $32.9 million in 1995.
Utilization of the Company's accounts receivable securitization
programs increased each year presented (see "Liquidity")
commensurate with the Company's growth in proprietary charge card
sales. 

     Effective February 1998, all of the Company's proprietary
credit cards (exclusive of the SFA proprietary credit cards) are
issued by the National Bank of the Great Lakes (the "Bank"), the
credit card bank acquired in conjunction with the Carson's merger
(see "Liquidity"). The Bank is able to assess uniform finance
charges (including late fees) in all twenty-four states in which
the Company operates non-SFA stores. This is believed to have
positive implications for increasing future finance charge income.
The Bank is expected to become the issuer of SFA credit cards in
late 1998.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses were 7.7% of net sales in 1997, compared
to 7.4% in both 1996 and 1995. The percent increase in 1997 over
1996 and 1995 levels primarily resulted from increased property and
rental expense due in large part to the addition of Parisian, which
has a higher proportion of properties which are leased versus
owned.

Expenses Related to Attempted Takeover of Younkers

During 1995, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $10.0
million, or 0.2% of net sales, related to the attempted hostile
takeover of Younkers by Carson's and Younkers' defense of such
attempt.

(Gains) Losses from Long-Lived Assets

In March 1995, the Company sold eight Carson's stores (principally
buildings and real estate) located in Minnesota ("Minnesota
Stores") for net proceeds of $70.8 million. The assets sold had a
carrying value of $9.5 million. In addition, the Company liquidated
all inventory, fixtures, and accounts receivable related to the
Minnesota Stores for net proceeds of approximately $30.0 million.
After closing costs, a gain totaling $55.2 million was recorded in
1995.

     In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed Of." The Company adopted the provisions of this new
standard in the fourth quarter of 1995 and as a result of closing
certain stores and related facilities, the Company incurred
impairment charges totaling $19.1 million in 1995. Of the $19.1
million total, $15.9 million related to the write-down in carrying
value of six store properties and $3.2 million related to the
write-down of abandoned property.

     After recognition of the $55.2 million gain recorded from the
Minnesota Stores and the impairment write-down of $19.1 million,
the Company realized a net gain on long-lived assets of $36.1
million, or 0.8% of net sales, in 1995.

Merger, Restructuring, and Integration Charges

In connection with the Company's mergers with Carson's,
Herberger's, and Younkers and the acquisition of Parisian, the
Company incurred certain costs to effect the transactions and other
costs to restructure, integrate, and combine the operations of the
companies. SFA also incurred certain costs in 1995 relating to an
acquisition of former I. Magnin store locations and exit cost
associated with the relocation of distribution facilities.

     For 1997, these costs totaled $36.5 million, or 0.6% of net
sales. The 1997 charges were comprised of: (i) $13.8 million of
Carson's merger transaction costs (principally investment banking,
legal, and accounting fees and other direct merger costs); (ii)
$17.3 million of restructuring and integration charges associated
with the Carson's merger related principally to such items as
severance, the consolidation of administrative operations, and the
write-off of duplicate assets; and, (iii) $12.4 million of
continuing integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions
over the prior two years offset by a $7 million decrease in the
estimated costs to exit the SFA Yonkers distribution facility.

     For 1996, these charges totaled $16.9 million, or 0.3% of net
sales. The 1996 charges were comprised of: (i) $2.6 million of
Herberger's merger transaction costs (principally investment
banking, legal, and accounting fees and other direct merger costs);
(ii) $7.4 million of restructuring and integration charges
associated with the Herberger's merger related principally to such
items as severance, the consolidation of administrative operations,
and the write-off of duplicate assets; (iii) $5.9 million related
to the continuing integration of the Younkers operations; and, (iv)
$1 million relating to consulting and advisory fees paid to a
shareholder of SFA.

     For 1995, these charges totaled $64.2 million, or 1.5% of net
sales. The 1995 charges were comprised of: (i) $8.8 million of
Younkers' merger transaction costs (principally investment banking,
legal, and accounting fees and other direct merger costs); (ii)
$12.0 million of restructuring and integration charges associated
with the Younkers merger related principally to such items as
severance, the consolidation of administrative operations, and the
write-off of duplicate assets, (iii) $19.0 million relating to exit
costs associated with the relocation of distribution activities at
SFA; (iv) $8.9 million of integration costs associated with SFA's
acquisition of former I. Magnin store locations; (v) $8.5 million
related to the writeoff of certain EDP software at SFA which became
obsolete; and, (vi) $7.0 million of consulting and advisory fees
paid to a shareholder of SFA. 

     Management also expects to incur certain additional
integration costs in 1998, primarily related to the integration of
redundant and duplicative systems and assets accumulated through
the series of acquisitions over the prior two years. These expenses
(exclusive of expenses associated with the SFA merger) are expected
to total approximately $21 million to $27 million in 1998. The
Company will incur merger, restructuring and integration costs
associated with the SFA merger during 1998 and 1999. Management is
currently reviewing the Company's operations and expects to develop
an estimate of such costs by the end of 1998.

Year 2000 Expenses

The Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs being
written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable
year. Some of the Company's computer programs that have
date-sensitive software may potentially recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the Year 2000. This could result in a
system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of
operations, including among other things, a temporary inability to
process transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal
business activities. The Company's non information technology
system (e.g., alarm systems) may also be affected by the Year 2000
issue.

     The Company is modifying or replacing significant portions of
its software so that its computer systems will properly utilize
dates beyond December 31, 1999. The Company presently believes that
with modifications to existing software, conversions to new
software, and changes to non-information technology systems, the
Year 2000 Issue can be mitigated. 

     The Company has initiated formal communications with all of
its significant suppliers to determine the extent to which the
Company is vulnerable to failure of those third parties' to
remediate their own Year 2000 Issue. The Company's total Year 2000
project cost and estimates to complete include the estimated costs
and time associated with the effect of a third party's Year 2000
Issue, and are based on presently available information. 

     The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources
to reprogram, or replace, and test the software for Year 2000
modifications. During 1997, the Company substantially completed its
assessment of the Year 2000 Issue and began systems modifications,
resulting in charges of $6.6 million, or 0.1% of net sales, in
1997. The Company expects to incur additional Year 2000 charges estimated
to be $9 million and $3 million in 1998 and 1999,
respectively, including SFA.  The Company is meeting its internal
modification schedule and expects to complete the Year 2000 project
by March 1999.

     The costs of the project and the date on which the Company
plans to complete the modifications are based on management's best
estimates, which were derived utilizing assumptions of future
events including the continued availability of certain resources,
third party modification plans, and other factors. However, there
can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, and
actual results could differ materially from those plans. Specific
factors that might cause such differences include, but are not
limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this
area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer
codes, and similar uncertainties.

ESOP Expenses

Herberger's had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), which
was terminated on December 31, 1997. Charges related to the ESOP
totaled $9.5 million, or 0.2% of net sales, in 1997. Of this total,
$7.9 million related to the termination of the plan. ESOP charges
totaled $3.9 million, or 0.1% of net sales, and $2.9 million, or
0.1% of net sales, in 1996 and 1995, respectively. 

Interest Expense

Total interest expense was $113.7 million, $114.9 million, and
$141.7 million in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Interest
expense as a percentage of net sales was 2.0% for 1997, 2.3% for
1996, and 3.2% for 1995. The decrease in interest expense in 1997
compared to 1996 was primarily due to: (i) the use of proceeds from
SFA's May 1996 initial public offering (IPO) to repay outstanding
indebtedness; (ii) the use of proceeds from SFA's convertible notes
offering in September 1996 to pay down higher cost debt; (iii)
improved cash flow from operations; and, (iv) lower interest rates
on the revolving credit facilities, offset by increased borrowing
costs associated with the October 1996 acquisition of Parisian and
increased capital and inventory investments. The decrease in
interest expense in 1996 compared to 1995 is primarily due to the
aforementioned SFA IPO and convertible notes issuance and lower
interest rates.

Other Income, Net

In 1996, the Company recorded a loss of $10.5 million, or 0.2% of
net sales, related to the write-down of County Seat Debentures (the
"Debentures"). Carson's received the Debentures in 1993 when County
Seat Holdings, Inc. exercised its option to exchange the Debentures
for other securities that had been issued to Carson's as part of
the sale price for Carson's 1989 divestiture of County Seat Stores,
Inc., to a management-led buyout group.

Income Taxes

The continued improvement in SFA's operating income in fiscal 1997,
as well as SFA's estimate of future profitability, enabled the
Company to recognize a $294,846 deferred tax asset in the fourth
quarter of 1997. The benefit reflects the elimination of the
valuation allowance relating to the tax benefit of SFA's net
operating loss carryforwards. The realization of this tax benefit
also enabled SFA to reduce goodwill by $34,525 due to SFA recording
certain assets and liabilities at their date of acquisition for
financial reporting purposes which were not recognized for income
tax purposes. In 1997, 1996 and 1995 the effective tax rates differ
from the normalized tax rates principally due to non-deductible
goodwill, ESOP charges, and merger related costs.

Net Income

Net income before extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt was
$416.2 million in 1997, or 7.3% of net sales, $93.6 million in
1996, or 1.9% of net sales, and $2.3 million in 1995, or 0.1% of
net sales.

Extraordinary Item

During 1997, the Company made certain modifications to its capital
structure, including retiring approximately $114 million of 9-7/8%
Parisian Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003, prepaying
approximately $15 million of 11% of Junior Subordinated Notes,
prepaying certain mortgages and replacing the Company's existing
revolving credit and working capital facilities with a new
revolving credit facility. As a result of this early extinguishment
of debt, certain deferred costs and premiums associated with the
debt facilities, such as loan origination costs, were written off
resulting in a loss of $18.9 million ($11.3 million net of income
taxes). 

     In 1996 the Company recognized $12.7 million of extraordinary
charges associated with the prepayment of term borrowings under the
SFA Credit Facility, the repayment of outstanding balances on the
revolving credit portion of the SFA Credit Facility and the
prepayment of certain mortgages.

     In 1995, Younkers canceled its $150 million revolving credit
agreement and replaced its debt financing of accounts receivable
with sales of ownership interests in its accounts receivable
resulting in a write-off of $3.4 million ($2.1 million net of
income taxes). In connection with SFA's real estate refinancings in
1995, the Company incurred $6.0 million in charges.

Inflation

Inflation affects the costs incurred by the Company in its purchase
of merchandise and in certain components of its SG&A expenses. The
Company attempts to offset the effects of inflation through price
increases and control of expenses, although the Company's ability
to increase prices is limited by competitive factors in its
markets.

Seasonality

The Company's business, like that of most retailers, is subject to
seasonal influences, with a significant portion of net sales and
net income realized during the fall season, which includes the
Christmas selling season. In light of these patterns, SG&A expenses
are typically higher as a percentage of net sales during the first
three quarters of each year, and working capital needs are greater
in the last two quarters of each year. The fall season increases in
working capital needs have typically been financed with internally
generated funds, the sale of interests in accounts receivable, and
borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility.
Generally, more than 30% of the Company's net sales and over 50% of
net income are generated during the fourth quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow
The Company's primary needs for liquidity are to acquire, renovate,
or construct stores, and to provide working capital for new and
existing stores.

     Net cash provided by operating activities was $209.3 million
in 1997 and $140.7 million in 1996, principally representing net
income before depreciation and amortization charges and changes in
working capital needs. 

     Net cash used in investing activities was $319.0 million in
1997, which related to capital expenditures of $346.9 million
primarily for new store construction, store renovations, and
systems enhancements, netted against the proceeds from the sale of
assets of $27.9 million. Net cash used in investing activities was
$330.6 million in 1996, of which $119.1 million was for the
acquisition of Parisian and $247.8 million was related to new store
construction, store renovations, systems enhancements, and other
capital expenditures.

     Net cash provided by financing activities for 1997 totaled
$83.6 million, which was primarily due to $148.1 million of net
borrowings under the credit and receivables facilities and the
issuance of stock and the sale of treasury stock of $23.2 million
offset by net long term debt repayments of $53.3 million and the
repayment of $30 million of REMIC certificates. Net cash provided
by financing activities for 1996 totaled $186.7 million, which was
primarily due to proceeds of $457.5 million from the issuance of
stock and the sale of treasury stock offset by net repayments of
$237.5 million under the credit and receivables facilities, net
repayments of $9.3 million on long-term debt and $14.4 million of
treasury stock purchases.

     The availability of net operating loss carryforwards and other
tax benefits generated in prior years by SFA and Carson's will
enable the Company to reduce its cash requirements for income tax
payments in the next several years from that which would otherwise
be payable.

Accounts Receivable Securitization: Younkers Master Trust Facility
In 1995, the Younkers Master Trust ("YMT") was established by
Younkers Credit Corporation ("YCC"), a wholly-owned, special
purpose subsidiary of the Company. YMT issued to third parties a
total of $75 million of asset backed securities in two separate
classes and issued a $50 million variable funding certificate to an
asset backed commercial paper based conduit. On May 6, 1998 YCC was
merged into Proffitt's Credit Corporation (see below).

Accounts Receivable Securitization: Proffitt's Credit Card Master
Trust Facility
In 1994, the Company (excluding Younkers, Carson's and SFA) began
selling an undivided interest in its accounts receivable. In 1997,
the Company, through its wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary,
Proffitt's Credit Corporation ("PCC"), entered into an agreement to
sell an undivided interest in the accounts receivable of the
Proffitt's, McRae's, and Parisian stores. This agreement provided
for the sales of receivables up to $300 million and contained
certain covenants requiring the maintenance of various financial
ratios. In May 1997, this agreement was modified to include the
accounts receivable of Herberger's.

     In 1997, the Company completed a restructuring of its credit
card receivables (excluding Younkers, Carson's and SFA). Proffitt's
Credit Card Master Trust ("PCCMT") was formed by PCC and issued a
total of $200 million in five-year term asset back securities in
two separate classes. The proceeds of the certificates were used to
repay outstanding borrowings and to terminate the Younkers variable
funding arrangement discussed above.

     Concurrent with the issuance of the term asset backed
securities, PCCMT issued to two co-purchasers, both of which are
asset backed commercial paper based conduits, a $125 million
variable funding certificate. In November 1997, the aggregate
principal amount of the variable funding certificate was increased
to $150 million.

Accounts Receivable Securitization: Saks Finance Company
SFA, through its wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary, Saks
Finance Company (SFC), has entered into agreements to securitize
most of its proprietary credit card receivables. In 1996, the trust
sold two series of certificates of beneficial interests with
subordinated structures. This issuance was in conjunction with the
previously existing trust entering its wind-down period, which was
completed in fiscal 1996. The first series is a term series with a
capacity of $413,000. The second series is a variable series with
a maximum capacity of $118,000. In August 1998, SFA executed a new
$397 million receivables securitization facility to finance the
monthly accumulation of cash required to repay the previously
issued and outstanding term series.

National Bank of the Great Lakes
On January 31, 1998, in connection with the Company's acquisition
of Carson's, the Company acquired the Bank. Following that
acquisition, on February 2, 1998, all of the Company's proprietary
credit card agreements (excluding SFA) with customers, and the
accounts related thereto, were contributed to the Bank pursuant to
the terms of the Contribution Agreement, dated as of January 31,
1998, by and between the Company and the Bank. The accounts
receivable generated by the Bank's credit card accounts maintained
for customers of the Company's  Younkers stores remain subject to
the terms of the YMT, while the accounts receivable generated by
the Bank's credit card accounts maintained for customers of the
Company's Proffitt's, McRae's, Parisian, and Herberger's stores
remain subject to the terms of PCCMT.

     Upon the acquisition of the Bank, the accounts receivable
generated by the Bank's credit card accounts maintained for
customers of the Company's Carson's, Boston Store, and Bergner's
stores were sold to PCC and then transferred to PCCMT. To
accommodate the increase in accounts receivable attributable to the
addition of these accounts, the principal amount of the 1997-1
Variable Funding Certificate was increased to $400 million.

     As a result of the transactions discussed above, as of
February 2, 1998, the Bank became the sole originator of the
Company's proprietary credit card accounts (excluding SFA)
maintained for customers of the Company and has sold 100% of the
accounts receivable generated by these accounts to the Company's
special purpose entities, PCC and YCC. PCC and YCC, in turn, will
continue to sell these accounts receivable to PCCMT and YMT. The
Bank is expected to become the issuer of SFA credit cards in the
fourth quarter of 1998.

Operating Lease Agreement
In June 1997, SFA entered into a $100.5 million operating lease
agreement, which can be used to finance qualified properties placed
in service by December 31, 1999. Under this agreement, the lessor
has agreed to acquire and construct new store sites in order to
lease them to SFA. The lease requires a variable rent payment
related to LIBOR interest rates and SFA has guaranteed a
substantial residual value of the properties under lease. SFA has
guaranteed approximately $19 million at January 31, 1998. At
January 31, 1998, there was approximately $77.5 million available
under this lease agreement to fund capital expenditures. On
September 17, 1998, the Company terminated the operating lease
agreement which resulted in the purchase of properties valued at
approximately $30 million.

Capital Structure
During 1997, the Company implemented a comprehensive capital
structure strategy designed to reduce the Company's level of
secured indebtedness, to create a more appropriate fixed to
floating interest rate balance, and to lengthen the duration of
debt capital. The Company also enhanced the overall liquidity,
terms of availability, and pricing of financing arrangements.  In
January and February of 1997 the Company reacquired $30 million of
outstanding REMIC certificates. In May 1997, the Company issued
$125 million of 8.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2004 ("Senior
Notes"), which were primarily used to repay $64 million of mortgage
debt and reduce borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
facility. Also in May, the Company repurchased $28.4 million of
9-7/8% Parisian Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 ("Parisian Notes")
and in January 1998, the Company retired approximately $85 million
of the $97 million of remaining Parisian Notes through a cash
tender offer. In October 1997, the Company called its $86.3 million
4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures, which were converted
into approximately 4.0 million shares of Company Common Stock. In
January 1998, Proffitt's prepaid approximately $15 million of its
11% Junior Subordinated Notes, which were originally issued in
conjunction with the 1994 McRae's acquisition. 

     In June 1997, the Company amended its unsecured revolving
credit facility, raising the capacity to $400 million from $275
million, extending the maturity from three years to five, and
obtaining more favorable pricing. The maximum amount outstanding
under the Company's revolving credit facility during 1997 was
$210.0 million. At that time, the Company had unused availability
on its facility of $92.8 million. 

     In conjunction with the Carson's transaction, the Company
replaced its $400 million unsecured revolving credit facility and
Carson's $150 million unsecured working capital facility with a
$600 million unsecured revolving credit facility ("New Revolver"),
again obtaining more favorable pricing and providing the Company
with more flexibility under operating covenants. The New Revolver
is with several banks and expires in 2003. The pricing on the New
Revolver is a LIBOR- based rate. As of March 19, 1998, the
LIBOR-based interest rate on the New Revolver was approximately 6.1%. As
of March 19, 1998, the Company had borrowings totaling $100.2
million outstanding under the New Revolver and unused availability
of $484.3 million.

     As of January 31, 1998, long-term debt consisted of $346.8
million outstanding on the Company's revolving credit facilities,
$125 million outstanding on Carson's $200 million receivables
facility, $340.7 million of REMIC certificates and mortgage debt,
$125 million of Senior Notes, $276 million of SFA convertible
debentures, $11 million of Parisian Notes, and $169.4 million of
capital lease obligations. At January 31, 1998, total debt was 42%
of total book capitalization, down from 50% at February 1, 1997. On
February 2, 1998, Carson's, Boston Store, and Bergner's proprietary
credit card receivables of approximately $270 million were sold to
PCC (refer to previous discussion). PCC, in turn, transferred these
receivables to PCCMT and received proceeds of $235 million which
were used to repay $125 million outstanding under the Carson's
receivables facility (which was then terminated), with the balance
applied to the New Revolver balance. After giving effect to these
transactions, total debt declined to 37% of capitalization at that
date.

     In connection with the SFA merger, the Company initiated a
series of refinancing activities designed to reduce the weighted
average cost of debt, provide appropriate debt maturities, increase
the overall liquidity and ensure a proper capital structure. The
refinancing activities included: (1) on September 9, 1998 the
Company completed a tender offer for the $125 million 8.125% senior
unsecured notes utilizing proceeds from the revolving credit
agreements; (2) during September 1998 SFA repurchased $65 million
of outstanding REMIC mortgage certificates using proceeds from the
SFA revolving credit agreement, (3) on September 17, 1998 the
Company replaced the existing revolving credit agreements with a
new $1.5 billion revolving credit agreement (the New Facility)
which is unsecured, is scheduled to expire in September 2003, and
will bear interest at LIBOR based variable rates (the rate on
September 17, 1998 approximated 6%) and, (4) on September 17, 1998
advances from the New Facility were used to repay all outstanding
indebtedness under the SFA credit facility and the SFA credit
facility was terminated.

     The SFA convertible debentures contain certain restrictive
covenants including the extension of a put option in the event of
a change in control of SFA. The Company believes that the merger
with SFA may constitute a change in control as defined in the
debenture and therefore the holders of the convertible debentures
would have a put option back to the Company. The Company's
interpretation of the debenture is that any convertible notes which
are put to the Company may be redeemed at the Company's option in
the form of cash or common stock of the Company. If the holders
exercise the put option, the Company may use proceeds from the New
Facility to fund the redemption and then may subsequently seek
replacement long-term financing.

Capital Needs
The Company estimates capital expenditures for 1998 will
approximate $400 million, primarily for the construction of new
store openings in 1998, initial construction work on stores
expected to open in 1999, several store expansions and renovations,
enhancements to management information systems, and regular
maintenance expenditures. 

     The Company anticipates its capital expenditures and working
capital requirements relating to planned new and existing stores
will be funded through cash provided by operations, ongoing sales
of receivables under the securitization programs and additional
borrowings. The Company expects to generate adequate cash flows
from operating activities to sustain current levels of operations.
The Company maintains favorable banking relations and anticipates
the necessary credit agreements will be extended or new agreements
will be entered into in order to provide future borrowing
requirements as needed. The Company also believes it has access to
a variety of other capital markets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the
"FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." The new standard changed the
presentation and method in which earnings per share are computed
and was effective for the Company's year ended January 31, 1998.
The Company has restated all per share amounts consistent with SFAS
No. 128.

     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in
a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Also in June
1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires
public business enterprises to report selected information about
operating segments as well as establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and
major customers. In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132
"Employers' Disclosures About Pensions And Other Postretirement
Benefits." SFAS No. 132 standardizes the disclosure requirements
for pensions and other postretirement benefits, eliminates certain
disclosures, and requires additional information on changes in the
benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. These standards
are effective for the Company's year ending January 30, 1999, and
the Company is currently in the process of ascertaining the impact
these new standards will have on its financial statements for 1998
and prior periods.

     In June 1998 the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Pledging Activities." SFAS No. 133 is
effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2000, and
the Company is in the process of ascertaining the impact this new
standard will have on its financial statements.

Forward-Looking Information

This report contains "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking
information and statements contained throughout Management's
Discussion and Analysis are premised on many factors, some of which
are outlined below. Actual consolidated results might differ
materially from projected forward-looking information if there are
any material changes in management's assumptions.

     The forward-looking information and statements are based on a
series of projections and estimates and involve certain risks and
uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include such
factors as the level of consumer spending for apparel and other
merchandise carried by the Company, the competitive pricing
environment within the department and specialty store industries,
the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing, and
promotional campaigns, appropriate inventory management,
realization of planned synergies, effective cost containment, and
solution of Year 2000 systems issues by the Company and its
suppliers.

     When used in this report, words such as "believes,"
"estimates," "plans," "expects," "should," "may," "anticipates,"
and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its
management are intended to identify forward-looking statements.


            Consolidated Statements of Income
     (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
                                                       Year Ended
                                           ---------------------------------
                                    January 31,         February 1,  February 3,
                                      1998                 1997         1996
                                    ----------          ----------   ----------
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>          <C>
Net sales                           $5,726,346          $4,926,862   $4,422,107 
Cost of sales                        3,731,293           3,208,989    2,900,026 
                                     ---------           ---------    ---------
Gross margin                         1,995,053           1,717,873    1,522,081 
Selling, general and 
  administrative expenses            1,165,118           1,057,144      961,407 
Other operating expenses
  Property and equipment 
   rentals                             157,018             114,714       97,148 
  Depreciation and 
   amortization                        136,119             123,533      121,171 
  Taxes other than income 
   taxes                               134,121             117,355      110,137 
Store pre-opening costs                 17,018              11,645        2,178 
Expenses related to attempted 
  Younkers takeover                                                      10,017 
(Gains) losses from 
   long-lived assets                      (134)              1,406      (36,058)
Merger, restructuring and 
  integration charges                   36,524              16,929       64,237 
Year 2000 expenses                       6,590 
ESOP expenses                            9,513               3,910        2,931 
                                      --------            --------     --------

Operating income                       333,166             271,237      188,913 

Other income (expense)
  Interest expense                    (113,685)           (114,881)    (141,725)
  Other income (expense), net            2,330             (11,780)       4,051 
                                      --------             --------    ---------
Income before provision 
  for income taxes and 
  extraordinary items                  221,811             144,576       51,239 
Provision (benefit) for 
  income taxes                        (194,426)             50,998       48,914 
                                      --------            --------     --------

Income before extraordinary 
  items                                416,237              93,578        2,325 
Extraordinary loss on 
  early extinguishment of 
  debt, net of taxes                    11,323              12,746        8,051 
                                     ---------            --------     --------
Net income (loss)                      404,914              80,832       (5,726)
Preferred stock payments                                     3,828        1,950 
                                     ---------            --------     --------
Net income (loss) available 
to common shareholders                $404,914             $77,004      $(7,676)
                                    ==========           =========     ========
Earnings per common share:
  Basic earnings per 
   common share before 
   extraordinary loss                    $3.03               $0.72        $0.00 
Extraordinary loss                       (0.09)              (0.10)       (0.07)
                                     ---------           ---------      -------
Basic earnings (loss) per 
  common share                           $2.94               $0.62       $(0.07)
                                     =========           =========      =======
Diluted earnings per common 
  share before extraordinary 
  loss                                   $2.86               $0.70        $0.00 
Extraordinary loss                       (0.07)              (0.10)       (0.07)
                                     ---------           ---------     --------
Diluted earnings (loss) per 
  common share                           $2.79               $0.60       $(0.07)
                                     =========            ========      =======
Weighted average common 
  shares
  Basic                                137,588             125,056      111,974 
  Diluted                              149,085             132,583      113,309 

</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.

           Consolidated Balance Sheets
             (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
                                          January 31,    February 1,
                                             1998           1997
                                         ----------     ----------       
<S>                                      <C>            <C>
Assets
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents              $   50,864      $  76,955
  Trade accounts receivable                 412,209        395,028
  Merchandise inventories                 1,244,682      1,068,184
  Other current assets                      111,621        110,039
  Deferred income taxes                      71,814         16,305
                                          ---------      ---------
  Total Current Assets                    1,891,190      1,666,511

Property and Equipment, 
  net of depreciation                     1,725,979      1,518,342 
Goodwill and Intangibles, 
  net of amortization                       327,307        367,889 
Deferred Income Taxes                       257,848
Other Assets                                 67,929         77,534 
                                         ----------     ----------
  Total Assets                           $4,270,253     $3,630,276 
                                         ==========     ==========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
  Trade accounts payable                   $333,794       $321,074 
  Accrued expenses                          342,576        286,858 
  Accrued compensation and related items     69,286         52,576 
  Sales taxes payable                        42,172         33,445 
  Current portion of long-term debt          13,058         20,806 
                                         ----------      ---------
  Total Current Liabilities                 800,886        714,759 

Senior Debt                               1,093,806        863,475 
Deferred Income Taxes                                       21,021 
Other Long-Term Liabilities                 144,068        131,320 
Subordinated Debt                           286,964        501,767 
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
  Common stock                               14,148         10,776 
  Additional paid-in capital              2,028,067      1,899,703 
  Accumulated deficit                       (97,686)      (502,600)
  Deferred ESOP compensation                                (9,778)
  Unamortized stock compensation                              (167)
                                         -----------     ----------
  Total Shareholders' Equity              1,944,529      1,397,934 
                                         -----------     ----------
  Total Liabilities and 
   Shareholders' Equity                  $4,270,253     $3,630,276 
                                         ===========    ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


             Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
                         (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
                                                                            Additional     Accum-
                                                      Preferred    Common    Paid-In       ulated
                                                        Stock       Stock     Capital      Deficit
                                                      ---------    --------   -------     --------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
Balance at January 28, 1995
  As previously reported                               $28,850      $6,085    $441,971    $163,580 
Adjustment for pooling of interests                                  3,690     918,526    (788,422)
                                                    ----------   ---------   ---------  -----------
Balance at January 28, 1995 as restated                 28,850       9,775   1,360,497    (624,842)
Net loss                                                                                    (5,726)
Issuance of common stock                                                36       6,241 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                    731 
Purchases and retirements of stock                                    (525)    (58,286)
Increase in stock held in ESOP                                         (15)                 (7,857)
Preferred stock dividends                                                                   (1,950)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                             21,000 
Benefit claims settlement                                                        2,000 
Unrealized gain on ESOP shares                                                      45 
Unrealized gain on investments                                                     211 
Stock compensation                                                                  56 
Common stock dividends $.28 per
  Herberger's share                                                                         (1,046)
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at February 3, 1996                             28,850       9,271   1,332,495    (641,421)
Net income                                                                                  80,832 
Issuance of common stock                                             1,849     537,231 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                  4,633 
Purchases and retirements of stock                                    (776)    (27,973)     (7,060)
Sale of treasury stock                                                           8,809 
Reclassification of ESOP stock                                         290         (57)     69,907 
Preferred stock dividends                                                                     (796)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                             16,000 
Unrealized gain on investment                                                     (498)
Stock compensation                                                                 278 
Unrealized gain on ESOP shares                                                     122 
Conversion of preferred stock                          (28,850)        142      28,663      (3,032)
Common stock dividends,$.28 per
  Herberger's share                                                                         (1,030)
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at February 1, 1997                                         10,776   1,899,703    (502,600)
Net income                                                                                 404,914 
Issuance of common stock                                               144      24,829 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                  7,319 
2-for-1 stock split                                                  3,070      (3,070)
Purchases and retirements of stock                                     (53)    (13,043)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                             16,000 
Unrealized gain on investments                                                      10 
Stock compensation                                                       9       1,451
Conversion of 4.75% subordinated debentures                            202      86,082 
Termination of ESOP                                                              8,786 
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at January 31, 1998                               $---     $14,148  $2,028,067    $(97,686)
                                                       ========    ========   =========  ==========


              Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
                          (dollars in thousands)
                               (CONTINUED)
                                                                               Unamamort-
                                                                   Deferred      ized       Total
                                                                     ESOP        Stock      Stock-
                                                       Treasury     Compen-    Compen-    holders'
                                                         Stock      sation       sation    Equity
                                                       ---------    --------   -------     --------
Balance at January 28, 1995
  As previously reported                              $(33,639)                  $(748)   $606,099 
Adjustment for pooling of interests                                                        133,794 
                                                      ---------      --------   -------   --------
Balance at January 28, 1995 as restated                (33,639)                   (748)    739,893 
Net loss                                                                                    (5,726)
Issuance of common stock                                                                     6,277 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                                731 
Purchases and retirements of stock                      (4,044)                            (62,855)
Increase in stock held in ESOP                                                              (7,872)
Preferred stock dividends                                                                   (1,950)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                                         21,000 
Benefit claims settlement                                                                    2,000 
Unrealized gain on ESOP shares                                                                  45 
Unrealized gain on investments                                                                 211 
Stock compensation                                                                 295         351 
Common stock dividends $.28 per
  Herberger's share                                                                         (1,046)
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at February 3, 1996                            (37,683)                   (453)    691,059)
Net income                                                                                  80,832 
Issuance of common stock                                                                   539,080 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                              4,633 
Purchases and retirements of stock                      21,481                             (14,328)
Sale of treasury stock                                  16,202                              25,011 
Reclassification of ESOP stock                                     $(9,778)                 60,362 
Preferred stock dividends                                                                     (796)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                                         16,000 
Unrealized gain on investment                                                                 (498)
Stock compensation                                                                 286         564 
Unrealized gain on ESOP shares                                                                 122 
Conversion of preferred stock                                                               (3,077)
Common stock dividends,$.28 per
  Herberger's share                                                                         (1,030)
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at February 1, 1997                                         (9,778)       (167)  1,397,934 
Net income                                                                                 404,914 
Issuance of common stock                                                                    24,973 
Income tax benefits related to exercised
  stock options                                                                              7,319 
2-for-1 stock split
Purchases and retirements of stock                                                         (13,096)
Decrease in tax valuation allowance                                                         16,000 
Unrealized gain on investments                                                                  10 
Stock compensation                                                                 167       1,627 
Conversion of 4.75% subordinated debentures                                                 86,284 
Termination of ESOP                                                  9,778                  18,564 
                                                       --------    --------   ---------  ----------
Balance at January 31, 1998                               $---        $---        $---  $1,944,529 
                                                       ========    ========    ========   =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                     (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>

                                                 Year Ended
                                    ------------------------------------
                                    January 31,   February 1,  February 3,
                                       1998          1997        1996
                                    ----------     ---------- ----------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>          <C>
Operating Activities
  Net income (loss)                  $404,914       $80,832     $(5,726)
  Adjustments to reconcile 
   net income (loss) to net 
   cash provided by operating 
   activities:
  Extraordinary loss on 
   extinguishment of debt               8,356        12,746       9,424 
  Depreciation and 
   amortization                       136,119       123,533     121,171 
  Recognition of NOL 
   carryforwards                     (283,675)
  Deferred income taxes                23,050        31,628      17,960 
  (Gains) losses from 
   long-lived assets                     (134)        1,406     (36,058)
  Loss on County Seat 
   debentures                                        10,525 
  ESOP expenses                         8,786         1,481       1,363 
  Restructuring items                    (800)          885      24,922 
  Changes in operating assets 
   and liabilities:
   Trade accounts receivable          (18,327)      (38,706)     40,029 
   Merchandise inventories           (175,912)      (90,829)    (69,956)
   Other current assets                27,704       (13,533)       (741)
   Accounts payable and 
    accrued liabilities                99,352        18,831      59,258 
   Other operating assets 
    and liabilities                   (20,128)        1,896     (21,801)
                                    ----------     ---------   ---------
Net Cash Provided By 
  Operating Activities                209,305       140,695     139,845 
                                    ----------     ---------   ---------
Investing Activities
  Purchases of property 
   and equipment, net                (346,876)     (247,814)   (172,662)
  Proceeds from sale and 
   sale-leaseback of assets            27,851        36,282      83,607 
  Proceeds from sale of 
   marketable securities                                          5,653 
  Proceeds from sale of 
   subordinated certificates                                     13,427 
  Acquisition of Parisian 
   (1996)/Parks-Belk (1995)                        (119,070)    (10,483)
                                    -----------   -----------  ----------
Net Cash Used In Investing 
  Activities                         (319,025)     (330,602)    (80,458)
                                    -----------   -----------  ----------
Financing Activities
  Proceeds from long-term 
   borrowings                         175,546       380,837     154,002 
  Payments on long-term 
   debt and capital lease 
   obligations                       (228,802)     (390,097)    (46,922)
  Net borrowings (repayments)
   under credit and 
   receivables facilities             148,142      (237,457)    (55,887)
  Proceeds from issuance of 
   stock and sale of 
   treasury stock                      23,185       457,532       2,602 
  (Payment) proceeds of 
   REMIC certificates                 (30,000)       (4,159)    311,207 
  Payment of Euronotes                                         (335,000)
  Redemption of subordinated
   notes                                                        (57,000)
  Purchase of treasury 
   stock                              (13,096)      (14,383)     (5,874)
  ESOP loan repayment                   9,778 
  Payments to preferred 
   and common shareholders             (1,124)       (4,858)     (3,139)
  Other                                                (742)       (629)
                                     ----------    ----------  ----------
  Net Cash Provided By (Used 
   In) Financing Activities            83,629       186,673     (36,640)
                                     ----------    ----------  ----------
  Increase (Decrease) In 
   Cash and Cash Equivalents          (26,091)       (3,234)     22,747 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of year                    76,955        80,189      57,442 
                                     ----------    ----------  ----------

Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of year                         $50,864       $76,955     $80,189 
                                     ==========    ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

Noncash investing and financing activities are further described in
the accompanying notes.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1   Basis of Presentation

On September 17, 1998, Saks Holdings, Inc. ("SFA") merged with and
into a wholly owned subsidiary of Proffitt's, Inc.  SFA is the
holding company of Saks & Company which does business as Saks Fifth
Avenue, Off 5th and Folio.  The merger provided for the exchange of
each outstanding share of SFA Common Stock for .82 shares of
Proffitt's, Inc. common stock.  In connection with the merger,
Proffitt's, Inc. changed the corporate name of Proffitt's, Inc. to
Saks Incorporated. 

Saks Incorporated (formerly Proffitt's, Inc.) (the "Company"), is
a national retailer principally operating premier and traditional
department stores under the following names: Saks Fifth Avenue, Off
5th, Folio, Proffitt's, McRae's, Younkers, Parisian, Herberger's,
Carson Pirie Scott ("CPS"), Bergner's and Boston Store.

These consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries and have been
prepared to give retroactive effect to the merger with SFA, which
was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.  All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period.  The recognition of net operating loss carryforwards also
reflects management's estimates of future taxable income. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.

2   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January
31.  Fiscal years 1997 and 1996 contain 52 weeks and ended on
January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, respectively.  Fiscal 1995
contains 53 weeks and ended on February 3, 1996.

Net Sales

Net sales include sales of merchandise and services and sales of
leased departments, net of returns and exclusive of sales tax. 
Retail sales are recorded on the accrual basis and profits on
installment sales are recognized in full when the sales are
recorded. Sales of leased departments were $255,365 in 1997,
$234,902 in 1996, and $234,244 in 1995. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits with banks and
financial institutions that have maturities, when purchased, of
three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost which
approximates fair value. Cash of approximately $13,012 and $10,805
has been restricted by the accounts receivable securitization
agreements at January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, respectively. 

Accounts Receivable and Bad Debts 

The Company provides credit to and performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers.  Concentration of credit risk is
limited because of the large number of customers and  their
dispersion throughout the United States and other countries.

Accounts receivable represents an owned residual interest in
revolving charge accounts held by the Company's special purpose
subsidiaries and related trusts and a direct ownership of revolving
charge accounts.  In some cases, the account's terms provide for
payments exceeding one year.  In accordance with usual industry
practice, such receivables are included in current assets.

The carrying amount of the residual interests retained, comprised
of servicing rights and certain net cash flows (projected finance
charge income net of credit losses and interest retained by the
purchasers of the receivables and securitization costs), is
recorded at their fair values.

The Company maintains an allowance for potential credit losses on
receivables repurchased from the special purpose subsidiary trusts.
Implicit in the residual interest retained is an allowance for
credit losses to be realized under the recourse provisions of sold
receivables. The aggregate activity in these two allowance accounts
is summarized as follows: 

<TABLE>
                                                Year Ended
                                   --------------------------------------
                                   January 31,   February 1,  February 3,
                                      1998           1997        1996
                                    ---------    ----------    ---------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Allowance at beginning
  of period                          $32,595       $27,243       $22,822 
Bad debt provision                    60,514        45,183        43,633 
Allowance related to
  purchased receivables
  and purchase of Parisian                           4,058 
Write-offs, net of
  recoveries                         (59,866)      (43,889)      (39,212)
                                     --------      --------     ---------
Allowances at end of period          $33,243       $32,595       $27,243 
                                     ========      ========     =========
</TABLE>

Merchandise Inventories 
Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market
as determined by the retail method and include freight and certain
purchasing and distribution costs. Substantially all of the
Company's inventory, excluding inventory owned by SFA, was
determined using the retail last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost.  At
January 31, 1998, the retail LIFO value of inventory exceeded
market value, and as a result, inventory was stated at the lower
market amount.  At February 1, 1997, the retail LIFO value of
inventory approximated the retail method value. At January 31, 1998
and February 1, 1997, the consolidated balance sheet includes
SFA inventory of $529,535 and $424,774, respectively. 

     Consignment merchandise on hand of $103,759 and $72,684 at
January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, respectively, is not
reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.  

Advertising 
Direct response advertising relates primarily to the production and
distribution of the Company's catalogs and is amortized over the
estimated life of the catalog.  All other advertising and sales
promotion costs are expensed in the period incurred.  Advertising
expenses were $192,154, $166,927 and $148,875 in fiscal years 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.  Direct response advertising amounts
included in other current assets in the consolidated
balance sheets at January 31, 1998 and  February 1, 1997, were
$5,145 and $3,837, respectively.  

Store Pre-Opening Costs 
Store pre-opening costs are expensed when incurred. 

Property and Equipment 
Property and equipment are stated at cost.  For financial reporting
purposes, depreciation is computed principally using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Gains
or losses on the sale of assets are recorded at disposal. 
Internally developed and purchased computer software is capitalized
and amortized using the straight-line method  over 5 to 15 years. 
The carrying value of property and equipment is periodically
reviewed and adjusted appropriately by the Company whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the estimated fair value
is less than the carrying amount. 

Goodwill and Intangibles 
The Company has allocated the cost in excess of fair value of net
tangible assets acquired in purchase transactions to goodwill and
certain intangible assets, which are being amortized on a
straight-line method over 15 to 40 years. In fiscal 1997, the Company
recorded a net reduction of goodwill of $34,525 due to the
recognition of the tax benefit generated from differences for
financial statement purposes and income tax regulations in the
recording of various assets and liabilities at acquisition. The
Company recognized amortization expenses of $10,064, $6,075 and
$4,228 in fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As of
January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, the accumulated amortization
of goodwill and intangible assets was $26,500 and $24,286,
respectively.

     At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the
recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets based upon
utilization of the assets and expectations of related cash flows.
Based upon its most recent analysis, the Company believes that no
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets exists at January 31,
1998.  

Derivatives Policy 
The Company uses financial derivatives only to reduce risk in
conjunction with specific business transactions.  

     The Company has purchased forward rate lock agreements and
interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to adverse
movements in interest rates related to planned debt issuances and
floating rate debt costs associated with its various financing
activities and accounts receivable securitization.  In addition,
the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix a
portion of the floating rate cost exposure related to the accounts
receivable securitization.  The financial institutions associated
with these agreements are considered to be major, well-known
institutions.  The premiums paid were capitalized and are being
amortized over the term of the related agreements. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plans 
Shares acquired after January 30, 1994 are accounted for in
accordance with Statement of Position ("SOP") 93-6, "Employers'
Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans." All other
unreleased shares are accounted for in accordance with SOP 76-3,
"Accounting Practices for Certain Employee Stock Ownership Plans."
See Note 14 for discussion of the Herberger's Employee Stock
Ownership Plan ("ESOP") termination during 1997. 

Stock-Based Compensation 
The Company records compensation expense for all stock-based
compensation plans using the intrinsic value.  Compensation
expense, if any, is measured as the excess of the market price of
the stock over the exercise price on the measurement date.  Pro
forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share are
presented in Note 14, as if the fair value method had been applied. 

Income Taxes 
The company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for
income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on differences between financial
reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured
using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when
the differences are expected to reverse.  

Earnings Per Common Share  
Basic earnings per common share (EPS) have been computed based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after
recognition of preferred stock payments of $3,828 and $1,950 for
1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The Company's 4.75% and 5.5% convertible subordinated
debentures were considered in diluted earnings per share, when
dilutive.  During 1997, the Company converted $86,250 of 4.75%
convertible subordinated debentures into 4,040 shares of common
stock.

     Common stock issued upon the conversion of the preferred stock
in 1996 and the convertible subordinated debentures in 1997 have
been included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding
subsequent to the date of conversion for computing basic earnings
per share.   

Computation of Per Share Earnings   

<TABLE>
                                           For the Year Ended
                                            January 31, 1998
                                    --------------------------------
                                                                Per
                                                               Share
                                     Income        Shares      Amount
                                     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>         <C>
Basic EPS
Income before extra-
  ordinary loss                     $ 416,237      137,588      $ 3.03
Effect of Dilutive Securities                
 Stock Options                                       3,438            
 Convertible subordinated 
   debentures                          10,664        8,059
                                     --------     --------   ---------
Diluted EPS 
 Income before extraordinary 
   loss available to common 
   shareholders plus 
   assumed conversions              $ 426,901      149,085      $ 2.86
                                      =======     ========    ========

                                            For the Year Ended
                                             February 1, 1997
                                    --------------------------------
                                                                Per
                                                               Share
                                     Income        Shares      Amount
                                    --------     --------     --------

Basic EPS
Income before extra-
  ordinary loss                      $ 89,750      125,056     $  0.72
Effect of Dilutive Securities                
 Stock Options                                       3,487
 Convertible subordinated
   debentures                           2,500        4,040
                                     --------     --------   ---------
Diluted EPS 
 Income before extraordinary 
   loss available to common 
   shareholders plus 
   assumed conversions               $ 92,250      132,583      $ 0.70
                                      =======     ========    ========

                                           For the Year Ended
                                            February 3, 1996
                                    --------------------------------
                                                                Per
                                                               Share
                                     Income        Shares      Amount
                                    --------     --------     --------

Basic EPS
Income before extra-
  ordinary loss                         $ 375      111,974     $ 0.00 
Effect of Dilutive Securities                
 Stock Options                                       1,335
 Convertible subordinated 
   debentures
                                     --------     --------   ---------
Diluted EPS 
 Income before extraordinary 
  loss available to common 
  shareholders plus 
  assumed conversions                   $ 375      113,309     $ 0.00 
                                      =======     ========    ========
</TABLE>

New Accounting Pronouncements 
In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share." The new standard changed the presentation and method in
which earnings per share are computed. The Company restated all per
share amounts consistent with the new accounting pronouncement.

     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS 130 establishes
standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements. SFAS 131 requires public business enterprises to report
selected information about operating segments as well as
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas, and major customers. In February 1998,
the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits". SFAS 132 standardizes
the disclosure requirements for pensions and other postretirement
benefits, eliminates certain disclosures, and requires additional
information on changes in the benefit obligations and fair values
of plan assets. These standards are effective for the Company's
year ending January 30, 1999 and the Company is currently in the
process of ascertaining the impact the new standards will have on
its financial statements for 1998 and prior periods.

 3   Mergers and Acquisitions  

The company has experienced significant growth since 1994,
primarily through a series of acquisitions.  The Company's
significant acquisitions are outlined below:

<TABLE>
     Acquired            Date          Accounting        Shares   Purchase
      Company          Acquired       Treatment          Issued     Price
     --------        ---------         --------          ------   --------
<S>                   <C>               <S>                 <C>   <C>
McRae's               3/31/94           Purchase            872   $ 256,000
Younkers               2/3/96          Pooling           17,632
Parisian             10/11/96          Purchase           5,894   $ 517,000
Herberger's            2/1/97           Pooling           8,000
Carson Pirie Scott    1/31/98           Pooling          27,565
Saks Holdings         9/17/98          Pooling           52,500
</TABLE>

Separate results of the combined entities for the two most recent
pooling transactions were as follows:  

                                                Year Ended
                                     --------------------------------
                                   January 31,  February 1,   February 3,
                                     1998          1997         1996 
                                  ----------     ----------   ---------
Revenue:
  Proffitt's                      $2,374,654    $1,889,779    $1,661,056 
  CPS                              1,170,002     1,102,827     1,083,812 
  SFA                              2,181,690     1,934,256     1,677,239 
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                  $5,726,346    $4,926,862    $4,422,107 
                                  ===========   ===========   ===========

Extraordinary item:
  Proffitt's                         $(8,254)                   $ (2,060)
  CPS                                 (1,091)
  SFA                                 (1,978)     $(12,746)       (5,991)
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                    $(11,323)     $(12,746)      $(8,051)
                                  ===========   ===========   ===========

Net income (loss):
  Proffitt's                         $49,025       $37,399       $(1,419)
  CPS                                 13,712        29,681        64,301 
  SFA                                342,177        13,752       (68,608)
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                    $404,914       $80,832       $(5,726)
                                  ===========   =========== ===========  

SFA's and CPS's financial statements have been restated to conform
to the Company's accounting methods and financial statement
presentation which included changing SFA's and CPS's previously
reported income and shareholders' equity, the most significant
changes included:

     *    CPS   Prior to the mergers of Proffitt's, Inc. with
          Younkers, Inc. ("Younkers") and Proffitt's, Inc. with
          CPS, CPS owned shares of Younkers common stock. CPS
          recorded an unrealized gain of $6,940 before income taxes
          of $2,776 at February 3, 1996. During 1996, CPS sold the
          shares for $31,094 and realized a gain of $14,892. The
          unrealized gain, the realized gain and the related income
          tax effect, which had been reflected in previous CPS
          financial statements, have been eliminated in the
          preparation of these financial statements. 
     *    SFA   SFA previously included certain store receiving
          costs in inventory, accrued certain estimated vendor
          rebates as receivables and deferred store preopening
          costs. The effect of the conformity restatement is to
          reduce previously reported net income by $1,627 in 1997,
          $10,392 in 1996 and $4,513 in 1995.

     Additionally the Company has changed its presentation of
finance charge income to include such as a component of selling,
general and administrative expenses with no impact on previously
reported net income.

 4   Acquisition 

On October 2,1998,  the Company acquired 14 store locations along
with certain inventory and accounts receivable from Dillards, Inc.
The Company will acquire one more store from Dillard's on December
1, 1998. The transactions have a value in excess of $400 million and
are being funded through the Company's revolving credit agreement.  In
November 1998 amounts outstanding under the revolving credit agreement
were reduced through the issuance of $500 million of Ten-year 8.25% notes.

 5   Marketable Securities  
 
Investments in marketable securities are carried as available-for-
sale securities at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses,
net of the related tax effect, are excluded from income and are
reported as a component of shareholders' equity until realized.

     CPS held $23,353 par value of 9% Junior Subordinated Exchange
Debentures Due 2004 of County Seat Holdings, Inc. In 1996, CPS
wrote down its entire interest in the County Seat Debentures and
reflected such in other income (expense). In 1997, CPS sold its
County Seat Debentures for an insignificant amount.

 6   Accounts Receivable Securitization  

 The Company has entered into agreements to securitize a majority
of its proprietary credit card receivables.  The securitization of
receivables involves the transfer of receivables with limited
recourse from the Company's wholly owned special purpose
subsidiaries' trusts: Saks Finance Company, ("SFC") Proffitt's
Credit Corporation ("PCC") and Younkers Credit Corporation ("YCC")
in exchange for cash and subordinated certificates representing
undivided interests in the pool of receivables, and the subsequent
sale by the trusts of certificates of beneficial interest, also
representing undivided interests in the pool of receivables, to
investors.

     The Company has the ability to sell securities in fixed or
variable denominations with fixed or variable implicit discount
rates. At January 31, 1998, the Company had available the following
funding sources:

                                                   Average
                                         Amount    Implicit
                                      Outstanding  Discount  Expiration
       Entity     Funding Capacity      1/31/98      Rate       Date
       ------      --------------       --------   -------    -------
         SFC      Fixed at $413,000    $ 413,000   Variable    April 1999
         SFC      Variable up to          34,281   Variable    April 1999
                     $118,000
         YCC     Fixed at $75,000         75,000      6.45%    June 2000
         YCC      Variable up to           6,000   Variable    July 2000
                      $50,000
         PCC      Fixed at $200,000      200,000      6.50%    August 2002
         PCC      Variable up to         114,113   Variable    August 2002
                     $150,000
                                       ----------
                                       $ 842,394
  
SFC's funding arrangements bear interest at fixed spreads over the
one-month LIBOR.  The YCC and PCC variable arrangements are
discounted based on commercial paper rates.  At January 31, 1998,
the weighted average variable rate for the PCC and YCC facilities
was 6.1%. The various agreements contain covenants requiring the
maintenance of certain financial ratios and receivables portfolio
performance measures. While the Company has no obligation to
reimburse the trust or investors for credit losses, the Company is
obligated to repurchase receivables related to customer credits
such as merchandise returns and other receivables defects. 

     Finance charges earned by the purchasers were $53,530, $34,045
and $24,042 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net finance
charge income included in selling, general and administrative
expenses in the consolidated statements of income totaled $151,199
in 1997, $130,178 in 1996 and $123,493 in 1995. 

     The ownership interest transferred by PCC, YCC, and SFC to the
purchasers was $842,394 and $752,408 at January 31, 1998 and
February 1, 1997, respectively.

     Effective for 1998, the National Bank of the Great Lakes
("NBGL"), a wholly-owned national credit card bank subsidiary, will
issue all credit cards (with the exception of SFA credit cards) and
sell all accounts receivable generated by the credit cards to PCC
and YCC. To accommodate the increase in accounts receivable
attributable to the CPS stores, the PCC variable funding facility
was increased to $400,000 subsequent to January 31, 1998. The Bank
is expected to become the issuer of SFA credit cards in the fourth
quarter of 1998.


7   Property and Equipment  

A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
 
                                               January 31,   February 1,
                                                  1998          1997
                                               ----------     ---------
Land and land improvements                       $260,862       $256,328 
Buildings                                         955,981        800,335 
Leasehold improvements                            155,643        185,416 
Fixtures and equipment                            823,769        634,434 
Construction in progress                           55,361         57,681 
                                                 ---------     ----------
                                                2,251,616      1,934,194 
Accumulated depreciation                         (544,637)      (449,199)
                                                 ---------     ----------
                                                1,706,979      1,484,995 
Property held for sale, net of
  accumulated depreciation                         19,000         33,347 
                                                 ---------     ----------
                                               $1,725,979     $1,518,342 
                                               ===========    ===========

     In 1995, the Company sold eight CPS stores located in
Minnesota (the "Minnesota Closed Stores") for net proceeds of
$70,801. The assets sold had a carrying cost of $9,521. The Company
separately liquidated all inventory, fixtures and accounts
receivable related to the Minnesota Closed Stores. The Company
recorded a gain on the sale of its Minnesota Closed Stores of
$55,179, after closing costs, for the year ended February 3, 1996,
which is included in (gains) losses from long-lived assets in the
consolidated statements of income.

     In 1995, the Company decided to exit the SFA Yonkers, New York
distribution center effective in early 1997 and relocate
distribution activities to a facility in Hickory Ridge, Maryland. 
As a result of this decision, the Company recorded $19,015 of
special charges in 1995.  Such charges included the write-down of
the Yonkers distribution center to its net realizable value, as
well as certain severance and occupancy costs.  The Company has
entered into an agreement to sell the former distribution facility
which is subject to successful rezoning of the property. 

 8   Income Taxes   

 The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

                                             Year Ended
                                    --------------------------------
                                   January 31,  February 1,   February 3,
                                      1998          1997         1996 
                                   ----------     ----------   ---------
Current:
  Federal                            $51,562       $14,522       $23,898 
  State                                8,845         4,848         5,683 
                                     --------      --------      --------
                                      60,407        19,370        29,581 

Deferred:
  Federal                           (239,396)       27,572        15,046 
  State                              (22,599)        4,056         2,914 
                                     --------      --------      --------
                                    (261,995)       31,628        17,960 
                                     --------      --------      --------
Total expense (benefit)            $(201,588)      $50,998       $47,541 
                                     --------      --------      --------

     The tax effect for extraordinary losses on early
extinguishment of debt was $7,162, $0 and $1,373 for fiscal years
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Components of the net deferred tax asset or liability
recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

                                               January 31,   February 1,
                                                 1998           1997
                                               ----------     ---------
Current:
  Deferred tax assets:
    Trade accounts receivable                      $8,550        $12,377 
    Accrued expenses                               38,925         41,953 
    AMT Credit                                        704              0 
    NOL carryorwards                               44,128         46,685 
    Valuation allowance                            (6,155)       (71,840)
                                                 ---------      ---------
                                                   86,152         29,175 
  Deferred tax liabilities:
    Inventory                                     (13,126)       (11,365)
    Other                                          (1,212)        (1,505)
                                                 ---------      ---------
                                                  (14,338)       (12,870)
                                                 ---------      ---------
Net current deferred tax asset                    $71,814        $16,305 
                                                 =========      =========
Noncurrent:
Deferred tax assets
  Capital leases                                  $16,650        $16,635 
  Other long-term liabilities                      63,420         55,561 
  Deferred compensation                             1,908          2,195 
  NOL carryforwards                               280,834        300,599 
  Valuation allowance                             (41,251)      (339,177)
                                                 ---------      ---------
                                                  321,561         35,813 
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property and equipment                          (39,142)       (30,588)
  Deferred gain                                    (6,491)        (6,620)
  Other assets                                    (18,080)       (18,421)
  Junior subordinated debentures                                  (1,205)
                                                 ---------      ---------
                                                  (63,713)       (56,834)
Net non-current deferred tax asset
  (liability)                                    $257,848       $(21,021)
                                                 =========      =========

At January 31, 1998, the Company has $716,433 and $116,800 in
federal and state tax net operating loss carryforwards related to
losses incurred by SFA and CPS. The carryforwards will expire
between 2003 and 2011. The future utilization of these
carryforwards is restricted under federal income tax change-in-
ownership rules and SFA's and CPS's ability to generate sufficient
taxable income. 

     The continued improvement in SFA's operating income in fiscal
1997, as well as SFA's estimate of future profitability, enabled
the Company to recognize a $294,846 deferred tax asset in the
fourth quarter of 1997.  The benefit reflects the elimination of
the valuation allowance relating to the tax benefit of SFA's net
operating loss carryforwards.  The realization of this tax benefit
also enabled SFA to reduce goodwill by $34,525 due to SFA recording
certain assets and liabilities at their date of acquisition for
financial reporting purposes which were not recognized for income
tax purposes.

     The valuation allowance attributable to CPS losses and tax
basis differences was reduced by $16,000 for each of the years
ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, based on management's
reassessment of the realizability of the related deferred tax asset
in future years. The tax benefit resulting from the reduction in
the valuation allowance is credited directly to shareholders'
equity. 

     The Company believes it is more likely than not that the
benefit of the net deferred tax assets will be realized.

     Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes. The
reasons for this difference are as follows: (the following
reconciliation excludes the impact of eliminating SFA's $294,846
valuation allowance in 1997).

                                     1997        1996       1995
                                    ------     -------    -------
Statutory tax rate                  35.0%       35.0%       35.0%
State income taxes, net of
  federal benefit                    3.5         4.4         9.2
Nondeductible merger related
  costs                              3.4         1.3         6.0
Amortization of goodwill             1.7         0.9         1.0
Generation (Recognition) of
  NOL carryforward                              (8.0)       42.6
Non-deductible ESOP expenses         2.2         1.1         1.6
Other items, net                     0.1
                                    ------     -------    -------
Effective tax rate                  45.9%        34.7%      95.4%
                                    ======     =======    ======

The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds received, of
$12,664, $34,172 and $14,232 during 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. 
  
 9   Senior Debt 

 A summary of senior debt is as follows: 
                                              January 31,     February 1,
                                                1998             1997
                                             ----------       -----------
SFA real estate financing  
  REMIC certificates                           $300,841        $315,841 
Revolving credit agreements                     346,750         154,437 
CPS receivables facility, weighted
  average interest rate of 5.58%
  and 5.47%, respectively                       125,000         113,511 
Senior unsecured notes, 8.125%,
  maturing 2004                                 125,000 
Real estate notes, mortgage notes
  and industrial revenue bonds                   39,865         133,324 
Capital lease obligations                       169,408         167,168 
                                              ----------      ----------
                                              1,106,864         884,281 
Current portion                                 (13,058)        (20,806)
                                              ----------      ----------
                                             $1,093,806        $863,475 
                                             ==========       ==========

Real Estate Financing 

In May 1995, SFA, through a subsidiary trust, completed a real
estate financing, aggregating $335,000 through the issuance of
mortgage loans collateralized by intercompany leases.  Mortgage
certificates in the principal amount of $175,000 bear interest at
variable rates based on three-month LIBOR, payable quarterly.  The
remaining $160,000 in certificates, which are subordinated to the
other certificates, bear interest at annual fixed rates ranging
from 8.98% to 12.36%, payable semiannually.  All of the mortgage
certificates are scheduled to mature in May 2002.  The debt related
to individual properties is prepayable at premiums ranging from
stated value to 150% of stated value.  The various properties and
leases collateralizing the mortgage certificates are cross
guaranteed.  The Company guarantees the obligations under all
intercompany leases.  In conjunction with the May 1995 transaction,
the Company recorded an extraordinary charge related to the early
extinguishment of debt of $5,991. 

     In January 1996, the Company sold one of its stores and
prepaid the mortgage loan associated with this property,
aggregating $4,159.  The proceeds were used to prepay the related
mortgage certificates with an annual fixed interest rate of 12.36%
in February 1996.  In January 1997, the Company reacquired $15,000
of its outstanding certificates with an annual interest rate of
12.36%, effectively prepaying the mortgage certificates.  The
Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $2,951 associated with
the repurchase premium and accelerated write-off of deferred
financing costs related to this repurchase.  In February 1997, the
Company reacquired an additional $15,000 of its outstanding
certificates with an annual fixed interest rate of 12.36%.  The
Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $3,352 associated with
the repurchase premium and accelerated write-off of deferred
financing costs related to this purchase.  

     The sale of the Yonkers, New York distribution center will
require the prepayment of mortgage certificates totaling $9,074. 

Revolving Credit Facilities  

 In conjunction with the acquisition of CPS, the Company replaced
its revolving credit agreement and CPS's revolver with a new
$600,000 revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). The
Credit Facility is scheduled to expire in February 2003. Advances
under the Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates and are
unsecured. At January 31, 1998, the interest rate was 6.5%. The
Credit Facility requires the Company to meet specific covenants
related to net worth, leverage, fixed charges, and indebtedness.
Previously unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the
replaced revolver were written off and reflected in the
extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt in 1997. Amounts
outstanding under this facility at January 31, 1998 was $210,000.

     In October 1996, the Company amended and restated the SFA
credit facility.  The revolving credit commitments were increased
to $350,000 and the maturity of the revolving credit commitments
was extended to October 30, 2001.  Borrowings under the SFA credit
facility bear interest at variable rates and were $136,750 at
January 31, 1998.  The borrowing availability is reduced by any
standby or commercial letters of credit.  Total available credit
under the SFA credit agreement was $209,220 at January 31, 1998.

     Prior to the merger with Proffitt's, CPS financed its trade
accounts receivable with a $200,000 facility ("Receivables
Facility"). In connection with the merger, the Receivables Facility
was terminated and the $125,000 outstanding balance under the
Receivables Facility was repaid on February 2, 1998, with proceeds
from the sale of receivables under the Company's receivables
securitization agreements (see Note 5). 

Other Senior Debt 

 Proceeds from the 1997 sale of 8.125% senior unsecured notes were
used primarily to reduce subordinated debt, real estate notes and
mortgage notes. The notes contain several covenants including
limitations on indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, and
disposition of assets.

     In May 1996, SFA completed an initial public offering with net
proceeds of $417,769.  The proceeds from the offering were
primarily used to prepay term loan borrowings and outstanding
revolving credit balances under SFA's existing credit facility. 
The Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $3,340 associated
with the accelerated write-off of deferred financing costs related
to these payments. 

     Effective with the February 3, 1996 Younkers merger, the
Company replaced Younkers' debt collateralized by its trade
accounts receivable with the sale of an undivided interest in its
accounts receivable and canceled its revolving credit facility. As
a result of this early extinguishment of debt, certain deferred
debt costs aggregating $3,433 were written off as an extraordinary
item in 1995. 

Maturities 

 At January 31, 1998, maturities of senior debt for the next five
years and thereafter, giving consideration to lenders' call
privileges, are as follows:   

                                    Year                     Maturities
                                  ---------                 ------------
                                    1998                       $13,058
                                    1999                        10,554
                                    2000                       133,001
                                    2001                       142,627
                                    2002                       535,464
                                 Thereafter                    272,160
                                                             ---------
                                                            $1,106,864
                                                            ==========

The Company made interest payments, net of capitalized interest, of
$97,745, $94,848 and $116,478 during 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.  

Refinancing Activities 

 In connection with the SFA merger, the Company initiated a series
of refinancing activities designed to reduce the weighted average
cost of debt, provide appropriate debt maturities, and attempt to
ensure adequate liquidity.  The refinancing activities included:
(1) on September 9, 1998 the Company completed a tender offer for
its $125 million 8.125% senior unsecured notes utilizing proceeds
from revolving credit agreements, (2) during September 1998 SFA
repurchased $65 million of outstanding REMIC mortgage certificates
using proceeds from the SFA revolving credit agreement, (3) on
September 17, 1998 the Company replaced the existing revolving
credit agreements with a new $1.5 billion revolving credit
agreement (the "New Facility") which is unsecured, is scheduled to
expire in September 2003, and will bear interest at LIBOR based
variable rates (the rate on September 17, 1998 approximated 6.0%),
and (4) on September 17, 1998 advances from the New Facility were
used to repay all outstanding indebtedness under the SFA credit
facility and the SFA credit facility was terminated.

     The SFA convertible debentures contain certain restrictive
covenants including the extension of a put option in the event of
a change in control of SFA. The Company believes that the merger
with SFA may constitute a change in control as defined in the
debenture and therefore the holders of the convertible debentures
would have a put option back to the Company. The Company's
interpretation of the debenture is that any convertible notes which
are put to the Company may be redeemed at the Company's option in
the form of cash or common stock of the Company. If the holders
exercise the put option, the Company may use proceeds from the New
Facility to fund the redemption and then may subsequently seek
replacement long-term financing.

  10   Subordinated Debt  

 Subordinated debt represents uncollateralized obligations
subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt and is composed
of the following:
                                                January 31,      February 1,
                                                   1998             1997
                                                ---------        ---------
Convertible debentures, interest
  at 5.5%, maturing September 2006              $ 276,000        $ 276,000 
Convertible debentures, interest at
  4.75%, maturing November 2003,
  converted into 4,040 shares of
  Proffitt's common stock in October
  1997                                                              86,250 
Notes, interest at 9.875%, maturing
  July 2003                                        10,964          125,000 
Junior debentures, interest at 7.5%,
  maturing March 2004, prepaid in
  January 1998                                                      14,517 
                                                 ---------        ---------
                                                $ 286,964        $ 501,767 
                                                ==========       ==========

In September 1996, SFA issued $276,000 aggregate principal amount
of 5.5% convertible debentures for net cash proceeds after offering
expenses and financing costs of $267,500.  The debentures are due
on September 15, 2006, and are convertible at any time prior to
maturity into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion
rate of 19.73 shares of common stock for each one thousand dollar
principal amount of debentures, which is equivalent to a conversion
price of approximately $50.68 per share.  If all of the debentures
are converted, a total of 5,446 shares of common stock will be
issued. The debentures are redeemable at the Company's option at
any time on or after September 15, 1999, at redemption rates
ranging from 100.55% to 103.85%.

     The net proceeds from the issuance of the convertible
debentures were primarily used to prepay term loan borrowings and
subordinated notes and to repay outstanding balances on the
revolving credit facility.  During 1996, the Company recorded an
extraordinary loss of  $6,455 relating to the accelerated write-off
of deferred financing costs related to the prepayments. 

     In October 1997, the 4.75% convertible debentures were
converted into 4,040 shares of the Company's common stock. As a
result of this conversion, certain deferred debt issuance costs
aggregating $600 were written off as an extraordinary item.

     Effective with the Parisian acquisition, the Company assumed
the existing Parisian 9.875% subordinated notes. The notes are
redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, after
July 15, 1998, 1999 and 2000 at approximately 105%, 102.5% and 100%
of face value, respectively.  In May and June 1997, the Company
purchased approximately $28,400 of these notes which resulted in an
extraordinary loss from the extinguishment of debt of approximately
$1,800. In January 1998, the Company made a cash tender offer at
approximately 106% of face value for the remaining $96,600 of
outstanding notes. This tender offer was accepted by 89% of the
note holders, which left approximately $11,000 outstanding as of
January 31, 1998. The January tender resulted in an extraordinary
loss from the early extinguishment of debt of approximately
$11,000.

     The 7.5% junior subordinated debentures were discounted at the
date of issue to reflect their fair value and were being accreted
to a face value of $17,500 with an effective interest rate of 11%.
In January 1998, the Company completed the prepayment of the junior
subordinated debentures for the face value, which resulted in an
extraordinary charge of $2,700.
  
 11   Leases  

 The Company leases certain land and buildings under various
noncancelable capital and operating leases. The leases generally
provide for contingent rentals based upon sales in excess of stated
amounts and require the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance
and occupancy costs.  Generally, the leases have primary terms
ranging from 20 to 30 years and include renewal options ranging
from 5 to 20 years.

     At January 31, 1998, future minimum rental commitments under
capital leases and noncancelable operating leases consisted of the
following:

                                   Operating Leases     Capital Leases
                                      -------------      ------------
             1998                            $117,618           $25,518 
             1999                             119,902            25,760 
             2000                             113,652            25,679 
             2001                             101,136            24,008 
             2002                              97,624            23,447 
             Thereafter                       860,231           302,786 
                                            ---------          ---------
                                           $1,410,163          $427,198 
  Amount representing interest             ==========          (257,790)
                                                               ---------
  Capital lease obligations                                   $ 169,408 
                                                               =========

     Total rental expense for operating leases was $150,715,
$109,882 and $92,043 during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
including contingent rents of approximately $20,733, $17,762 and
$13,942 respectively.

     In June 1997, SFA entered into a $100,500 operating lease
agreement, which can be used to finance qualified properties placed
in service by December 31, 1999.  Under the agreement,  the lessor
agreed to construct new store sites in order to lease them to the
Company.  The lease requires a variable rent payment principally
related to LIBOR interest rates.  The Company has also guaranteed
a substantial residual value of the properties under lease.  At
January 31, 1998, the Company has guaranteed approximately $18,869. 
The Company may purchase the assets under lease or elect for the
properties to be sold to a third party.  At January 31, 1998, there
was approximately $77,500 available under the agreement to fund
capital expenditures.  The initial lease term ends in October 2001
and may be extended at the mutual consent of the lessor and the
Company. On September 17, 1998, the Company terminated the
operating lease agreement which resulted in the purchase of
properties valued at approximately $30 million.

     The Company leases certain selling space within its stores to
other specialty retailers under contingent rental agreements. 
Rental income related to these agreements was $13,024, $11,846, and
$10,209 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company consummated the sale
and sale-leaseback of certain property and equipment with proceeds
of $4,630, $30,269 and $12,806, respectively.  


12   Employee Benefit Plans  

Employee Savings Plans 

The Company sponsors various profit sharing and savings plans that
cover substantially all full-time employees. Company contributions
charged to expense under these plans, or similar predecessor plans,
for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $ 6,509, $ 5,133 and $ 5,190,
respectively. 

SFA Defined Benefit Plan 

The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan
covering substantially all SFA full-time employees.  Benefits are
based upon years of service and compensation prior to retirement. 
SFA contributed $4,454 and $18,440 in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
and did not make any contributions in 1995.  Pension plan assets
consist primarily of common stock funds, U.S. Government and
agencies obligations, corporate debt securities, money market funds
and real estate interests.

     Net periodic pension expense consisted of the following:

                                          Fiscal Year Ended
                                -------------------------------------
                                    January 31,  February 1,  February 3,
                                       1998          1997        1996
                                    ----------     ---------- ----------
Service cost                           $5,151        $4,729      $3,527 
Interest cost                           7,046         6,629       5,778 
Return on assets                       (6,863)       (5,587)     (9,095)
Net amortization and deferral               2             2       4,906 
                                     ---------       --------    -------
Net pension expense                    $5,336        $5,773      $5,116 
                                      ========      =========    =======

The following table sets forth the SFA pension plan's funded status
and the present value of the benefit obligations: 


                                              January 31,    February 1,
                                                1998            1997
                                              ----------     ----------
Actuarial present value of 
  benefit obligation:
  Vested benefit obligation                        $(93,748)   $(79,876)
  Nonvested benefit obligation                       (6,500)     (4,636)
                                                   ---------   ----------
Accumulated benefit obligation                     (100,248)    (84,512)
Excess of projected benefit 
  obligation over accumulated 
  benefit obligation                                 (6,973)     (4,867)
                                                   ---------    ---------- 
Projected benefit obligation                       (107,221)    (89,379)
Plan assets at fair value                            84,077      73,800 
                                                   ----------   ----------
Deficiency of plan assets over 
  projected benefit obligation                      (23,144)    (15,579)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)                          5,657      (1,027)
Unrecognized prior service cost                          22          24 
                                                   ----------   ----------
Accrued pension cost classified 
  in other liabilities                             $(17,465)   $(16,582)
                                                   =========   ==========
Discount rate                                          7.25%       8.00%
Expected long-term rate of return 
  on assets                                            9.50%       9.50%
Average assumed rate of compensation 
  increase                                             3.00%       3.00%
                                                            

The Company also maintains for SFA employees an unfunded
supplemental retirement plan which provides for benefits in
addition to those provided by the pension plan.  Expenses related
to the supplemental plan were $934, $784 and $502 in 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.  Payments from the supplemental plan were $233,
$233 and $279 during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  The
accrued liability for this plan at January 31, 1998 and February 1,
1997, was $8,513 and $7,811, respectively, and is included in other
noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.  

CPS Defined Benefit Plans 

CPS also sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit plan covering
substantially all employees who have attained a minimum age and
number of hours of employment.  Approximately 64% of the pension
plan assets consist primarily of common stock funds and the
remainder of the plan assets are invested in bonds. 

Net periodic pension expense consisted of the following:


                                             Fiscal Year Ended
                                   -------------------------------------
                                    January 31,  February 1,  February 3,
                                      1998          1997        1996
                                    ----------     ---------- ----------
Service cost                           $4,805        $5,326      $4,535 
Interest cost                           9,445         9,012       8,651 
Return on assets                      (24,211)      (17,144)    (26,029)
Net amortization and 
  deferral                             12,338         5,867      14,886 
                                      --------      ---------   ---------
Net pension expense                    $2,377        $3,061      $2,043 
                                      ========      =========   =========

The following table sets forth the CPS pension plan's funded status
and the present value of benefit obligations:


                                               January 31,   February 1,
                                                  1998          1997
                                                ----------   ----------
Actuarial present value of 
  benefit obligation:
  Vested benefit obligation                       $(128,755)  $(117,689)
  Nonvested benefit obligation                       (3,173)     (2,437)
                                                  ----------  ----------
Accumulated benefit obligation                     (131,928)   (120,126)
Excess of projected benefit 
  obligation over accumulated 
  benefit obligation                                 (6,292)     (5,489)
                                                  ----------   ---------
Projected benefit obligation                       (138,220)   (125,615)
Plan assets at fair value                           146,345     131,076 
                                                  ----------   ----------
Excess of plan assets over 
  projected benefit obligation                        8,125       5,461 
Unrecognized net gain                               (11,990)     (6,912)
Unrecognized prior service cost                        (196)       (233)
                                                  ----------    ---------
Accrued pension cost classified 
  in other liabilities                              $(4,061)    $(1,684)
                                                  ==========    =========
Discount rate                                          7.50%       7.75%
Expected long-term rate of return 
  on assets                                            9.50%       9.25%
Average assumed rate of compensation 
  increase                                             4.50%       4.75%

The CPS defined benefit plan assets at January 31, 1998 and
February 1, 1997 were based on a respective November 1 measurement
date. 

Retiree Health Care Plans 

The Company provides health care benefits for certain groups of
employees who retired before 1997. The plans were contributory with
the Company providing a frozen annual credit of varying amounts per
year of service. A $2.9 million curtailment gain was recognized for
the year ended February 3, 1996. The annual expense is comprised
principally of interest cost and is less than $1,000 annually.

The liabilities for the unfunded plans reflected in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets are as follows:


                                                 January 31,   February 1,
                                                    1998          1997
                                                  ----------   ----------
Accumulated postretirement benfit obligation
Retirees                                            $10,530      $9,619 
Fully eligible active plan  participants                          1,031 
                                                    --------    --------
                                                     10,530      10,650 
Unrecognized gain                                     3,504       3,416 
                                                    --------    --------
Accrued postretirement benefit 
  cost classified in other liabilities              $14,034     $14,066 
                                                    ========    ========

13   Shareholders' Equity

Preferred Stock 

On March 31, 1994, the Company issued 600 shares of series A
Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock in a private
offering (10,000 total shares authorized). Net proceeds to the
Company were approximately $28,900 after offering expenses.
Dividends were cumulative and were paid at $3.25 per annum per
share. On June 28, 1996, the holder converted the preferred stock
into 2,844 shares of the Company's common stock. The Company paid
$3,032 to the holder of the preferred stock to induce early
conversion. 

Common Stock 

The Company has 500,000 shares (increased from 300,000 in September
1998) of $.10 par value common shares authorized of which 141,461
and 107,725 shares were issued and outstanding at January 31, 1998
and February 1, 1997, respectively.

In August 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1
stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company's common
stock. The split was effected in the form of a stock dividend; each
shareholder received one additional share for each outstanding
share of common stock held of record as of the close of business on
October 15, 1997. The per share amounts presented in the Company's
consolidated financial statements are reflective of the 2-for-1
stock split.

Each outstanding share of common stock has one preferred stock
purchase right attached. The rights (which were revised in June
1998) generally become exercisable ten days after an outside party
acquires, or makes an offer for, 20% or more of the common stock.
Each right entitles its holder to buy 1/200 share of Series C
Junior Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $278 per 1/100 of a
share, subject to adjustment in certain cases. The rights expire in
March 2008. Once exercisable, if the Company is involved in a
merger or other business combination or an outside party acquires
20% or more of the common stock, each right will be modified to
entitle its holder (other than the acquirer) to purchase common
stock of the acquiring company or, in certain circumstances, common
stock having a market value of twice the exercise price of the
right. 

Treasury Stock 

Previously, Herberger's was required to repurchase shares from
inactive participants of its ESOP at fair value. Treasury stock
transactions were accounted for under the cost method with gains or
losses on transactions credited or charged to additional paid-in-
capital. Total shares purchased in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were 3, 170
and 358, respectively. In connection with the rescission of the put
option on the ESOP shares (see Note 14) the Company retired all
13,794 shares of the Company's common stock held in Treasury.

Prior to the merger with Proffitt's, CPS purchased and retired 700
and 905 common shares for $13,096 and $12,327 during the years
ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997.

14   Employee Stock Plans   

ESOP  

Herberger's sponsored an employee stock ownership plan for the
benefit of its employees. Contributions to the ESOP were made at
the discretion of the Board of Directors and were $0, $3,670 and
$3,418 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At various times, the
ESOP purchased shares of the Company's common stock using the
proceeds of ESOP loans. These shares were initially held in a
suspense account by the Plan trustee. As contributions were made
and dividends were paid and the ESOP debt was repaid, shares were
released from suspense and allocated to the accounts of
participants and the Company recognized compensation expense. For
shares acquired after January 30, 1994, ESOP expense was recorded
equal to the estimated fair value of shares allocated and those
shares became outstanding for earnings per share computations. For
all other shares, ESOP expense was recorded equal to the cost of
the shares released. All shares acquired prior to January 30, 1994
were considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations. 

Prior to the merger, Herberger's shares distributed from the ESOP
could be put to Herberger's at fair value for cash under certain
conditions. As such, the shares were carried at fair value and not
reflected on the balance sheet in shareholders' equity. Effective
with the merger, the put option was rescinded, and accordingly, the
ESOP shares are reflected in shareholders' equity.

During 1997, the ESOP was terminated. As a result, the Company
received approximately $10,000 in cash representing payment of a
$9,000 note receivable from the ESOP.  All previously unallocated
common shares of the Company held by the ESOP were allocated to the
ESOP participants, resulting in a primarily non-cash charge of
$7,900.  

Stock Options and Grants   

The Company utilizes the intrinsic value method of accounting for
stock option grants. As the option exercise price is generally
equal to or above fair value of the common shares at the date of
the option grant, no compensation cost is recognized. 

Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation
plans been determined under the fair value method, using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model, the Company's net income and earnings
per share would have been reduced (increased) to the pro forma
amounts indicated below.
                                                            
<TABLE>
                              January 31, 1998       February 1, 1997         February 3,1996
                              ----------------       ----------------         ---------------
                         As Reported   Pro Forma    As Reported   Pro Forma   As Reported   Pro Forma 
                        ------------- -----------  ------------- -----------  ------------  ----------
<S>                        <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
Net income                 $404,914     $395,237      $80,832      $73,041    $(5,726)      $(7,110)
Basic earnings per 
  common share                $2.94        $2.87        $0.62       $0.55     $(0.07)       $(0.08)
Diluted earnings per 
  common share                $2.79        $2.72        $0.60       $0.54     $(0.07)       $(0.08)

</TABLE>

The four assumptions for determining compensation costs under the
fair value method include 1) a risk-free interest rate based on
zero-coupon government issues on each grant date with the maturity
equal to the expected term of the option (6.22%, 6.15% and 5.94%
for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively), 2) an expected term of five
years, 3) an expected volatility of 39.7%, 34.4% and 32.3% for
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and 4) no expected dividend
yield.

The Company maintains stock option plans for the granting of
options, stock appreciation rights and restricted shares to
officers, employees and directors. At January 31, 1998 the Company
has available for grant 2,832 shares of common stock. Options
granted generally vest over a four-year period after issue and have
an exercise term of ten years from the grant date. Restricted
shares generally vest ten years after grant date with accelerated
vesting at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors if
the Company meets certain performance objectives.

A summary of the stock option plans for 1997, 1996 and 1995 is
presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1997                1996               1995
                                        -------------------  ------------------  -------------------
                                                   Weighted           Weighted             Weighted
                                                   Average             Average              Average
                                                   Exercise           Exercise             Exercise
                                         Shares     Price    Shares     Price     Shares     Price
                                        --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   -------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning
  of year                                8,780      $14.07     6,859    $11.42   6,260      $10.86 
Granted                                  3,519       25.90     2,686     22.39   1,361       13.18 
Converted in acquisition                                         812     11.25 
Exercised                               (2,027)      11.37    (1,288)    11.46    (418)       7.64 
Forfeited                                 (705)      25.27      (289)    12.81    (344)      12.57 
                                        -------    -------    -------   -------  -------   -------
Outstanding at end of year               9,567      $18.17     8,780    $14.71   6,859      $11.42 
Options exercisable at year end          5,929      $13.88     5,115    $11.59   4,989      $10.15 
                                        -------    -------    -------   -------  -------   ------- 
Weighted average fair value of
  options granted during the year       $10.80                 $6.46             $6.94 
                                        =======               =======           =======

The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding at January 31, 1998:
                                         Options Oustanding             Options Exercisable
                                  --------------------------------     -----------------------
                                                  Weighted
                                     Number        Average                   Number
                                   Outstanding    Remaining     Weighted   Exercisable    Weighted
                                       at        Contractual    Average        at          Average
                                    January 31,     Life        Exercise   January 31,    Exercise
Range of Exercise Price                1998       (Years)        Price        1998         Price
- -----------------------            ---------      ---------    ---------    ---------    --------
$3.75 to $5.63                          219            3        $   4.68         219    $   4.68
$5.64 to $8.45                        1,005            6            5.90       1,005        5.90
$8.46 to $12.69                       2,673            6           11.47       2,438       11.37
$12.70 to $19.06                      1,915            8           17.68       1,010       16.89
$19.07 to $28.60                      1,216            8           20.27         705       19.61
$28.61 to $48.78                      2,539            9           30.74         552       30.11
                                   --------     --------        --------    --------     -------
                                      9,567                      $ 18.17       5,929     $ 13.88
                                   ========                     ========    ========     =======
</TABLE>

The Company also granted restricted stock awards of 176, 258 and 40
shares to certain employees in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The fair value of these awards on the dates of grants was $4,600,
$3,763 and $499 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. During 1997,
1996 and 1995, compensation cost of $5,700, $2,239 and $449,
respectively, has been recognized in connection with these awards. 

Stock Purchase Plan 

The stock purchase plan (the "Plan") provides that an aggregate of
700 shares of the Company's common stock is available for purchase.
Under the Plan, an eligible employee may elect to participate by
authorizing limited payroll deductions to be applied toward the
purchase of common stock at a 15% discount to market value. Under
the Plan, 62 and 28 shares of the Company's common stock were
purchased by employees in 1997 and 1996 respectively. At January
31, 1998, the Plan has available for future offerings 583 shares.
 
15   Commitments and Contingencies  

In 1992, CPS commenced an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy
Court against Bank One, Milwaukee, N.A. ("Bank One"). In the
adversary proceeding, the Company alleges, among other things, that
Bank One made an illegal setoff of $31,207 from the Company's
Predecessor's account at Bank One in order to reimburse itself for
a $31,207 payment Bank One made to Associated Merchandising
Corporation ("AMC") under a letter of credit Bank One issued to
AMC. In July 1995, the Bankruptcy Court granted the CPS motion for
summary judgment in the amount of $37,565, plus costs, against Bank
One. The Bankruptcy Court's ruling is currently being appealed by
Bank One and the Company is appealing the Bankruptcy Court's denial
of prejudgment interest. Bank One has asserted that the Company's
recovery is subject to a 33% reduction in accordance with the
distribution Bank One would receive as an unsecured creditor under
the Plan of Reorganization. While the Company believes strongly in
its causes of action, the ultimate outcome of this proceeding
cannot be determined with certainty. In accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, no gain has been recognized in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.

     CPS and its subsidiaries emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in
1993. The Company recognized $680, $1,280 and $725 in 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively, to reflect the favorable resolution of
claims. Management believes CPS has adequately provided for the
resolution of all bankruptcy claims and other matters related to
the Plan of Reorganization remaining at January 31, 1998. 

     The Company is involved in several legal proceedings arising
from its normal business activities, and reserves have been
established where appropriate. Management believes that none of
these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations
or liquidity.

 16   Related Party Transactions  

 In 1989, an unsecured $500 interest-free loan, due January 31,
1999, was made as a supplement to the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer's ("CEO") base compensation. During 1997,
the Company agreed to forgive the loan in one-fifth increments over
five years, providing that the CEO remains employed by the Company.

     During 1996 and 1995, the Company paid $796 and $1,950 of
preferred stock dividends and a $3,032 payment for early conversion
of the preferred stock to an investment group in which a Director
is a partner.

     Prior to the merger of Proffitt's and SFA, a shareholder of
SFA provided various consulting and advisory services to SFA under
an agreement which expired in July 1996.  The fees paid or payable
for such services were approximately $1,000 and $7,000 in 1996 and
1995, respectively.
    
17   Fair Values of Financial Instruments  

 The Company has entered into interest rate cap agreements to
reduce the impact of increases in interest rates on real estate
financing.  The Company is also an indirect beneficiary of interest
rate cap agreements relating to the accounts receivable
securitization.  At January 31, 1998, there were five interest rate
cap agreements outstanding.  Accordingly, the Company is entitled
to receive from various financial institutions the amount, if any,
by which the Company's interest payments on its debt exceed the
stated interest rates or strike rates. Payments received as a
result of the caps in the Company's debt are recorded as a
reduction of interest expense. 

     The following is  a summary of the interest rate cap
agreements related to real estate financing as of January 31, 1998:

            Notional                     Effective     Expiration
             Amount       Strike Rate        Date          Date
           ----------     -----------    ---------     ----------
             $87,500         9.70%         2/12/97       5/13/02
             $87,500         9.70%         2/12/97       5/13/02
 
     The combined carrying value and fair value of the Company's
interest rate agreements were $1,496 and $124 as of January 31,
1998, and $2,319 and $870 at February 1, 1997, respectively.

     During 1996, the Company entered into financial fixed-rate
swap agreements, which were renegotiated in 1997.  The Company is
obligated to pay a fixed rate of interest and will receive a
floating rate based on LIBOR.  These swaps may be extended for an
additional year at the option of the swap counterparty.  The
Company uses interest rate swaps solely as a risk management tool
with an objective of managing the level of interest rate risk
relating to its accounts receivable securitization. 

The following is a summary of the interest rate swap agreements as
of January 31, 1998:
 
            Notional                     Effective     Expiration
             Amount       Strike Rate        Date          Date
           ----------     -----------    ---------     ----------
            $250,000         6.02%         2/20/97       2/20/98
            $250,000         5.83%         2/20/98       4/20/01
 
     At January 31, 1998, the combined carrying value and fair
value of the Company's financial fixed-rate swap agreements was $0
and ($3,296), respectively.

     The fair values of the Company's other financial instruments,
which consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, and short-term debt approximate their carrying
amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets, due to the
immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments.  For
variable rate notes that reprice frequently, fair value
approximates carrying value. The fair value of fixed rate notes is
estimated using discounted cash flow analyses with interest rates
currently offered for loans with similar terms and credit risk. As
of January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, the fair value of fixed
rate notes approximated the carrying value.

     The fair values of the 8.125% and 9.875% notes and the 5.5%
and 4.75% convertible debentures are based on quoted market prices.
For the junior debentures, the fair value is estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses with interest rates offered for
financial instruments with similar terms and credit risk.

     The fair values of the Company's aforementioned financial
instruments at January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 were as
follows:

                                                                Estimated
                                         Carrying Amount        Fair Value
                                      ------------------      -------------
January 31, 1998
  REMIC Certificates                        $300,841              $315,700
  8.125% senior notes                       $125,000              $132,700
  9.875% notes                               $10,964               $11,731
  5.5% convertible debentures               $276,000              $246,081
February 1, 1997
  REMIC Certificates                        $315,841              $332,300
  4.75% convertible debentures               $86,250              $ 84,525
  9.875% notes                              $125,000              $127,500
  7.5% junior debentures                     $14,517               $14,517
  5.5% convertible debentures               $276,000              $262,200

The fair value of the long-term debt, interest rate cap agreements
and interest rate swap agreements were estimated based on quotes
obtained from financial institutions for those or similar
instruments or on the basis of quoted market prices.


18   Merger Restructuring and Integration Charges

Merger and special charges incurred in fiscal years 1997, 1996 and
1995 (before income taxes) were as follows:

<TABLE>
                                                                    1997        1996           1995
                                                                  -------    --------       --------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>          <C>
Related to current year's merger: 
  Merger transaction costs, principally investment
    banking, legal and other direct merger costs                  $ 13,800      $2,649       $8,778 
  Severance and related benefits                                    11,100       3,129        3,235 
  Conversion and consolidation of systems and
    administrative operations                                                    3,355 
  Abandonment and write-down of duplicate data
    processing equipment and software and other assets               6,200         885       15,922 
  Other integration costs                                                                    10,287 
Related to all mergers, acquisitions and other
  restructurings: 
  Termination of Younkers benefit plan                                           1,362 
  Conversion and consolidation of systems                            2,600       4,549 
  Termination of merchandise purchasing agreements                   3,900 
  Exit costs related to the Yonkers distribution center                                      19,015 
    Severance, relocation and other integration costs
    associated with all mergers and acquisitions and SFA
    consulting fees                                                  5,924       1,000        7,000 
Revisions to prior year estimates:
  1995 charges associated with exit of Yonkers 
    distribution center                                             (7,000)
                                                                   --------    --------     --------
                                                                  $ 36,524    $ 16,929     $ 64,237 
                                                                   =======    ========     ========
</TABLE>
   
A reconciliation of the above charges to the amounts remaining
unpaid at January 31, 1998 was as follows:

<TABLE>
                                                                     1997        1996        1995
                                                                    -------    --------    --------
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>         <C>
Merger, restructuring and integration charges                     $ 43,524    $ 16,929    $  64,237 
Revisions to prior year estimate                                                             (7,000)
Amounts representing non-cash charges                              (14,500)     (2,417)     (14,586)
Amounts paid in 1995                                                                        (26,651)
Amounts paid in 1996                                                            (8,308)     (11,913)
Amounts paid in 1997                                                (7,111)     (5,434)        (776)
                                                                  ---------   ---------   ----------
Amounts unpaid at January 31, 1998                                $ 21,913    $    770    $   3,311 
                                                                  =========   =========   ==========
</TABLE>

19   Hostile Takeover Attempt  

In 1995, prior to the Company's and Younkers merger, Younkers was
subjected to a hostile takeover attempt by CPS. In defending itself
against this takeover attempt, Younkers incurred legal fees and
investment banker advisory fees aggregating $3,182, while CPS's
charges related to this takeover attempt totaled $6,835.

20   Year 2000  

The Company has completed its assessment of the year 2000 effect on
the Company's systems and began the necessary systems modifications
during 1997, resulting in expense of approximately $6,600. 

21   Quarterly Financial Information  

<TABLE>
 
                                                      First       Second       Third       Fourth
                                                     Quarter     Quarter      Quarter     Quarter
                                                    --------    ---------    -------      --------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Fiscal year ended January 31, 1998
  Net sales                                        $1,302,118   $1,188,351   $1,417,041   $1,818,836
  Gross margin                                       $451,103     $402,557     $513,844     $627,549
  Income (loss) before extraordinary loss             $25,198      $(4,734)     $39,606     $356,167
  Net income (loss)                                   $21,846      $(5,854)     $38,994     $349,928
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
  Before extraordinary items                            $0.19       $(0.03)       $0.29        $2.52
  After extraordinary items                             $0.16       $(0.04)       $0.28        $2.48
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
  Before extraordinary items                            $0.18       $(0.03)       $0.28        $2.38
  After extraordinary items                             $0.16       $(0.04)       $0.27        $2.34

Fiscal year ended February 1, 1997
  Net sales                                        $1,063,590     $969,679   $1,193,015   $1,700,578
  Gross margin                                       $365,307     $326,056     $430,772     $595,738
  Income (loss) before extraordinary loss              $1,653     $(17,382)     $20,388      $88,919

  Net income (loss)                                    $1,653     $(20,722)     $13,933      $85,968

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
  Before extraordinary items                            $0.01       $(0.17)       $0.16        $0.66
  After extraordinary items                             $0.01       $(0.19)       $0.11        $0.64
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
  Before extraordinary items                            $0.01       $(0.17)       $0.15        $0.62
  After extraordinary items                             $0.01       $(0.19)       $0.10        $0.60
</TABLE>

22   Condensed Consolidating Financial Information 

 The following tables present condensed consolidating financial
information for 1997 and 1996 for: 1) Saks Incorporated; 2) on a
combined basis, the guarantors of Saks Incorporated Senior Notes
(which are all of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Saks
Incorporated, except for PCC, YCC, NBGL, SFC and the REMIC trusts;
and 3) on a combined basis, PCC, YCC, NBGL, SFC and the REMIC
trusts, the only non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Senior Notes.
The operations of the non-guarantor subsidiaries were not
significant for 1995. Separate financial statements of the
guarantor subsidiaries are not presented because the guarantors are
jointly, severally, and unconditionally liable under the
guarantees, and the Company believes the condensed consolidating
financial statements are more meaningful in understanding the
financial position of the guarantor subsidiaries.

     Saks Incorporated is comprised of substantially all of the
Proffitt's and Younkers stores and certain corporate management and
financing functions. Borrowings and the related interest expense
under the Company's revolving credit facility are allocated to Saks
Incorporated and the guaranty subsidiaries under an informal
lending arrangement. There are also management and royalty fee
arrangements among Saks Incorporated and the subsidiaries.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income 
 For the year ended January 31, 1998 
 (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
                                                                    Non-
                                             Saks   Guarantor  Guarantor
                                            Incorp-  Subsid-     Subsid-     Elimin-    Consol-
                                            orated    iaries     iaries       ations      idated
                                           --------   --------  --------    --------    ---------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>
Net sales                                 $746,896  $4,979,450                           $5,726,346 
Cost of sales                              480,435   3,250,858                            3,731,293 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Gross margin                           266,461   1,728,592                            1,995,053 
Selling, general and admin-
  istrative expenses                       156,787   1,111,830     $47,700  $(151,199)    1,165,118 
Other operating expenses                    56,343     405,979     (35,064)                 427,258 
Store pre-opening costs                        412      16,606                               17,018 
Merger, restructuring and
  integration costs                         11,500      25,024                               36,524 
(Gains) from long-lived assets                  (8)       (126)                                (134)
Year 2000 expenses                             357       6,233                                6,590 
ESOP expenses                                            9,513                                9,513 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Operating income (loss)                 41,070     153,533     (12,636)   151,199       333,166 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income, net                                       151,199   (151,199)
  Intercompany gain (loss) on
    sale of receivables                     (4,627)    (20,503)     25,130 
  Intercompany servicer fees                            13,372     (13,372)
  Equity in earnings of sub-
    sidiaries                              397,357      58,804               (456,161)
  Interest expense, net                    (10,612)    (59,373)    (43,700)                (113,685)
  Other income (expense), net                 (178)      2,279)        229                    2,330 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
  Income before provision for
    income taxes and extra-
    ordinary item                          423,010     148,112     106,850   (456,161)     221,811  
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes      14,753    (242,283)     33,104                 (194,426)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
  Income before extraordinary
    item                                   408,257     390,395      73,746   (456,161)      416,237 
  Extraordinary item, net of
    taxes                                    3,343       6,424       1,556                   11,323 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
     Net income                           $404,914    $383,971     $72,190  $(456,161)     $404,914 
                                          =========   =========   =========  =========    ==========
</TABLE>

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets 
 For the year ended January 31, 1998 
 (Dollars in thousands)
   
<TABLE>
                                                                  Non-
                                            Saks     Guarantor  Guarantor
                                           Incorp-    Subsid-     Subsid-    Elimin-      Consol-
                                           orated      iaries     iaries      ations      idated
                                         --------     --------  --------   --------      ---------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Assets
Current Assets                                     
  Cash and cash equivalents                $15,405     $(4,594)    $40,053                  $50,864 
  Trade accounts receivable                    113         273     411,823                  412,209 
  Merchandise inventories                  171,212   1,073,470                            1,244,682 
  Deferred income taxes                      6,797      58,570       6,447                   71,814 
  Intercompany borrowings                   30,715      90,293              $(121,008)
  Other current assets                       6,777      98,292       6,552                  111,621 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Total Current Assets                   231,019   1,316,304     464,875   (121,008)    1,891,190 

Property and Equipment, net                186,266     953,642     586,071                1,725,979 
Goodwill and Intangibles, net                7,340     319,967                              327,307 
Other Assets                                 2,297      39,731      25,901                   67,929 
Deferred Income Taxes                       (8,683)    266,531                              257,848 
Investment in and Advances
  to Subsidiaries                        1,959,326    1,352,541            (3,311,867)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Total Assets                        $2,377,565  $4,248,716  $1,076,847 $(3,432,875)  $4,270,253 
                                          =========  ==========   =========  =========   ===========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
  Trade accounts payable                   $39,713    $294,081                             $333,794 
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities                     45,563     380,800     $27,671                  454,034 
  Intercompany borrowings                                          121,008  $(121,008)
  Current portion of long-term debt            452      12,606                               13,058 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Total Current Liabilities               85,728     687,487     148,679   (121,008)      800,886 

Senior Debt                                336,545     331,420     425,841                1,093,806 
Other Long-Term Liabilities                 10,763     131,476       1,829                  144,068 
Subordinated Debt                                      286,964                              286,964 
Investment by and Advances
  from Parent                                        2,811,369     500,498 (3,311,867)
Shareholders' Equity                     1,944,529                                        1,944,529 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Total Liabilities and 
      Shareholders' Equity              $2,377,565  $4,248,716  $1,076,847 $(3,432,875)  $4,270,253 
                                          =========  ==========   =========  ========= = ==========  
</TABLE>

Condensed Consolidating Statements Cash Flow 
 For the year ended January 31, 1998 
 (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
  
                                                                   Non-
                                            Saks    Guarantor    Guarantor
                                           Incorp-   Subsid-      Subsid-    Elimin-        Consol-
                                           orated     iaries      iaries      ations        idated
                                          --------   --------    --------    --------     ---------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>            <C>
Operating Activities 
Net income                                $404,914    $383,971     $72,190  $(456,161)     $404,914 
Adjustments to reconcile net
 income to net cash provided
 by operating activities: 
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                          (397,357)    (58,804)               456,161 
  Depreciation and amortization             12,874     103,240      20,005                  136,119 
  Deferred income taxes                        222      24,397      (1,569)                  23,050 
  Recognition of NOL carryforwards                    (283,675)                            (283,675)
  Extraordinary loss on exting-
    uishment of debt                         1,425       5,375       1,556                    8,356 
  (Gains) losses from long
    lived assets                                (8)       (126)                                (134)
  ESOP expenses                                          8,786                                8,786 
  Restructuring items                                     (800)                                (800)
  Changes in operating assets 
    and liabilities, net                    52,575    (124,864)    (15,022)                 (87,311)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Net cash provided by
  operating activities                      74,645      57,500      77,160                  209,305 
 
Investing Activities
  Purchases of property
    equipment, net                         (13,349)   (253,807)    (79,720)                (346,876)
  Proceeds from sale and sale
    leaseback of assets                     23,221       4,630                               27,851 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
  Net cash provided by (used in) 
    investing activities                     9,872    (249,177)    (79,720)                (319,025)
 
Financing Activities
  Intercompany borrowings, 
    contributions and distrib-
    utions                                (226,093)    184,610      41,483 
  Proceeds from long-term
    borrowings                             175,546                                          175,546 
  Payments on long-term debt               (32,720)   (191,414)                            (224,134)
  Net borrowings under credit and
    receivables facility                               132,082      11,392                  143,474 
  Payment of REMIC certificates                                    (30,000)                 (30,000)
  Proceeds from issuance of stock           15,762       7,423                               23,185 
  Purchase of treasury stock               (13,096)                                         (13,096)
  ESOP loan repayment                                    9,778                                9,778 
  Payments to preferred and 
    common shareholders                                 (1,124)                              (1,124)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Net cash provided by (used in) 
      financing activities                 (80,601)    141,355      22,875                   83,629 
Increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents                           3,916     (50,322)     20,315                  (26,091)
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of period                       11,489      45,728      19,738                   76,955 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
  end of period                            $15,405     $(4,594)     $40,053                 $50,864 
                                          =========  ==========   =========  ========= ===========  
</TABLE>

 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income 
 For the year ended February 1, 1997 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
<TABLE>
                                                                   Non-
                                           Saks      Guarantor   Guarantor
                                          Incorp-     Subsid-     Subsid-    Elimin-      Consol-
                                           orated     iaries      iaries      ations        idated
                                          --------   --------     --------   --------     ---------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>            <C>      <C>           <C>
Net sales                                 $737,902  $4,188,960                           $4,926,862 
Cost of sales                              461,117   2,747,872                            3,208,989 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
   Gross margin                            276,785   1,441,088                            1,717,873 

Selling, general and administr-
  ative expenses                           172,219     976,472    $ 38,631  $(130,178)    1,057,144 
Other operating expenses                    57,026     333,599     (35,023)                 355,602 
Store pre-opening costs                                 11,645                               11,645 
Merger, restructuring and
  integration costs                          8,729       8,200                               16,929 
Year 2000 expenses                                       1,406                                1,406 
ESOP expenses                                            3,910                                3,910 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
    Operating income (loss)                 38,811     105,856      (3,608)   130,178       271,237 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income, net                 8,500      12,691     108,987   (130,178)
  Intercompany gain (loss) on
    sale of receivables                     (2,475)    (18,550)     21,025 
  Intercompany servicer fees                             6,749      (6,749)
  Equity in earnings of sub-
    sidiaries                               55,184      58,868               (114,052)
  Interest expense, net                     (6,404)    (63,323)    (45,154)                (114,881)
  Other income (expense), net                7,319     (19,186)         87                  (11,780)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Income before provision for
  income taxes and extra-
  ordinary item                            100,935      83,105      74,588   (114,052)      144,576 
Provision for income taxes                  20,103      20,968       9,927                   50,998 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Income before extraordinary item            80,832      62,137      64,661   (114,052)       93,578 
Extraordinary item, net of taxes                        10,722       2,024                   12,746 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
     Net income                            $80,832     $51,415     $62,637  $(114,052)      $80,832 
                                          =========  ==========   =========  =========    ==========
</TABLE>

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets 
For the year ended February 1, 1997 
 (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
   
                                                                Non-
                                           Saks     Guarantor  Guarantor
                                          Incorp-    Subsid-     Subsid-      Elimin-      Consol-
                                          orated      iaries     iaries        ations       idated
                                         --------     --------  --------     --------      ---------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Assets
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                $11,489     $45,728     $19,738                  $76,955 
  Trade accounts receivable                    167          31     394,830                  395,028 
  Merchandise inventories                  183,285     884,899                            1,068,184 
  Deferred income taxes                      7,814       4,492       3,999                   16,305 
  Intercompany borrowings                   15,518      99,516              $(115,034)
  Other current assets                      18,925      67,778      23,336                  110,639 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Total Current Assets                       237,198   1,102,444     441,903   (115,034)    1,666,511 

Property and Equipment, net                183,477     808,009     526,856                1,518,342 
Goodwill and Intangibles, net                8,131     359,758                              367,889 
Other Assets                                 3,092      41,237      33,205                   77,534 
Investment in and Advances to
  Subsidiaries                           1,228,516     921,569             (2,150,085)
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
      Total Assets                      $1,660,414  $3,233,017  $1,001,964 $(2,265,119)  $3,630,276 
                                          =========  ==========   =========  =========    ==========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
  Trade accounts payable                   $34,418    $286,656                             $321,074 
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities                     22,915     300,274     $49,690                  372,879 
  Intercompany borrowings                                          115,034  $(115,034)
  Current portion of long-term
    debt                                     4,686      16,120                               20,806 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
Total Current Liabilities                   62,019     603,050     164,724   (115,034)      714,759 

Senior Debt                                157,077     277,046     429,352                  863,475 
Deferred Income Taxes                       10,090      10,931                               21,021 
Other Long-Term Liabilities                 18,777     110,616       1,927                  131,320 
Subordinated Debt                           14,517     487,250                              501,767 
Investment by and Advances
  from Parent                                        1,744,124     405,961 (2,150,085)
Shareholders' Equity                     1,397,934                                        1,397,934 
                                          ---------  ----------   ---------  ---------   -----------
     Total Liabilities and 
       Shareholders' Equity             $1,660,414  $3,233,017  $1,001,964  $(2,265,119) $3,630,276 
                                        =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>

 Condensed Consolidating Statements Cash Flow 
 For the year ended February 1, 1997 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

<TABLE>
                                                                    Non-
                                            Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                           Incorp-    Subsid-      Subsid-    Elimin-       Consol-
                                           orated      iaries      iaries      ations        idated
                                          --------     --------   --------   --------     ---------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>             <C>
Operating Activities
Net income                                 $80,832     $51,415     $62,637  $(114,052)      $80,832 
Adjustments to reconcile net
  income to net cash provided
  by operating activities: 
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                           (55,184)    (58,868)               114,052 
  Depreciation and amortization             14,123      89,545      19,865                  123,533 
  Deferred income taxes                      8,901      22,679          48                   31,628 
  Extraordinary loss on
    extinguishment of debt                              10,722       2,024                   12,746 
  Loss on County Seat Debentures                        10,525                               10,525 
  Losses from long lived assets                          1,406                                1,406 
  ESOP expenses                                          1,481                                1,481 
  Restructuring items                                      885                                  885 
  Changes in operating assets
    and liabilities, net                   (34,394)    (61,574)    (26,373)                (122,341)
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------     ---------
      Net cash provided by 
      operating activities                  14,278      68,216      58,201                  140,695 

Investing Activities
  Purchases of property and
    equipment, net                          (8,544)   (226,102)    (13,168)                (247,814)
  Proceeds from sale and sale 
    leaseback of assets                      5,410      30,872                               36,282 
  Acquisition of Parisian                             (119,070)                            (119,070)
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------     ---------
Net cash used in investing
  activities                                (3,134)   (314,300)    (13,168)                (330,602) 

Financing Activities                               
  Intercompany borrowings, contri-
    butions and distributions             (121,314)    125,880)     (4,566)
  Proceeds from long-term
    borrowings                             113,037     267,800                              380,837 
  Payments on long-term debt               (19,727)   (370,370)                            (390,097)
  Net borrowings under credit and
    receivables facility                              (201,820)    (35,637)                (237,457)
  Payment of REMIC certificates                                     (4,159)                  (4,159)
  Proceeds from issuance of stock           35,438     422,094                              457,532 
  Purchase of treasury stock               (14,383)                                         (14,383)
  ESOP loan repayment                                     (742)                                (742)
  Payments to preferred and 
    common shareholders                                 (4,858)                              (4,858)
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------     ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) 
financing activities                        (6,949)    237,984)    (44,362)                 186,673 

Increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents                           4,195      (8,100)        671                   (3,234)
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of period                        7,294      53,828      19,067                   80,189 
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------     ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
  of period                                $11,489     $45,728     $19,738                  $76,955 
                                          =========    ========    ========   ========     =========
</TABLE>

 Reports
 
 Report of Management 
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements,
including the notes thereto, and the other financial information
presented in the Annual Report have been prepared by
management. The financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
include amounts that are based upon our best estimates and
judgments. Management is responsible for the consolidated
financial statements, as well as the other financial
information in this Annual Report.

     The Company maintains an effective system of internal
accounting control. We believe that this system provides reasonable
assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with
management authorization and that they are appropriately recorded
in order to permit preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to
adequately safeguard, verify, and maintain accountability of
assets. Reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that the
cost of a system of internal control should not exceed the benefits
derived.

     The consolidated financial statements and related
notes have been audited by independent certified public
accountants. Management has made available to them all of the
Company's financial records and related data and believes all
representations made to them during their audits were valid and
appropriate. Their report provides an independent opinion upon the
fairness of the financial statements.

     The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of
four independent Directors. The Committee is responsible for
recommending the independent certified public accounting firm to be
retained for the coming year, subject to shareholder approval. The
Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent auditors,
as well as with management, to review accounting, auditing,
internal accounting control, and financial reporting matters. The
independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit
Committee.



R. Brad Martin                     Douglas E. Coltharp
Chairman of the Board and          Executive Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer            Chief Financial Officer


Report of Independent Accountants 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders 
Saks Incorporated
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets of Saks Incorporated and Subsidiaries (formerly Proffitt's,
Inc.) as of January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
January 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Saks Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of
January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended January 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. 


                              PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
 
Birmingham, Alabama
March 19, 1998, except for Notes 1, 3,
9, 11 and 13 as to which the date is
September 17, 1998 and Note 4 as to which
the date is November 4, 1998



                SAKS INCORPORATED and SUBSIDIARIES
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (Dollars in thousands)

                                      August 1,                 August 2,
                                        1998      January 31,     1997
                                     (Unaudited)    1998       (Unaudited)
                                      --------    ---------     ---------
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents            $31,411      $50,864        $43,378 
  Trade accounts receivable            137,418      412,209        367,529 
  Merchandise inventories            1,369,498    1,244,682      1,189,870 
  Other current assets                  82,627      111,621        108,860
  Deferred income taxes                 66,883       71,814         20,359 
                                     ---------    ---------      ---------
    Total current assets             1,687,837    1,891,190      1,729,996 

Property and equipment, net          1,822,735    1,725,979      1,598,893
Goodwill and intangibles,
  net                                  333,462      327,307        362,908 
Deferred income taxes                  242,930      257,848 
Other assets                            70,175       67,929         77,638 
                                     ----------   ----------    -----------
TOTAL ASSETS                        $4,157,139   $4,270,253     $3,769,435
                                     ==========   ==========     ==========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Trade accounts payable              $376,671     $333,794       $414,877
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities                367,982      454,034        299,536
  Current portion of long-
    term debt                           13,642       13,058         15,626
                                     ----------   ----------    -----------
 Total current liabilities             758,295      800,886        730,039

Senior debt                            980,840    1,093,806        966,112
Deferred income taxes                                               29,501 
Other long-term liabilities            142,165      144,068        141,740
Subordinated debt                      276,000      286,964        473,511 
Shareholders' equity                 1,999,839    1,944,529      1,428,532 
                                     ----------   ----------    -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY              $4,157,139   $4,270,253     $3,769,435
                                     ==========   ==========     ==========

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

<TABLE>
                           SAKS INCORPORATED and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                                        STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
                                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                  Three Months Ended            Six Months Ended
                                                   ------------------         -------------------
                                                8/1/98        8/2/97        8/1/98        8/2/97
                                               ---------    ----------    ---------      ----------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Net sales                                     $1,283,744    $1,188,351    $2,696,346     $2,490,469 
Cost of sales                                    838,850       785,794     1,761,420      1,636,809 
                                              ----------    ----------    ----------     ----------
  Gross margin                                   444,894       402,557       934,926        853,660 

Selling, general, and administr-
  ative expenses                                 291,636       263,507       588,245        542,471 
Other operating expenses:
  Property and equipment rentals                  41,829        34,615        83,917         70,048 
  Depreciation & other amortization               35,821        32,253        71,570         65,353 
  Taxes other than income taxes                   36,122        33,337        73,469         68,450 
Store pre-opening costs                              626         2,692         2,998          5,235 
Merger, restructuring and integr-
  ation costs                                      3,995         1,634         5,951          3,102 
Loss on long-lived assets                          1,858             3         1,855             30 
Year 2000 Expense                                  2,602         3,745         4,127          4,362 
ESOP Expenses                                                      806                        1,532 
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
  Operating Income                                30,405        29,965       102,794         93,077 
Other income (expense):
  Interest expense                               (24,498)      (28,972)      (49,292)       (57,497)
  Other income (expense), net                        626           253           754            389 
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
  Income before provision for income
    taxes and extraordinary items                  6,533         1,246        54,256         35,969 
Provision for income taxes                         3,551         5,980        23,150         15,505 
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
  Income (loss) before extra-
    ordinary item                                  2,982        (4,734)       31,106         20,464 
Extraordinary loss on extinguishment
  of debt, net of taxes                              334         1,120           334          4,472 
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
Net income (loss)                                 $2,648       $(5,854)      $30,772        $15,992 
                                               ==========    ==========    ==========    ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
  Net income (loss) before extra-
    ordinary item                                  $0.02        $(0.03)        $0.22          $0.15 
  Extraordinary item                                 -           (0.01)          -            (0.03)
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
  Net income (loss)                                $0.02        $(0.04)        $0.22          $0.12 
                                               ==========    ==========    ==========    ===========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
  Net income before extraordinary item             $0.02        $(0.03)        $0.21          $0.15 
  Extraordinary item                                 -           (0.01)          -            (0.03)
                                               ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
  Net income                                       $0.02        $(0.04)        $0.21          $0.12 
                                               ==========    ==========    ==========    ===========
Weighted average common shares:
  Basic                                          142,869       135,847       142,302        135,550 
  Diluted                                        146,969       135,847       146,463        138,795 

</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                SAKS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
                      CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
                      (Dollars in thousands)

                                                       Six Months Ended
                                                    ----------------------
                                                    August 1,     August 2,
                                                      1998          1997
                                                    --------      --------
Operating Activities:
  Net income                                         $30,772       $15,992 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                     71,570        65,353 
    Losses from long-lived assets                      1,855            30 
    Extraordinary loss on extinguisment
       of debt                                                       3,352 
    ESOP expenses                                                      694 
    Deferred income taxes                             16,694         3,604 
    Other                                                            4,104 
    Change in operating assets and
       liabilities, net                              138,824       (35,479)
                                                   ----------     ---------
  Net Cash Provided By Operating
    Activities                                       259,715        57,650 

Investing Activities:
  Purchases of property and
    equipment, net                                 (159,731)      (164,778)
  Proceeds from sale of assets                         2,500        24,747 
  Acquisition of other assets                        (17,676)          -   
  Other, net                                                        (1,442)
                                                   ----------     ---------
  Net Cash Used In Investing Activities             (174,907)     (141,473)

Financing Activities:
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings                               129,160 
  Payments on long-term debt and capital
    lease obligations                               (112,932)     (140,575)
  Net repayments under credit and
    receivables facilities                            (9,550)       56,308 
  Purchase of treasury stock                                        (7,445)
  Proceeds from issuance of stock                     18,221        13,922 
  Payments to preferred and common
    shareholders                                                    (1,124)
                                                   ----------     ---------
  Net Cash (Used In) Provided By
    Financing Activities                            (104,261)       50,246 

Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents                (19,453)      (33,577)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of period                                           50,864        76,955 
                                                   ----------     ---------
Cash at cash equivalents at end of
  period                                             $31,411       $43,378 
                                                   ==========     =========

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 1   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Effective September 17, 1998, Saks Holdings, Inc. ("SFA") merged with
and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Proffitt's, Inc. SFA is the
holding company of Saks & Company which does business as Saks Fifth
Avenue, Off 5th, Folio, and Bullock & Jones.  The merger has been
accounted for as a pooling of interests, and accordingly, these
consolidated financial statements have been restated
for the prior periods to include the results of operations,
financial position, and cash flows of SFA.  In connection with the merger,
Proffitt's, Inc. changed the corporate name of Proffitt's, Inc.
to Saks Incorporated (the "Company"). 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q
and Article 10 of the Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do
not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating
results for the three and six month periods ended August
1, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the year ending January 30, 1999.
The financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries, including its special purpose receivables
financing subsidiaries.  For further information, refer to
the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto for
the year ended January 31, 1998 included in this Form 8-K.

The accompanying balance sheet at January 31, 1998 has
been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

NOTE 2   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Effective January 31, 1998, immediately before the Company's
prior fiscal year end, the Company combined its business with
Carson Pirie Scott & Co. ("Carson's"), a retail department
store chain currently operating 55 stores in the Midwest.
The merger has been accounted for as a pooling of interests,
and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements have been
restated for the prior year to include the results of operations,
financial position, and cash flows of Carson's. 

On March 6, 1998, the Company acquired Brody Brothers Dry
Goods Company, Inc. ("Brody's"), which operated six department
stores in North Carolina.  Consideration was paid in cash and
was immaterial to the Company.  Four of the Brody's locations
were converted into Proffitt's stores, and two stores were
permanently closed. The operations of these stores are reflected
in the financial statements subsequent to the date of acquisition.

On August 2, 1998, the Company purchased the assets of Bullock &
Jones, which operates a catalog operation and one store in San
Francisco.  In fiscal 1997, combined sales for Bullock
& Jones were approximately $30 million, with approximately
two-thirds of the Company's sales derived from catalog sales. 

For the three and six months ended August 1, 1998 and August 2,
1997, the Company incurred certain merger, restructuring, and
integration costs related to its business combinations
with Younkers (completed February 3, 1996), Parisian (completed
October 11, 1996), Herberger's (completed February 1, 1997),
Carson's, and Brody's.  These pre-tax charges totaled $4.0
million and $1.6 million for the three months ended August 1,
1998 and August 2, 1997, respectively, and $6.0 million and
$3.1 million for the six months ended August 1, 1998 and August
2, 1997, respectively. 

A reconciliation of the aforementioned charges to the amounts
of merger, restructuring, and integration costs remaining unpaid
at August 1, 1998 is as follows (in thousands):

     Amounts unpaid at January 31, 1998                            $ 25,094
     Adjustments to amounts unpaid at January 31, 1998                    0
     Amounts related to continuing integration efforts for the
        six months ended August 1, 1998                               5,951
     Amounts paid during the six months ended August 1, 1998        (18,275)
                                                                   --------- 
     Amounts unpaid at August 1, 1998                              $ 12,770

NOTE 3 -- PENDING TRANSACTION

On October 2, 1998, the Company acquired 14 store locations, along
with certain inventory and accounts receivable from Dillard's Inc.
The Company will acquire one more store from Dillard's on December
1, 1998.  The transactions have a value in excess of $400 million and are
being funded through the Company's revolving credit agreement.  In
November 1998, amounts outstanding under the revolving credit agreement
were reduced through the issuance of $500 million of ten year 8.25% notes.

NOTE 4 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Calculations of earnings per common share (EPS) for the three and
six months ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997 are as
follows:  (net income and shares in thousands)

<TABLE>
                          For the Quarter Ended                       For the Quarter Ended
                            August 1, 1998                               August 2, 1997        
                      ----------------------------                ------------------------------
                                      Weighted                               Weighted
                                      Average     Per Share                  Average    Per Share
                        Income (a)    Shares        Amount    Income (a)     Shares       Amount
                        ---------    --------      --------    ---------     -------      -------- 
<S>                      <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Basic EPS                 $2,982      142,869       $0.02       $(4,734)     135,847      $(0.03)

Effect of 
  dilutive 
  stock options
  (based on the 
  treasury stock
  method using the 
  average price)                       4,100
                        --------    ---------       -------    --------      -------     --------
Diluted EPS              $2,982      146,969         $0.02      $(4,734)     135,847      $(0.03)
                        ========     ========       =======    ========      =======      ========

                        For the Six Months  Ended                   For the Six Months Ended
                              August 1, 1998                            August 2, 1997        
                      ----------------------------               ------------------------------
                                    Weighted                                 Weighted
                                     Average      Per Share                   Average   Per Share
                       Income (a)    Shares         Amount    Income (a)      Shares      Amount
                        --------     --------       -------    ---------     -------     --------- 
Basic EPS                $31,106     142,302         $0.22      $20,464      135,550      $0.15
                                           
Effect of 
dilutive stock 
options (based 
on the treasury 
stock method 
using the average 
price)                                 4,161                                     3,245
                         --------  ---------        -------     -------         -------  --------
Diluted EPS              $31,106     146,463          $0.21     $20,464        138,795    $0.15
                         ========   ========        =======    ========        =======   ========

</TABLE>

(a) Income (loss) before extraordinary items.

NOTE 5   CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in several legal proceedings arising from
its normal course of business activities, and reserves have been
established where appropriate.  Management believes that none of
these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations,
or liquidity.

NOTE 6   RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." 
SFAS No. 133 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of
fiscal 2000, and the Company is in the process of ascertaining the
impact that this new standard will have on its financial
statements.

NOTE 7   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables present condensed consolidating financial
information for:  1)  Saks Incorporated; 2) on a combined basis,
the guarantors of Saks Incorporated's Senior Notes (which are all
of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Saks Incorporated, except for
Proffitt's Credit Corporation ("PCC"), Younkers Credit Corporation
("YCC"), the National Bank of the Great Lakes ("NBGL"), SFA real
estate financing subsidiary trusts (REMIC Trusts), and Saks Finance
Company ("SFC"); and 3) on a combined basis, PCC, YCC, REMIC
Trusts, SFC and NBGL, the only non-guarantor subsidiaries of the
Senior Notes.  Separate financial statements of the guarantor
subsidiaries are not presented because the guarantors are jointly,
severally, and unconditionally liable under the guarantees, and the
Company believes the condensed consolidating financial statements
are more meaningful in understanding the financial position of the
guarantor subsidiaries.  Saks Incorporated is comprised of
substantially all of the Proffitt's and Younkers store operating
divisions and certain corporate management and financing functions. 
Borrowings and the related interest expense under Saks
Incorporated's revolving credit facility are allocated to Saks
Incorporated and the guaranty subsidiaries under arrangements among
Saks Incorporated and the subsidiaries.

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                         FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1, 1998
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)

                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-        Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations         idated
                                   ---------   --------      ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>         <C>
Net Sales                           $163,524   $1,120,220                                $1,283,744
Costs and Expenses
  Cost of sales                      104,023      734,827                                   838,850 
  Selling, general and
   administrative expenses            34,217      273,057      $20,736       ($36,374)      291,636 
  Other operating expenses            13,970      109,202       (9,400)                     113,772 
  Store pre-opening costs                162          464                                       626 
  Merger, restructuring
    and integration costs              2,528        1,467                                     3,995 
  Loss from long-lived
    assets                               359        1,499                                     1,858 
  Year 2000 expenses                     553        2,049                                     2,602 
                                      -------     --------     --------       --------      --------
Operating income (loss)                7,712       (2,345)     (11,336)        36,374        30,405 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income, net                                    36,374        (36,374)
  Intercompany gain (loss)
    on sale of receivables            (1,197)      (4,589)       5,786 
  Intercompany servicer fees                        6,701       (6,701)
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                        (723)       6,281                      (5,558)
  Interest expense                    (1,744)     (15,464)      (7,290)                     (24,498)
  Other income (expense),
    net                                 (102)         728                                       626 
                                      -------     --------     --------       --------      --------
Income (loss) before provision
  for income taxes and
  extraordinary item                   3,946       (8,688)      16,833         (5,558)        6,533 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes   1,298       (3,858)       6,111                        3,551 
                                      -------     --------     --------       --------      --------
Income (loss) before extra-
  ordinary item                        2,648       (4,830)      10,722         (5,558)        2,982 

Extraordinary item, net
  of taxes                                            334                                       334 
                                      -------     --------     --------       --------      --------
Net income (loss)                     $2,648      ($5,164)     $10,722        ($5,558)       $2,648 
                                      =======     ========     ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1, 1998
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)

                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
                                   ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>
Net Sales                           $337,832   $2,358,514                                $2,696,346 
Costs and Expenses
  Cost of sales                      218,829    1,542,591                                 1,761,420 
  Selling, general and
    administrative expenses           70,571      549,102      $44,049       ($75,477)      588,245 
  Other operating expenses            27,808      219,163      (18,015)                     228,956 
  Store pre-opening costs                624        2,374                                     2,998 
  Merger, restructuring and
    integration costs                  3,947        2,004                                     5,951 
  Loss from long-lived
    assets                               356        1,499                                     1,855 
  Year 2000 expenses                     884        3,243                                     4,127 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Operating income (loss)               14,813       38,538      (26,034)        75,477       102,794 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income,
    net                                                         75,477        (75,477)
  Intercompany gain (loss)
    on sale of receivables            (2,731)     (12,579)      15,310 
  Intercompany servicer fees                       12,940      (12,940)
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                      24,446       13,113                    ($37,559)
  Interest expense                    (2,967)     (29,902)     (16,423)                     (49,292)
  Other income (expense),
    net                                    4          750                                       754 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Income before provision for
  income taxes and extra-
  ordinary item                       33,565       22,860       35,390        (37,559)       54,256 

Provision for income taxes             2,793        7,558       12,799                       23,150 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Income before extra-
  ordinary item                       30,772       15,302       22,591        (37,559)       31,106 
Extraordinary item,
  net of taxes                                        334                                       334 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net income                           $30,772      $14,968      $22,591       ($37,559)      $30,772 
                                     ========     ========     ========      =========      ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS AT AUGUST 1, 1998
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)

                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
ASSETS                             ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                               <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equiv-
    alents                           $14,318     ($30,757)     $47,850                      $31,411 
  Trade accounts receiv-
    able                               1,588          252      135,578                      137,418 
  Merchandise inventories            202,944    1,166,554                                 1,369,498 
  Deferred income taxes                6,901       56,571        3,411                       66,883 
  Intercompany borrowings             20,465                                 ($20,465)
  Other current assets                13,237       61,991        7,399                       82,627 
                                      -------     --------     --------       --------      --------
Total Current Assets                 259,453    1,254,611      194,238        (20,465)    1,687,837 

Property and Equipment,
  net                                195,960    1,049,673      577,102                    1,822,735 
Goodwill and Intangibles,
  net                                 19,389      314,073                                   333,462 
Other Assets                           4,127       41,552       24,496                       70,175 
Deferred Income Taxes                (16,291)     259,221                                   242,930 
Investment in and Advances
  to Subsidiaries                  1,888,154    1,344,924                  (3,233,078)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Assets                      $2,350,792   $4,264,054     $795,836    ($3,253,543)   $4,157,139 
                                   ==========   ==========    =========     ==========    ==========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Trade accounts payable             $54,795     $321,876                                  $376,671 
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities               40,736      300,161      $27,085                      367,982 
  Intercompany borrowings                                       20,465       ($20,465)
  Current portion of long-
    term debt                            452       13,190                                    13,642 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Current Liabilities             95,983      635,227       47,550        (20,465)      758,295 

Senior Debt                          242,455      437,544      300,841                      980,840 
Other Long-Term Liabil-
  ities                               12,515      127,871        1,779                      142,165 
Subordinated Debt                                 276,000                                   276,000 
Investment by and Advances
  from Parent                                   2,787,412      445,666     (3,233,078)
Shareholders' Equity               1,999,839                                              1,999,839 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Liabilities and
  Shareholders' Equity            $2,350,792   $4,264,054     $795,836    ($3,253,543)   $4,157,139 
                                   ==========   ==========    =========     ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1, 1998
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)


                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
                                   ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                           $30,772      $14,968      $22,591       ($37,559)      $30,772 
Adjustments to reconcile
  net income to net cash
  provided by (used) in
  operating activities:
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                     (24,446)     (13,113)                      37,559
  Depreciation and amort-
    ization                            6,898       57,052        9,519                       73,469 
  Deferred income taxes                7,504        8,299          891                       16,694 
  (Gains) losses from long
    lived assets                         356        1,499                                     1,855 
  Changes in operating assets
    and liabilities, net             (22,190)    (117,052)     276,167                      136,925 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash provided by (used
  in) operating activities            (1,106)     (48,347)     309,168              --      259,715 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of property
    and equipment, net               (18,226)    (134,949)      (6,556)                    (159,731)
  Proceeds from sale of
    assets                             2,500                                                  2,500 
  Acquisition of other
    assets                           (17,676)                                               (17,676)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash used in invest-
  ing activities                     (33,402)    (134,949)      (6,556)             --     (174,907)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Inter-company borrowings,
    contributions and
    distributions                    114,090       55,725     (169,815)
  Payments on long-term
    debt                             (98,027)     (14,905)                                 (112,932)
  Net repayments under
    credit and receiv-
    ables facilities                              115,450     (125,000)                      (9,550)
  Proceeds from issuance
    of stock                          17,358          863                                    18,221 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash provided by (used
  in) financing activities            33,421      157,133     (294,815)             --     (104,261)

Increase (decrease) in cash
  and cash equivalents                (1,087)     (26,163)       7,797                      (19,453)
Cash and cash equivalents
  at beginning of period              15,405       (4,594)      40,053                       50,864 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Cash and cash equivalents
  at end of period                   $14,318     ($30,757)     $47,850              --      $31,411 
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ===========    ==========

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                         FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)


                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
                                   ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>
Net Sales                           $154,553   $1,033,798                                $1,188,351 
Costs and Expenses
  Cost of sales                       99,691      686,103                                   785,794 
  Selling, general and
    administrative expenses           38,067      245,285      $18,401       ($38,246)      263,507 
  Other operating expenses            12,206       96,426       (8,427)                     100,205 
  Store pre-opening costs                 57        2,635                                     2,692 
  Merger, restructuring and
    integration costs                               1,634                                     1,634 
  (Gains) losses from long-
    lived assets                          (3)           6                                         3 
  Year 2000 expenses                                3,745                                     3,745 
  ESOP expenses                                       806                                       806 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    -----------
Operating income (loss)                4,535       (2,842)      (9,974)        38,246        29,965 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income,
    net                                                         38,246       ($38,246)
  Intercompany gain (loss)
    on sale of receivables              (158)      (4,716)       5,763           (889)
  Intercompany servicer fees                        3,456       (3,456)
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                      (7,644)       7,590                          54 
  Interest expense                    (3,302)     (15,127)     (10,543)                     (28,972)
  Other income (expense),
    net                                  (95)         225          123                          253 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------     ----------
Income (loss) before pro-
  vision for income taxes
  and extraordinary item              (6,664)     (11,414)      20,159           (835)        1,246 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes    (810)      (1,792)       8,798           (216)        5,980 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------      ----------
Income (loss) before extra-
  ordinary item                       (5,854)      (9,622)      11,361           (619)       (4,734)

Extraordinary item, net of taxes                    1,120                                     1,120
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------     ----------    ----------
Net income (loss)                    ($5,854)     (10,742)     $11,361          ($619)      ($5,854)
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========     ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)

                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
                                   ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>
Net Sales                           $309,957   $2,180,512                                $2,490,469 
Costs and Expenses
  Cost of sales                      200,863    1,435,946                                 1,636,809 
  Selling, general and
    administrative expenses           76,890      510,737      $31,591       ($76,747)      542,471 
  Other operating expenses            24,640      196,743      (17,532)                     203,851 
  Store pre-opening costs                 57        5,178                                     5,235 
  Merger, restructuring
    and integration costs                 98        3,004                                     3,102 
  (Gains) losses from long-
    lived assets                          (5)          35                                        30 
  Year 2000 expenses                                4,362                                     4,362 
  ESOP expenses                                     1,532                                     1,532 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Operating income (loss)                7,414       22,975      (14,059)        76,747        93,077 

Other Income (Expense)
  Finance charge income,
    net                                                         76,747        (76,747)
  Intercompany gain (loss)
    on sale of receivables            (1,043)      (9,001)      11,168         (1,124)
  Intercompany servicer fees                        6,206       (6,206)
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                      15,089       17,425                     (32,514)
  Interest expense, net               (6,099)     (30,152)     (21,246)                     (57,497)
  Other income (expense),
    net                                 (136)         402          123                          389 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------     ----------
Income before provision
  for income taxes and
  extraordinary item                  15,225        7,855       46,527        (33,638)       35,969 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes    (767)      (1,711)      18,434           (451)       15,505 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Income before extra-
  ordinary item                       15,992        9,566       28,093        (33,187)       20,464 

Extraordinary item                                  1,836        2,636                        4,472 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net income                           $15,992       $7,730      $25,457       ($33,187)      $15,992 
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)

                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
                                   ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                           $15,992       $7,730      $25,457       ($33,187)      $15,992 
Adjustments to reconcile
  net income to net cash
  provided by (used) in
  operating activities:
  Equity in earnings of
    subsidiaries                     (15,089)     (17,425)                     32,514 
  Depreciation and amort-
    ization                            6,764       51,061        7,528                       65,353 
  Deferred income taxes                  857        2,476          271                        3,604 
  Extraordinary loss on
    extinguishment of debt                                       3,352                        3,352 
  Amortization of deferred
    comp                                              694                                       694 
  (Gains) losses from long
    lived assets                          (5)          35                                        30 
  Other                                  500        3,604                                     4,104 
  Changes in operating assets
    and liabilities, net             (14,396)     (58,923)      37,167            673       (35,479)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash provided by
  (used in) operating
  activities                          (5,377)     (10,748)      73,775              --       57,650 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of property
    and equipment, net                (5,390)    (113,559)     (45,829)                    (164,778)
  Proceeds from sale of
    assets                            21,347        3,400                                    24,747 
  Other, net                                       (1,442)                                   (1,442)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash provided by
  (used in) investing
  activities                          15,957     (111,601)     (45,829)             --     (141,473)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Inter-company borrowings,
    contributions and
    distributions                   (106,730)      89,029       17,701 
  Proceeds from long-term
    borrowings                       129,160                                                129,160 
  Payments on long-term
    debt                             (31,520)     (79,055)     (30,000)                    (140,575)
  Net repayments under
    credit and receivables
    facilities                                     75,550      (19,242)                      56,308 
  Proceeds from issuance
    of stock                          12,749                                                 12,749 
  Purchase of treasury
    stock                             (7,445)                                                (7,445)
  Other                                             1,173                                     1,173 
  Payments to preferred and
    common shareholders                            (1,124)                                   (1,124)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Net cash provided by
  (used in) financing
  activities                          (3,786)      85,573      (31,541)             --       50,246 

Increase (decrease) in cash
  and cash equivalents                 6,794      (36,776)      (3,595)                     (33,577)

Cash and cash equivalents
  at beginning of period              11,489       45,728       19,738                       76,955 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Cash and cash equivalents
  at end of period                   $18,283       $8,952      $16,143              --      $43,378 
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     SAKS INCORPORATED
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS AT JANUARY 31, 1998
                                  (Dollars In Thousands)
                                                              Non-
                                     Saks     Guarantor    Guarantor
                                    Incorp-    Subsid-       Subsid-        Elimin-     Consol-
                                    orated      iaries       iaries          ations       idated
ASSETS                             ---------   --------    ---------       ---------    ---------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equiv-
    alents                           $15,405      ($4,594)     $40,053                      $50,864 
  Trade accounts receivable              113          273      411,823                      412,209 
  Merchandise inventories            171,212    1,073,470                                 1,244,682 
  Deferred income taxes                6,797       58,570        6,447                       71,814 
  Intercompany borrowings             30,715       90,293                   ($121,008)
  Other current assets                 6,777       98,292        6,552                      111,621 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Current Assets                 231,019    1,316,304      464,875       (121,008)    1,891,190 

Property and Equipment,
  net                                186,266      953,642      586,071                    1,725,979 
Goodwill and Intangibles,
  net                                  7,340      319,967                                   327,307 
Other Assets                           2,297       39,731       25,901                       67,929 
Deferred Income Taxes                 (8,683)     266,531                                   257,848 
Investment in and Advances
  to Subsidiaries                  1,959,326    1,352,541                  (3,311,867)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
      Total Assets                $2,377,565   $4,248,716   $1,076,847    ($3,432,875)   $4,270,253 
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ===========    ==========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Trade accounts payable             $39,713     $294,081                                  $333,794 
  Accrued expenses and
    other current liabil-
    ities                             45,563      380,800      $27,671                      454,034 
  Intercompany borrowings                                      121,008      ($121,008)
  Current portion of long-
    term debt                            452       12,606                                    13,058 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Current Liabilities             85,728      687,487      148,679       (121,008)      800,886 

Senior Debt                          336,545      331,420      425,841                    1,093,806 
Other Long-Term Liabilities           10,763      131,476        1,829                      144,068 
Subordinated Debt                                 286,964                                   286,964 
Investment by and Advances
  from Parent                                   2,811,369      500,498     (3,311,867)
Shareholders' Equity               1,944,529                                              1,944,529 
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    -----------    ----------
Total Liabilities and
  Shareholders' Equity            $2,377,565   $4,248,716   $1,076,847    ($3,432,875)   $4,270,253 
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE>


        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Prior year balance sheet information below has been restated to
reflect the September 17, 1998 and January 31, 1998 mergers with SFA
and Carson's respectively, which were accounted for as poolings-of-
interests.

Accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, and senior debt
balances fluctuate throughout the year due to the seasonal nature
of the retail industry.

The August 1, 1998 trade accounts receivable balance decreased from
the January 31, 1998 and August 2, 1997 balances due to selling a
higher percentage of the Company's receivables through its
securitization programs (primarily related to Carson's receivables
which were not previously securitized).  The proceeds of these
additional sales of receivables were used to reduce senior debt
balances.

August 1, 1998 merchandise inventory and property and equipment
balances increased over January 31, 1998 and August 2, 1997
balances primarily due to new store locations during 1997 and 1998,
the acquisition of Brody's in March 1998, combined with the
intensification of inventories at certain stores, particularly at
the Parisian and Herberger's divisions.

August 1, 1998 subordinated debt decreased from the balance at
August 2, 1997 due to the conversion of approximately $86 million
of convertible subordinated debentures into Common Stock and the
retirement of approximately $128 million of additional debentures. 


August 1, 1998 equity increased over the balance at August 2, 1997
primarily due to net earnings combined with the aforementioned
conversion of convertible subordinated debentures into common stock
and an increase in outstanding shares of common stock.

In connection with the SFA merger, the Company initiated a series
of refinancing activities designed to reduce the weighted average
cost of debt, provide appropriate debt maturities, increase the
overall liquidity and ensure a proper capital structure.  The
refinancing activities included: (1) on September 9, 1998 the
Company completed a tender offer for its $125 million 8.125% senior
unsecured notes utilizing proceeds from the revolving credit
agreements; (2) during September 1998 SFA repurchased $ 65 million
of outstanding REMIC mortgage certificates using proceeds from the
SFA revolving credit agreement; (3) on September 17, 1998 the
Company replaced the existing revolving credit facility with  $1.5
billion in new revolving credit facilities (the New Facilities)
which are unsecured, are scheduled to expire in September 2003, and
will bear interest at LIBOR based variable rates; and, (4) on
September 17, 1998 advances from the New Facilities were used to
repay all outstanding indebtedness under the SFA credit facility
and the SFA credit facility was terminated.  On September 17, 1998,
the Company also terminated an operating lease arrangement which
resulted in the purchase of properties valued at approximately $30
million.  The Company utilized proceeds from its New Facilities to
fund the termination.

The SFA convertible subordinated debentures contain certain
restrictive covenants including the extension of a put option in
the event of a change in control of SFA.  The Company believes that
the merger with SFA may constitute a change in control as defined
in the debenture and therefore the holders of the convertible
subordinated debentures would have a put option back to the
Company.  The Company's interpretation of the debenture is that any
convertible notes which are put to the Company may be redeemed at
the Company's option in the form of cash or common stock of the
Company.  If the holders exercise the put option, the Company may
use the proceeds from the New Facilities to fund the redemption and
then may subsequently seek replacement long-term financing.


        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

Prior year income statement information below has been restated to
reflect the September 17, 1998 and January 31, 1998 mergers with
SFA and Carson's respectively, which were accounted for as a
poolings-of-interests.

The following table shows for the periods indicated, certain items
from the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income expressed
as percentages of net sales (numbers may not total due to rounding).

                               Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
                                 -----------------  ----------------
                                8/1/98   8/2/97      8/1/98    8/2/97
                                ------   ------      ------   -------
Net Sales                        100.0%  100.0%      100.0%    100.0%
Cost of Sales                     65.3    66.1        65.3      65.7
                                 -----   -----       -----     -----
   Gross Margin                   34.7    33.9        34.7      34.3
Selling, general &
 administrative expenses          22.7    22.2        21.8      21.8
Other operating expenses           8.9     8.4         8.5       8.1
Store pre-opening costs            0.0     0.2         0.1       0.2
Merger, restructuring costs        0.3     0.1         0.2       0.1
Loss on long-lived assets          0.1     0.0         0.1       0.0
Year 2000 expenses                 0.2     0.3         0.2       0.2
ESOP expenses                      0.0     0.1         0.0       0.1
                                  ----    ----        ----      ----
   Operating Income                2.4     2.5         3.8       3.7
Other income (expense):                                           
   Interest Expense               (1.9)   (2.4)       (1.8)     (2.3)
   Other income, net               0.0     0.0         0.0       0.0
                                  ----    ----        ----       ----
Income before provision
 for income taxes                  0.5     0.1         2.0       1.4
   Provision for income
     taxes                         0.3     0.5         0.9       0.6
                                  ----    ----        ----      ----
Net income (loss) before
  extraordinary loss               0.2    (0.4)        1.1       0.8
   Extraordinary loss, net
     of tax                        0.0     0.1         0.0       0.2
                                ------    -----      ------     ------
NET  INCOME (LOSS)                 0.2%   (0.5%)       1.1%      0.6%

For the second quarter ended August 1, 1998, total Company sales
were $1.28 billion, an 8% increase over $1.19 billion in the prior
year.  For the six months ended August 1, 1998, total Company sales
were $2.70 billion, an 8% increase over $2.49 billion in the prior
year.  The sales increases for the second quarter and six months
were primarily attributable to a comparable store sales growth of
4% for both periods, and additional sales from new stores opened in
1997 and 1998.

For the second quarter ended August 1, 1998, gross margin
percentage increased 80 basis points over the prior year.  This
increase was achieved through improved execution of merchandising
strategies, the realization of benefits related to increased
purchasing scale, shifts in the merchandise mix of select stores,
combined with the comparison against a lower than normal margin
rate in the prior year quarter due to excess prior year markdowns
associated with conforming changes to inventory policies related to
the Company's merger activities.  For the six months ended August
1, 1998, gross margin percentage increased 40 basis points over
the prior year.  The increase was primarily due to the aforementioned
merchandising strategies and purchasing scale improvements.

Selling, general, and administrative (SG & A) expenses increased as
a percentage of net sales for the second quarter ended August 1,
1998 by 50 basis points.  The increase was primarily due to
increased advertising and payroll costs, and expenses associated
with exiting a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Houston,  Texas offset by
increased leverage from sales growth, cost reduction efforts and
efficiencies.  For the six months ended August 1, 1998, S G & A
expense was consistent with the prior year as the benefits of sales
leverage, cost reductions and efficiency improvements were offset
by the increased payroll and store exit costs. 

Other operating expenses, which consist of rents, depreciation, and
taxes other than income taxes, increased by 50 and 40 basis points
for the second quarter and six months ended August 1, 1998,
respectively, over last year.  These increases were largely
attributable to the effect of new store openings and the capital
expenditures related to store remodels and corporate infrastructure
enhancements, which increased rent and depreciation.

In conjunction with the Company's business combinations with
Younkers, Parisian, Herberger's, Carson's and Brody's, the Company
incurred certain integration charges in each period presented.  For
the quarters ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997, these charges
totaled $4.0 million, or 0.3% of net sales, and $1.6 million, or
0.1% of net sales, respectively.  For the six month periods ended
August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997, these charges totaled $6.0
million, or 0.2% of net sales, and $3.1 million, or 0.1% of net
sales, respectively.

The Company has completed its assessment of the Year 2000 effect on
the Company's systems.  Necessary systems modifications are
currently underway and are scheduled for completion by spring 1999. 
For the quarters ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997, Year 2000
expenses totaled $2.6 million, or 0.2% of net sales and $3.7
million, or 0.3% of net sales, respectively.  For the six month
periods ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997, Year 2000 expenses
totaled $4.1 million, or 0.2% of net sales, and $4.4 million, or
0.2% of net sales, respectively.  Management anticipates that
additional Year 2000 charges will total approximately $4.9 million
for the last two quarters of 1998 and $3.0 million for 1999.

For the quarter and six months ended  August 2, 1997, the Company
incurred expenses of $.8 million, or 0.1% of net sales, and $1.5
million, or 0.1% of net sales, respectively, related to the
Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") maintained at
Herberger's.  The ESOP was terminated in December 1997.

Interest expense decreased as a percentage of sales for the quarter
and six months ended August 1, 1998 by 50 basis points.  The
decrease was due to improved cash flows from operations, decreased
levels of indebtedness due in part to certain of the Company's
capital restructuring efforts during 1997 and overall lower
interest rates.

Net income for the quarter ended August 1, 1998 totaled $2.6
million, or $.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.9
million (after an extraordinary charge of $1.1 million net of tax
or $.01 per diluted share), or $.04 per diluted share, for the
quarter ended August 2, 1997.  Net income for the six months ended
August 1, 1998 totaled $30.8 million, or $.21 per diluted share,
compared to $16.0 million (after and extraordinary charge of $4.5
million after tax, or $.03 per diluted share), or $.12 per diluted
share in the prior year.  The increase in earnings over the prior
year primarily was due to improved gross margin performance,
leverage on operating expenses, increased finance charge income,
and lower financing costs.

These condensed consolidating financial statements contain
"forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the
federal securities laws.  Forward-looking information in these
condensed consolidating financial statements is premised on many
factors, some of which are outlined below.  Actual consolidated
results might differ materially from projected forward-looking
information if there are any material changes in management's
assumptions.

This forward-looking information and statements are based on a
series of projections and estimates and involve certain risks and
uncertainties.  Potential risks and uncertainties include such
factors as the level of consumer spending for apparel and other
merchandise carried by the Company; the competitive pricing
environment within the department and specialty store industries;
the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing, and
promotional campaigns; appropriate inventory management;
realization of planned synergies; effective cost containment; and
solution of year 2000 systems issues by the Company and its
suppliers.  For additional information regarding these and other
risk factors, please refer to the Company's public filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which may be accessed via EDGAR
through the internet at www.sec.gov.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 1, 1998 and August 2,
1997 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 1998 and February
1, 1997 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the six
months ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1998 and the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the fiscal years January 31, 1998 and February
1, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                                      <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                            6-MOS                   6-MOS                   12-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-30-1999             JAN-31-1998             JAN-31-1998             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-01-1998             AUG-02-1997             JAN-31-1998             FEB-01-1997
<CASH>                                      31,411,000              43,378,000              50,864,000              76,955,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                              137,418,000             367,529,000             412,209,000             395,028,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
<INVENTORY>                              1,369,498,000           1,189,870,000           1,244,682,000           1,068,184,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                         1,687,837,000           1,729,996,000           1,891,190,000           1,666,511,000
<PP&E>                                   1,822,735,000           1,598,893,000           1,725,979,000           1,518,342,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0                       0                       0                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           4,157,139,000           3,769,435,000           4,270,253,000           3,630,276,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                      758,295,000             730,039,000             800,886,000             714,759,000
<BONDS>                                  1,270,482,000           1,455,249,000           1,393,828,000           1,386,048,000
                                0                       0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                    14,314,000              10,830,000              14,148,000              10,776,000
<OTHER-SE>                               1,985,525,000           1,417,702,000           1,930,381,000           1,387,158,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>             4,157,139,000           3,769,435,000           4,270,253,000           3,630,276,000
<SALES>                                  2,696,346,000           2,490,469,000           5,726,346,000           4,926,862,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                         2,696,346,000           2,490,469,000           5,726,346,000           4,926,862,000
<CGS>                                    1,761,420,000           1,636,809,000           3,731,293,000           3,208,989,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0                       0                       0                       0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                           831,378,000             760,194,000           1,659,557,000           1,458,416,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0                       0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          49,292,000              57,497,000             113,685,000             114,881,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             54,256,000              35,969,000             221,811,000             144,576,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                23,150,000              15,505,000           (194,426,000)              50,998,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         31,106,000              20,464,000             416,237,000              93,578,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                334,000               4,472,000              11,323,000              12,746,000
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                30,772,000              15,992,000             404,914,000              77,004,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .22                     .12                    2.94                     .62
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .21                     .12                    2.79                     .60
        

</TABLE>

                                                     Exhibit 23.1


                CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the
registration statements of Saks Incorporated listed below of our
report dated March 19, 1998, except for Notes 1, 3, 9, 11 and 13
as to which the date is September 17, 1998, and Note 4 as to which
the date is November 4, 1998, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Saks Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(formerly Proffitt's, Inc.) as of January 31, 1998 and February 1,
1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended January
31, 1998, which report is included in this Form 8-K.

               Registration Statements on Form S-3
                      Registration Numbers:
                            333-32257
                            333-55805
                            333-64175
                            333-66755

               Registration Statements on Form S-4
                      Registration Numbers:
                            333-09043
                            333-41563
                            333-60123

               Registration Statements on Form S-8
                      Registration Numbers:
                             33-46306
                             33-80602
                             33-88390
                            333-25213
                            333-47535
                            333-66759

                                 

November 23, 1998                      PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Birmingham, Alabama



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