PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORP/DE/
DEFS14A, 1997-10-17
VARIETY STORES
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      Schedule 14A Information

      Proxy Statement  Pursuant  to Section  14(a)  of the  Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934.

Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential,  for  Use  of  the  Commission  Only  (as  permitted  by  Rule
    14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11 (c) or Section 240.14a-12

                          PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

                                      N/A
    (Name of Person (s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[ ] Fee Computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6 (i) (l) and 0-11.
      (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
      ...................................................................
      (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
      ...................................................................
      (3) Per Unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
      ...................................................................
      (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
      ...................................................................
      (5) Total fee paid:
      ...................................................................
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act  Rule
    0-11(a)(2) and identify  the filing  for which the  offsetting fee  was paid
    previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement  number,
    or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
      (1) Amount Previously Paid:
      ...................................................................
      (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
      ...................................................................
      (3) Filing Party:
      ...................................................................
      (4) Date Filed:
      ...................................................................
<PAGE>

                           PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION

                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

                                NOVEMBER 14, 1997

      A Special  Meeting  of  Stockholders  of Pamida  Holdings  Corporation,  a
Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"),  will be held on November 14, 1997, at
8:30 a.m. at the office of the Corporation,  8800 "F" Street,  Omaha,  Nebraska,
for the following purposes:

      1. To approve the Note Amendment  Agreement No. 3 between the  Corporation
and 399 Venture Partners,  Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Citicorp,  and the
transactions  contemplated  thereby,  including the issuance of shares of Common
Stock  and  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  of  the  Corporation  in  payment  of  the
outstanding 13.5% Senior Promissory Notes, 14% Subordinated Promissory Notes and
14.25% Junior  Subordinated  Promissory Notes of the Corporation  (collectively,
the "Notes") at the rate of one share for each $9.00 of outstanding principal of
and accrued interest on the Notes.

   
      2. To consider  and vote upon an  amendment of Section 4.2 of the Restated
Certificate of  Incorporation of the Corporation to change and reclassify all of
the outstanding  shares of 16.25% Senior  Cumulative  Preferred Stock, par value
$1.00 per share, and 14.25% Junior  Cumulative  Preferred Stock, par value $1.00
per share,  of the  Corporation  into shares of Common  Stock at the rate of one
share of Common Stock for each $9.00 of liquidation value and accrued dividends.

      3. To consider and  separately  vote upon four  amendments to the Restated
Certificate of  Incorporation  of the  Corporation to (A) increase the number of
authorized  shares of Common  Stock to  25,000,000,  (B)  increase the number of
authorized  shares  of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock to  4,000,000,  (C)  amend  the
conversion  terms of the  Nonvoting  Common  Stock and delete  certain  obsolete
provisions  and (D)  reduce  the number of  authorized  shares of 14.25%  Junior
Cumulative Preferred Stock to 1,627 and delete certain obsolete provisions.  The
total number of shares of stock which the  Corporation  is  authorized  to issue
will be  correspondingly  increased by  amendments  (A) and (B) and decreased by
amendment (D).
    

      4. To approve the issuance to 399 Venture Partners, Inc. or an assignee of
such  corporation of shares of Common Stock of the  Corporation  upon the future
conversion of the shares of Nonvoting Common Stock of the Corporation  which are
expected to be issued (as part of the  transactions  referred to in  Paragraph 1
above) to 399 Venture Partners, Inc. in payment of the Notes held by 399 Venture
Partners,  Inc.,  at a rate of one  share of  Common  Stock  for  each  share of
Nonvoting Common Stock converted.

      The stock transfer books of the Corporation will not be closed.  The Board
of Directors of the Corporation has fixed the close of business on September 15,
1997, as the record date for  determining  the  stockholders  of the Corporation
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.


   
Dated October 14, 1997                  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
    


                                        FRANK A. WASHBURN, Secretary







      ---------------------------------------------------------------------
         PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY AND RETURN IT
       PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE ENCLOSED FOR YOUR USE. THE PROXY WILL NOT
           BE USED IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON AND SO REQUEST.
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------


                           PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                                 PROXY STATEMENT

                         SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

                                NOVEMBER 14, 1997

      This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection  with the  solicitation by
the Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors") of Pamida Holdings Corporation
(the  "Corporation") of proxies from holders of the Corporation's $.01 par value
Common Stock ("Common  Stock") for use at the special meeting of stockholders of
the  Corporation  to be held on November 14, 1997, at 8:30 a.m. at the office of
the  Corporation,  8800 "F" Street,  Omaha,  Nebraska,  and at any  adjournments
thereof  (the  "Special  Meeting"),  for the purposes set forth below and in the
accompanying  Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders.  Stockholders of record
at the close of  business on  September 15, 1997 will be entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting.

      The mailing address of the principal  executive offices of the Corporation
is 8800  "F"  Street,  Omaha,  Nebraska  68127.  This  Proxy  Statement  and the
accompanying  form of Proxy are first being sent to the holders of Common  Stock
on or about October 20, 1997.


                             PURPOSES OF THE MEETING

      The Special Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

      1. To approve  the Note  Amendment  Agreement  No. 3 (the "Note  Amendment
Agreement") between the Corporation and 399 Venture Partners, Inc. ("399 Venture
Partners"),  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Citicorp,  and  the  transactions
contemplated thereby,  including the issuance of shares of Common Stock ("Common
Stock") and Nonvoting Common Stock ("Nonvoting Common Stock") of the Corporation
in payment of the outstanding  13.5% Senior  Promissory  Notes, 14% Subordinated
Promissory  Notes  and  14.25%  Junior  Subordinated  Promissory  Notes  of  the
Corporation (collectively,  the "Notes") at the rate of one share for each $9.00
of  outstanding  principal  of and  accrued  interest  on such  Notes (the "Note
Payment  Proposal").  Such payment  rate was not based on a specific  formula or
other calculation but was determined by the Board of Directors by agreement with
399 Venture Partners after  negotiations  with a  representative  of 399 Venture
Partners concerning a payment rate acceptable to 399 Venture Partners, review of
a report by Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated with respect to the valuation of the
Corporation and  consideration of the recent trading price history of the Common
Stock on the American  Stock  Exchange.  Assuming  the Note Payment  Proposal is
approved by the stockholders and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby become
effective on November 14, 1997, approximately 634,876 shares of Common Stock and
approximately 3,046,575 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock would be issued in full
payment of the Notes,  and 3,046,575 shares of Common Stock could be issued upon
the subsequent  conversion of such shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock into shares
of Common Stock.  See "Proposal 4 - Approval of Stock Issuance"  below.  Because
shares of Common Stock and  Nonvoting  Common Stock will be issued in payment of
both the principal of and accrued  interest on the Notes and because interest on
the Notes will  continue to accrue until the actual  effective  date of the Note
Payment  Proposal,  the exact  number of  shares of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting
Common  Stock to be issued in  connection  with the Note Payment  Proposal  will
depend upon the actual effective date of the Note Payment Proposal;  there is no
maximum  number of  shares  which may be  issued  pursuant  to the Note  Payment
Proposal,  but the Corporation does not expect such number to materially  exceed
the number of shares referred to in this paragraph. See "Background","Proposal 1
- - Approval  of the Note  Payment  Proposal",  "Proposal  4 -  Approval  of Stock
Issuance" and "Certain Effects of the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification
Proposal" below.

   
      2. To consider  and vote upon an  amendment of Section 4.2 of the Restated
Certificate  of  Incorporation  of the  Corporation,  as amended (the  "Restated
Certificate")  to change and reclassify all of the outstanding  shares of 16.25%
Senior  Cumulative  Preferred  Stock,  par value  $1.00 per share  (the  "Senior
Preferred"),  and 14.25% Junior Cumulative  Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per
share (the "Junior  Preferred"),  of the Corporation into shares of Common Stock
at the rate of one share of Common Stock for each $9.00 of liquidation value and
accrued dividends (the "Reclassification  Proposal"). Such reclassification rate
is the same as and is based solely upon the payment rate for the Notes  referred
to in  the  preceding  paragraph.  Assuming  the  Reclassification  Proposal  is
approved by the  stockholders  and effected on November 14, 1997,  approximately
329,162   shares  of  Common   Stock   would  be  issued  upon  the  change  and
reclassification  of the Preferred  Stock into Common Stock.  Because  shares of
Common  Stock  will be issued in respect  of both the  liquidation  value of and
accrued  dividends on the Preferred Stock and because dividends will continue to
accrue  on  the  Preferred  Stock  until  the  actual   effective  date  of  the
Reclassification  Proposal,  the exact  number  of shares of Common  Stock to be
issued in  connection  with the  Reclassification  Proposal will depend upon the
actual  effective  date of the  Reclassification  Proposal;  there is no maximum
number of shares which may be issued pursuant to the Reclassification  Proposal,
but the Corporation does not expect such number to materially  exceed the number
of shares referred to in this paragraph. See "Background","Proposal 2 - Approval
of the  Reclassification  Proposal"  and  "Certain  Effects of the Note  Payment
Proposal and Reclassification Proposal" below.

      3. To consider  and vote upon four  separate  amendments  to the  Restated
Certificate  to (A) increase the number of authorized  shares of Common Stock to
25,000,000,  (B) increase the number of  authorized  shares of Nonvoting  Common
Stock to 4,000,000, (C) amend the conversion terms of the Nonvoting Common Stock
and delete certain  obsolete  provisions and (D) reduce the number of authorized
shares of Junior  Preferred  to 1,627 and  delete  certain  obsolete  provisions
(collectively, the "Charter Amendment Proposals"). The total number of shares of
stock  which the  Corporation  is  authorized  to issue will be  correspondingly
increased by amendments (A) and (B) and decreased by amendment (D). Each of such
four proposed  amendments will be voted upon separately at the Special  Meeting.
See "Proposals 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D - Approval of Charter Amendments" below.
    

      4. To approve the issuance to 399 Venture  Partners or an assignee of such
corporation  of shares of Common Stock upon the future  conversion of the shares
of  Nonvoting  Common Stock which are expected to be issued (as part of the Note
Payment  Proposal)  to 399  Venture  Partners,  at a rate of one share of Common
Stock for each share of Nonvoting Common Stock converted.  Assuming that Charter
Amendment  Proposal 3C is approved by the  stockholders  of the  Corporation and
becomes  effective,  such  conversion  rate  will be set  forth in the  Restated
Certificate (the "Stock Issuance Proposal").


      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF ALL OF ITS MEMBERS, EXCEPT M.
SALEEM  MUQADDAM  WHO  ABSTAINED  BECAUSE OF HIS  ASSOCIATION  WITH 399  VENTURE
PARTNERS,  HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE CORPORATION VOTE FOR ALL
OF THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS.

      THE  FAILURE  OF THE  CORPORATION'S  STOCKHOLDERS  TO  APPROVE  ALL OF THE
FOREGOING PROPOSALS (EXCEPT PROPOSAL 3D) WILL PRECLUDE  IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY OF
THE PROPOSALS AND THE TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  THEREBY,  EXCEPT THAT THE NOTE
PAYMENT PROPOSAL AND THE CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSALS MAY BE EFFECTED EVEN IF THE
RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSAL IS NOT APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE CORPORATION
IF  THE   CORPORATION   AND  399   VENTURE   PARTNERS   WAIVE  THE   CHANGE  AND
RECLASSIFICATION  OF THE SENIOR PREFERRED AND JUNIOR PREFERRED AS A CONDITION TO
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NOTE PAYMENT PROPOSAL.  THE SENIOR PREFERRED AND JUNIOR
PREFERRED ARE REFERRED TO COLLECTIVELY IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AS THE "PREFERRED
STOCK".

   
      If the Note Payment Proposal or the Reclassification  Proposal is modified
in any material  respect or if the number of shares of Common Stock or Nonvoting
Common Stock proposed to be issued pursuant to the Note Payment  Proposal or the
Reclassification  Proposal  will be  materially  different  from the  numbers of
shares  referred  to in  Paragraphs  1 and 2 above,  then the  Corporation  will
resubmit the foregoing  proposals to the  stockholders  of the  Corporation  for
their reconsideration and further approval.
    


                    OUTSTANDING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS

      The Board of Directors of the  Corporation has fixed the close of business
on September 15, 1997, as the record date for  determining  the  stockholders of
the Corporation entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. At the
close of business on that date, the Corporation had outstanding 5,004,942 shares
of Common Stock,  each such share  entitling the holder thereof to one vote upon
each matter to be voted upon at the Special Meeting.

      The accompanying  Proxy may be revoked by the person giving it at any time
prior to its being voted; such revocation may be accomplished by a letter, or by
a duly  executed  Proxy  bearing a later date,  filed with the  Secretary of the
Corporation prior to the Special Meeting. If a stockholder who has given a Proxy
is present at the Special Meeting and wishes to vote in person, such stockholder
may withdraw the Proxy at that time. The mere presence at the Special Meeting of
the stockholder appointing the proxy will not revoke the appointment.

      If not revoked,  a properly  executed and returned  Proxy will be voted at
the Special Meeting in accordance with the  instructions  indicated on the Proxy
by the stockholder or, if no instructions  are indicated,  will be voted FOR the
Note  Payment  Proposal,  FOR the  Reclassification  Proposal,  FOR  each of the
Charter Amendment Proposals and FOR the Stock Issuance Proposal.

      The cost of soliciting  proxies in the accompanying  form will be borne by
the Corporation. Officers and directors of the Corporation, without compensation
other than their regular compensation,  also may solicit proxies either by mail,
personal conversation,  telephone or other means of communication. Upon request,
the Corporation will reimburse  brokerage  firms,  nominees and others for their
reasonable expenses of forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners
of Common Stock.  The  Corporation  has engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc. to solicit
proxies on behalf of the Corporation for a fee of approximately $4,000 to $6,000
plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

      The  presence in person or by proxy at the Special  Meeting of the holders
of a  majority  of the  issued  and  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock  shall
constitute a quorum.  Assuming that a quorum is present at the Special  Meeting,
under  Delaware law the  affirmative  vote of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock  represented at the Special  Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is
required for approval of the Note Payment Proposal,  and the affirmative vote of
a majority of the issued and outstanding  shares of Common Stock is required for
approval of the  Reclassification  Proposal  and each of the  Charter  Amendment
Proposals.  Under  the  Restated  Certificate,   with  certain  exceptions,  the
Corporation  cannot  issue any Common  Stock to any  person who would be,  after
giving  effect to such  issuance,  the  beneficial  owner of more than 5% of the
Common Stock without the  affirmative  vote of the holders of Common Stock which
represents at least a majority of the aggregate  voting power of all outstanding
shares of Common  Stock,  excluding  the  shares of Common  Stock  owned by such
person,  voting  together as a single class.  Accordingly,  based on the current
beneficial  ownership of Common Stock,  Notes and  Preferred  Stock derived from
statements filed under Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Securities and Exchange Act
of 1934 (the  "Exchange  Act")  and the  Corporation's  stock and note  records,
approval of the Stock Issuance  Proposal  requires the  affirmative  vote of the
holders of Common Stock which  represents at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock,  excluding shares of Common Stock  beneficially owned by
399 Venture  Partners  (which,  based on a Schedule  13G filed by Citicorp as of
December 31, 1996, and additional  information  obtained by the Corporation,  is
907,387 shares), voting together as a single class. William T. Comfort, a holder
of Junior Preferred,  may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 574,000 shares
of  Common  Stock  of  which  his  wife is the  beneficial  owner  (see  Natasha
Partnership  in the first table below).  Therefore,  so as to assure  compliance
with the voting  requirements of the Restated  Certificate  described above, the
Corporation will deem the Reclassification  Proposal to be approved only if such
proposal also receives the affirmative vote of the holders of Common Stock which
represents  at least a  majority  of the  outstanding  shares of  Common  Stock,
excluding  shares of Common  Stock  beneficially  owned by Natasha  Partnership,
voting together as a single class.

      The   Reclassification   Proposal  also  requires  for  its  approval  the
affirmative  vote or written  consent of the holders of a majority of the issued
and  outstanding  shares of Preferred  Stock;  and holders of  Preferred  Stock,
voting  as a  single  class,  have  the  right  to vote on the  Reclassification
Proposal.  There is an  aggregate  of  2,140.81955  shares  of  Preferred  Stock
outstanding,  and each  share is  entitled  to one vote on the  Reclassification
Proposal.  However, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock  have  given  their  written  consent  to the  Reclassification  Proposal.
Accordingly,  assuming  that such written  consents are not withdrawn or revoked
prior to the Special  Meeting,  such  requirement  for Preferred  Stock approval
already has been  satisfied,  and the  Corporation  therefore does not intend to
submit the  Reclassification  Proposal to the holders of  Preferred  Stock for a
vote at the Special Meeting.

      Abstentions  and broker  "non-votes" are not deemed to be "votes cast" for
any purpose but will be included for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present  at the  Special  Meeting.  A broker  "non-vote"  occurs  when a nominee
holding  shares  for a  beneficial  owner does not vote on a  particular  matter
because the nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote on such matter
and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares
involved.

      No  dissenters'  or  appraisal  rights are  available to holders of Notes,
Preferred  Stock or Common Stock in  connection  with any of the  proposals  set
forth in this Proxy Statement.

      The Corporation  expects that a  representative  of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
the Corporation's principal accountants for the current fiscal year and the most
recently completed fiscal year, will be present at the Special Meeting, with the
opportunity  to make a  statement  if he or she  desires to do so, and that such
representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

      The Restated  Certificate  provides that all proxies,  ballots,  votes and
tabulations  that identify the particular  vote of holders of Common Stock shall
be confidential  and shall not be disclosed  except (i) to independent  election
inspectors appointed by the Corporation who shall not be directors,  officers or
employees of the  Corporation,  (ii) as required by law or (iii) when  expressly
requested by the voting stockholder.

      The  following  table  sets  forth  information  as to (i) the  beneficial
ownership of Common Stock of each person or group who, as of August 31, 1997, to
the knowledge of the Corporation,  beneficially owned more than 5% of the Common
Stock and (ii) the  beneficial  ownership of Common Stock and  Nonvoting  Common
Stock  that  such  persons  will  have  if the  Note  Payment  Proposal  and the
Reclassification  Proposal  are  approved  and become  effective on November 14,
1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                 <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>           <C>                 <C> 
                                 Number of
                                 Shares of                         Number of  Shares                Number of Shares of
      Name and                  Common Stock        Percent          of Common Stock                 Nonvoting Common
      Address of                Beneficially       of  Class       Beneficially Owned     Percent   Stock Beneficially     Percent
      Beneficial                 Owned as of         as of         if Proposals Become      of      Owned if Proposals        of
        Owner                  August 31, 1997   August 31, 1997      Effective (3)      Class (3)  Become Effective (3)   Class (3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
399 Venture Partners, Inc. (1)      907,387           18.13%             907,387            15.20%        3,046,575           100%
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10043

Natasha Partnership (2)             574,000           11.47%             574,000 (4)         9.62%               --            --
Nathalie P. Comfort
63 South Beach Road
Hobe Sound, FL 33475
- ------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)   399 Venture  Partners,  Inc. is a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Citicorp.
      Information relating to the stockholdings of 399 Venture Partners, Inc. is
      based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Citicorp as of December  31,  1996.  M.
      Saleem Muqaddam, a director of the Corporation, is a Vice President of 399
      Venture  Partners,  Inc.  Citibank,  N.A.,  an  affiliate  of 399  Venture
      Partners, as a fiduciary,  beneficially owns an additional 6,300 shares of
      Common Stock.

(2)   According to a Schedule 13D,  amended through  January 21, 1994,  filed on
      behalf of Natasha Partnership ("Natasha"), Nathalie P. Comfort is the sole
      general  partner of Natasha  with sole voting and sole  dispositive  power
      over the shares of Common Stock owned by Natasha and therefore also may be
      deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares.  William T. Comfort, the
      husband of Nathalie P. Comfort,  owns 175.26266 shares of Junior Preferred
      and is a limited partner in Natasha. William T. Comfort is Chairman of 399
      Venture  Partners.  The Company has no knowledge as to whether  William T.
      Comfort has disclaimed  beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock
      owned by Natasha.  However,  based solely upon William T. Comfort's status
      as a limited  partner in Natasha  and the  information  contained  in such
      Schedule 13D with  respect to the sole voting  power and sole  dispositive
      power of Nathalie P. Comfort as the sole general  partner of Natasha,  the
      Corporation  has no reason to believe  that William T. Comfort also is the
      beneficial  owner  of  the  shares  of  Common  Stock  owned  by  Natasha.
      Stuyvesant  P.  Comfort,  a  director  of the  Corporation,  is the son of
      William T. Comfort and Nathalie P. Comfort.

(3)   Assumes an  effective  date of November 14,  1997.  The actual  numbers of
      shares and  percentages  will be different if the effective  date is other
      than November 14, 1997.

   
(4)   Does not include  26,702 shares of Common Stock to be issued to William T.
      Comfort  upon  the  change  and  reclassification  his  shares  of  Junior
      Preferred. See Note (2) above.
    

      The  following  table  sets forth  information  as to each class of equity
securities of the Corporation  beneficially owned as of August 31, 1997, by each
director of the Corporation, by the executive officers of the Corporation and by
all  directors  and  executive  officers of the  Corporation  as a group and the
changes  in the  respective  ownership  percentages  that will occur if the Note
Payment  Proposal  and the  Reclassification  Proposal  are  approved and become
effective on November 14, 1997:


                              Number of
                              Shares of                           Percent of
                             Common Stock          Percent         Class if
                             Beneficially             of           Proposal
     Beneficial              Owned as of          Class as of      Becomes
       Owner             August  31,  1997 (1)  August 31, 1997   Effective (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

L. David Callaway, III          16,500(3)            0.33%           0.28%
Stuyvesant P. Comfort          204,067               4.08%           3.42%
Steven S. Fishman              142,122(4)            2.79%           2.34%
George R. Mihalko               12,775(5)            0.26%           0.21%
M. Saleem Muqaddam              20,000               0.40%           0.34%
Peter J. Sodini                  1,000               0.02%           0.02%
Frank A. Washburn               22,233(6)            0.44%           0.37%
All directors and              418,697(3)(4)
  executive officers as               (5)(6)         8.19%           6.89%
  a group (7 persons)
- ------------------------

(1)   Each  person  named in the  table  above  has sole  voting  power and sole
      investment  power with  respect  to the  shares set forth  after his name,
      except for the shares  referred  to in Notes (3) and (4) as being owned or
      held by the person's spouse.

(2)   Assumes an effective  date of November 14,  1997.  The actual  percentages
      will be different if the  effective  date is other than November 14, 1997.
      None of the persons  named in this table will receive any shares of Common
      Stock or Nonvoting  Common Stock as a result of the Note Payment  Proposal
      or the  Reclassification  Proposal.  The percentages  shown in this column
      assume  no  change in the  number  of  shares  beneficially  owned by such
      persons when the proposals become effective from those  beneficially owned
      by such persons on August 31, 1997.

(3)   Mr. Callaway  disclaims  beneficial  ownership of these shares,  which are
      owned by his wife.

(4)   Mr.  Fishman  disclaims  beneficial  ownership of 40,000 of these  shares,
      which are held by him (15,500) or his wife  (24,500) as custodian  for his
      children.  Mr.  Fishman has the right to acquire  beneficial  ownership of
      92,122 of these shares pursuant to currently exercisable options.

(5)   Mr.  Mihalko  has the right to acquire  beneficial  ownership  of 4,600 of
      these shares  pursuant to currently  exercisable  options or options which
      will become exercisable within 60 days from August 31, 1997.

(6)   Mr.  Washburn  has the right to acquire  beneficial  ownership of 9,133 of
      these shares pursuant to currently exercisable options.

      Assuming  all of the  proposals  set  forth in this  Proxy  Statement  are
approved  by the  stockholders  of  the  Corporation  and a  November  14,  1997
effective date for the Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal,  a
total of  approximately  4,010,613  shares of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common
Stock would be issued in payment of the Notes and in connection  with the change
and  reclassification  of  the  Preferred  Stock.  See  "Background-The  Notes",
"Background-The  Preferred  Stock"  and  "Certain  Effects  of the Note  Payment
Proposal and Reclassification Proposal."


                                   BACKGROUND

      THE NOTES

      At September 1, 1997, the Corporation had outstanding $5,521,079 principal
amount of 13.5%  Senior  Promissory  Notes  (the  "Senior  Notes"),  $15,133,440
principal amount of 14% Subordinated Promissory Notes (the "Subordinated Notes")
and $11,420,608 principal amount of 14.25% Junior Subordinated  Promissory Notes
(the "Junior  Subordinated  Notes").  The Senior Notes,  Subordinated  Notes and
Junior Subordinated Notes are collectively referred to herein as the "Notes". At
September  1,  1997,  the  aggregate  principal  amount  of all of the Notes was
$32,075,127.  The Senior Notes and Subordinated  Notes originally were issued in
July 1986 in the  aggregate  principal  amounts of  $3,500,000  and  $8,000,000,
respectively.  The Junior  Subordinated Notes originally were issued in December
1990 in the aggregate  principal  amount of $5,359,180 in exchange for shares of
Junior Preferred.  In December 1992 the Notes were amended to provide that until
the obligations of the Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pamida, Inc.
(the  "Subsidiary"),  under certain loan  agreements have been paid in full, the
quarterly  interest  payments on the Notes will be paid in kind  (rather than in
cash)  by  increasing  the  principal  amount  of each  Note  on the  applicable
quarterly  payment  date by the  amount of accrued  interest  then being paid in
kind.  Such amendment of the Notes became  necessary as a result of restrictions
imposed  by  certain  of the  Subsidiary's  lenders  upon cash  payments  by the
Subsidiary to the Corporation;  such cash payments were the  Corporation's  only
source of funds to pay interest in cash on the Notes,  and the  Corporation  did
not want to cause a default under the Notes as a result of its nonpayment of the
required quarterly interest payments. Interest on the Notes paid in kind accrues
at a rate  which,  in each  case,  is two  percentage  points  higher  than  the
applicable cash interest rate. Accordingly, the Notes currently bear interest at
rates ranging from 15.5% to 16.25% per annum payable quarterly by increasing the
principal  amount of each Note. The Notes  originally would have matured in 2001
but were further  amended in March 1993 to change the  maturity  dates to August
31,  2003 for the Senior  Notes,  September  30,  2003 for the Junior  Notes and
December 31, 2003 for the Junior Subordinated Notes and to subordinate the Notes
to the  Corporation's  guaranty of the Subsidiary's 11 3/4% Senior  Subordinated
Notes due March 15, 2003;  such  amendments  were required as a condition of the
Subsidiary's  issuance and sale of such Senior  Subordinated Notes. If the Notes
remain outstanding and interest is paid in kind through the respective  maturity
dates in 2003, then the aggregate  outstanding  principal amount of the Notes at
maturity will be $84,386,629. Upon maturity, the Notes are payable in cash.

      The  Senior  Notes,  Subordinated  Notes and  Junior  Subordinated  Notes,
respectively,  may be amended with the written  consent of the holder or holders
of the particular series of such notes with an aggregate principal balance equal
to over 50% of the aggregate  principal  balance of all the notes of such series
then  outstanding.  399  Venture  Partners  is the  owner of  $4,067,410  of the
aggregate outstanding  principal amount of the Senior Notes,  $11,054,434 of the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Subordinated Notes and $11,420,608
of the aggregate  outstanding  principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes
as of September 1, 1997.  Accordingly,  399 Venture Partners holds more than 50%
of the aggregate  outstanding principal amount of each series of the Notes; and,
under the terms of the Notes,  the  Corporation  with the consent of 399 Venture
Partners has the power to amend the Notes.

      THE PREFERRED STOCK

      The Corporation has outstanding  513.95939  shares of Senior Preferred and
1,626.86016  shares of Junior Preferred.  The Preferred Stock was issued on July
29, 1986 in connection with the Corporation's acquisition of the Subsidiary.

      The Corporation is obligated to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock on  December  31, 2001 at a price per share equal to 25% of the book value
of the  Corporation's  Preferred Stock and Common Stock  immediately  before the
redemption  divided by the number of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding;
provided,  that the redemption price may not exceed the liquidation value of the
Preferred Stock (the "Liquidation Value") which is $1,000 per share plus (i) any
unpaid  dividends  added to such  liquidation  value as of a quarterly  dividend
payment  date  and not  thereafter  paid  and (ii)  any  accrued  dividends  not
previously   added  to  such   liquidation   value.   Subject  to  certain  loan
restrictions, the Corporation may, at any time, redeem all or any portion of the
Preferred Stock outstanding at a price equal to the Liquidation Value;  however,
any optional redemption of fewer than all shares of Preferred Stock must be made
pro rata among all of the holders of Preferred Stock.

      Each share of Senior Preferred and Junior Preferred entitles its holder to
receive a quarterly  dividend of 16.25% and 14.25% per annum,  respectively,  of
the  Liquidation  Value from the date of  issuance  until  redeemed.  Any unpaid
dividends  are added to and become part of the  Liquidation  Value until paid in
cash.

      The  General  Corporation  Law of the State of  Delaware,  under which the
Corporation is incorporated,  generally allows a corporation to declare or pay a
dividend only from its surplus or from the current or prior year's earnings. Due
to an accumulated  deficit,  the  Corporation  has not declared or paid any cash
dividends  on the  Preferred  Stock  since the  quarterly  dividend  payable  on
November  30,  1995 and may pay cash  dividends  on the  Preferred  Stock in the
future  only  to the  extent  that  the  Corporation  satisfies  the  applicable
statutory standards which include the Corporation's  having a net worth equal to
at least the aggregate par value of the outstanding Preferred Stock. Pursuant to
the Restated  Certificate,  the dividend rate on the Preferred  Stock  increases
cumulatively by 0.5% per quarter (with a maximum  cumulative  increase of 5%) on
each quarterly  dividend payment date on which the Preferred Stock dividends are
not  paid  currently  on a  cumulative  basis.  Accordingly,  for the  quarterly
dividend period ended August 31, 1997, dividends accrued on the Senior Preferred
at the rate of  19.75%  per  annum and on the  Junior  Preferred  at the rate of
17.75% per  annum.  At August  31,  1997,  the total  Preferred  Stock  dividend
arrearage was $711,343,  representing  seven quarterly  dividend payments at the
applicable dividend rates.

      At August 31, 1997, the Liquidation Value (including accrued dividends) of
the Preferred Stock was  $2,852,162.  If none of the Preferred Stock is redeemed
and no dividends are paid on the Preferred  Stock prior to the December 31, 2001
mandatory  redemption date, the Liquidation Value of the Preferred Stock at such
date including accrued dividends will be $6,559,873.

      REASONS FOR NOTE PAYMENT PROPOSAL AND RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSAL

      The outstanding  Notes are part of a highly  leveraged  capital  structure
which restricts the Corporation's  access to equity and other financial markets.
The   Corporation's   highly  leveraged   capital  structure  also  reduces  the
Subsidiary's  ability to obtain  competitive  interest rates and favorable lease
terms in real  estate  transactions  which are  critical  to the  financing  and
leasing of the new store  locations  required to enable the Subsidiary to pursue
its store expansion program.  Payment of the Notes in Common Stock and Nonvoting
Common Stock as  contemplated by the Note Payment  Proposal would  significantly
improve  the  Corporation's   capital   structure.   See  "Unaudited  Pro  Forma
Consolidated Financial Data."

      In addition,  the payment of the  outstanding  Notes with shares of Common
Stock and Nonvoting Common Stock would relieve the Corporation of the obligation
to repay the Notes in 2003 as discussed  above.  See  "Background  - The Notes."
Similarly,  the change and  reclassification  of the Preferred Stock into Common
Stock pursuant to the Reclassification Proposal would relieve the Corporation of
the obligation to redeem the Preferred  Stock  (including the payment of accrued
dividends) in December 2001.

      The transactions  would relieve the Corporation of substantial  amounts of
compounding  non-cash  interest expense on the Notes and from earnings per share
dilution   caused  both  by  the  Preferred  Stock  dividends  and  by  discount
amortization on the Subordinated Notes and the Junior  Subordinated Notes and on
the Junior  Preferred.  Assuming a November 14, 1997 effective date for the Note
Payment Proposal and the Reclassification Proposal,  approximately $1,330,000 of
interest expense,  Preferred Stock dividends and discount  amortization would be
eliminated for the remainder of the current fiscal year.  Scheduled interest and
discount amortization on the Notes is $5,981,000,  $6,958,000 and $8,119,000 for
the fiscal  years ending in 1999,  2000 and 2001,  respectively.  The  scheduled
provision  for  dividends and discount  amortization  on the Preferred  Stock is
$705,000,  $845,000 and $1,016,000 for the fiscal years ending in 1999, 2000 and
2001, respectively. Based on the foregoing, the combined benefit of the Note and
Preferred  Stock  transactions on net income  available to common  stockholders,
assuming  a  continued  effective  tax  rate of  38.29%,  would  be  $4,462,000,
$5,207,000 and  $6,097,000  for the fiscal years ending in 1999,  2000 and 2001,
respectively.

      Finally, under the terms of the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification
Proposal,  the  Corporation  would  convert the Notes and  Preferred  Stock into
Common Stock and Nonvoting Common Stock at a rate which  effectively  ascribes a
value to the Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock of $9.00 per share,  which
is  substantially  above the market  price of the  Common  Stock at the time the
Corporation and 399 Venture Partners  entered into the Note Amendment  Agreement
and prior to  public  announcement  of the  proposals  set  forth in this  Proxy
Statement and above the currently  negative book value of the Common Stock.  The
closing price of the Common Stock on the American  Stock  Exchange was $2.75 per
share on July 21, 1997, the day before the Corporation and 399 Venture  Partners
entered into the Note Amendment  Agreement and publicly  announced the proposals
set forth in this Proxy  Statement.  The closing  price of the Common  Stock was
$4.125  per share on July 22,  1997,  the day the  Corporation  and 399  Venture
Partners  entered into the Note Amendment  Agreement and publicly  announced the
proposals  set forth in this Proxy  Statement.  At the end of the  Corporation's
second fiscal quarter  (August 3, 1997),  the book value per share of the Common
Stock was a deficit of $18.48.  Accordingly,  if the proposals set forth in this
Proxy Statement are approved by the stockholders  and effected,  the Corporation
would  pay  the  Notes  and  reclassify  the  Preferred  Stock  at a rate  which
represents  a premium  of $6.25 per share to the  Corporation  over the  closing
price of the  Common  Stock on the day before  the  public  announcement  of the
proposals  and which is $27.48  per share  over the  negative  book value of the
Common Stock on August 3, 1997.

      APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH 
      399 VENTURE PARTNERS

      M. Saleem Muqaddam,  a Vice President of 399 Venture Partners,  has served
on the Board of Directors  of the  Corporation  since May 1993,  and 399 Venture
Partners and certain of its affiliates  from time to time have been  substantial
holders of Notes and various  equity  interests in the  Corporation  since 1986.
Management  and  the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Corporation,  including  Mr.
Muqaddam,  have been discussing for several years the need to address the highly
leveraged capital structure of the Corporation (see "Background-Reasons for Note
Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal" above),  and the Corporation's
finance  staff has  analyzed  possible  alternative  means for dealing  with the
capital  structure  issue.   Independent   investment   bankers  with  whom  the
Corporation's  finance  staff has  informally  consulted  over the last  several
years,  as well as  financial  analysts  and  stockholders  of the  Corporation,
similarly  have  encouraged  the  Corporation  to  seek a  means  by  which  the
Corporation's capital structure could be improved.

      On  January  5,  1996,  upon  the  recommendation  of  management  of  the
Corporation,  the Board of Directors,  at a meeting  attended by all of the then
directors of the corporation  except Mr. Muqaddam (such other directors being L.
David Callaway,  III, Stuyvesant P. Comfort,  Steven S. Fishman (Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation),  Robert D. Gordman, Peter
J. Sodini and Frank A. Washburn  (Executive Vice President of the Corporation)),
appointed  a  special   committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  (the  "Special
Committee"),  composed of L. David Callaway, III and Peter J. Sodini, to oversee
negotiations by management of the  Corporation  relating to an exchange of newly
issued  shares of Common  Stock for  outstanding  Notes and to  recommend to the
Board of Directors the action to be taken by the Board of Directors with respect
to any such exchange  that may be  negotiated by management of the  Corporation.
The Special  Committee was authorized on behalf of the  Corporation to engage an
independent financial advisor to provide such analysis of a proposed exchange as
the Special Committee may deem necessary or appropriate and, if requested by the
Special Committee, to provide an opinion as to the fairness of any such exchange
which may be negotiated by management of the  Corporation.  Mr.  Callaway serves
part time as Chief  Executive  Officer of Express  Messenger  Service,  Inc.,  a
company  in  which  an  affiliate  of  399  Venture  Partners  is a  substantial
stockholder.

      However,  at the end of fiscal 1996, the Subsidiary  announced the closing
of 40 stores in  unprofitable  or highly  competitive  markets and  proceeded to
implement such store closing program (including real estate dispositions) during
the first part of fiscal 1997.  Because  management's  attention  was devoted to
such store closing program and other extraordinary operational matters involving
the  Subsidiary  (primarily  relating  to  difficulties  in  implementing  a new
warehouse  management  software  system and  resulting  problems in  maintaining
proper  store-level  inventories  in the  Corporation's  remaining  144  stores)
throughout  much of  fiscal  1997  and  because  management  believed  that  the
Corporation's  financial  performance  and  stock  price  during  the  first two
quarters of fiscal 1997 were not conducive to the  negotiation  of a transaction
relating to the Notes that would be in the best interests of the Corporation and
the holders of its Common Stock,  management of the Corporation did not actively
pursue  such a  transaction  during  such time frame  although  the  concept was
periodically discussed by the Board of Directors on an informal basis.

      The  Corporation  completed  fiscal  1997  with  an  improved  second-half
performance  and  negotiated an increase in the  Subsidiary's  operating line of
credit and an extension of the maturity date of such credit facility.  After the
close of the fiscal  year,  at a meeting of the Board of  Directors  on March 6,
1997,  Mr.  Muqaddam  indicated  to the  Board of  Directors  that,  in light of
improved  conditions  in the retail  industry  generally  as  compared  with the
preceding several years and the equity market's currently more favorable view of
retail  stocks in  general,  it  appeared  appropriate  for the  Corporation  to
actively pursue a plan for the elimination of the Notes and Preferred Stock as a
first step in the possible  further  recapitalization  of the  Corporation.  Mr.
Muqaddam  further  indicated to the Board of Directors his expectation  that 399
Venture  Partners would be receptive to an appropriate  proposal with respect to
its Notes, although no specific terms were discussed.  The Board then instructed
management of the Corporation,  in coordination with the Special  Committee,  to
investigate  further the possible  exchange of the Notes and Preferred Stock for
common equity in the Corporation.

      After  consultation  with  the  members  of  the  Special  Committee,  the
Corporation  in April  1997  engaged  Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated  ("Alex.
Brown") to render financial advisory services to the Corporation relating to the
possible  restructuring of the Notes and Preferred Stock. Alex. Brown's services
were to include,  among other things, as necessary, a review and analysis of the
Corporation's  business,  operations and financial projections,  general capital
restructuring advice, assistance in determining an appropriate capital structure
for the Corporation,  financial  advice and advice as to the timing,  nature and
terms of any new  securities,  other  consideration  or other  inducements to be
offered  in  connection  with the Note and  Preferred  Stock  restructuring.  In
addition, Alex. Brown also agreed, if requested by the Board of Directors or the
Special  Committee,  to render its  opinion as to the  fairness  of the Note and
Preferred  Stock  restructuring,  from a financial point of view, to the current
holders of Common Stock.

      Alex.  Brown submitted a report to the Special  Committee in mid-May 1997,
and the  report  was  made  available  to all of the  members  of the  Board  of
Directors.  Such report included a valuation of the Corporation based on various
methodologies  (consisting  of the  analysis of certain  other  publicly  traded
companies,  the analysis of selected  mergers and  acquisitions,  the discounted
cash  flow  analysis  and the  stock  trading  analysis  described  below  under
"Background  -  Fairness  Opinion"),  a  discussion  and  evaluation  of various
strategic  alternatives  (described below under  "Background - Determinations of
the Special  Committee  and Board of  Directors")  potentially  available to the
Corporation to assist it in achieving  certain  business  goals, a debt capacity
analysis of the Corporation and a recommendation  that the Corporation  pursue a
de-leveraging of its capital  structure.  The business goals for the Corporation
suggested  by Alex.  Brown  in its  report  were  capitalizing  the  Corporation
correctly,  raising new capital,  pursuing a growth strategy through the opening
of new  stores,  improving  the  competitiveness  of the  Corporation's  stores,
building greater identity for the "Pamida" name and market niche and maintaining
corporate  independence  while  increasing  the  number of its  stores and total
sales. The debt capacity  analysis  contained in the Alex. Brown report reviewed
the  capitalization  of selected  public  companies  in the general  merchandise
retail industry (named below under  "Background - Fairness Opinion - Analysis of
Certain Other Publicly Traded  Companies"),  various credit  benchmarks based on
credit agency ratings, and coverage ratios for a group of recent high-yield debt
issues of selected  retailers (Hills Stores,  Jitney Jungle,  Loehmann's,  Inc.,
Marks Bros. Jewelers and Simmons Company).  The Board of Directors discussed all
aspects of the report by a conference  telephone  call with  representatives  of
Alex.  Brown at a meeting of the Board of Directors on May 22, 1997.  All of the
then  members of the Board of Directors  except Mr.  Sodini  (Messrs.  Callaway,
Comfort,  Fishman,  Muqaddam and Washburn)  attended such meeting.  The Board of
Directors (exclusive of Messrs. Muqaddam and Sodini) then discussed the possible
terms of a proposal  for the  payment of the Notes with  shares of newly  issued
Common Stock and, after negotiations with Mr. Muqaddam concerning a valuation of
the Common Stock for purposes of the Note payments  which would be acceptable to
399 Venture  Partners as the holder of a majority of the  outstanding  principal
amount of each series of the Notes,  by consensus  proposed to Mr.  Muqaddam the
payment  terms which  ultimately  constituted  the Note  Payment  Proposal.  Mr.
Muqaddam  advised  the Board of  Directors  that  such  proposal  would  require
consideration  by a committee that oversees  investments by 399 Venture Partners
and a review of certain legal matters by counsel for 399 Venture Partners.

      Pending  consideration of the Corporation's  Note payment proposal by such
investment committee,  counsel for the Corporation prepared drafts of a proposed
Note  Amendment  Agreement  No.  3 and  the  exhibits  thereto  and  a  proposed
Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate which were submitted to the
Board of Directors and counsel for 399 Venture Partners for review.  On July 21,
1997,  Mr.  Muqaddam  advised  management  of the  Corporation  that 399 Venture
Partners had obtained the necessary  approvals of the financial  terms reflected
in  the  Note  Payment  Proposal  but  would  require  as  a  condition  of  the
consummation of the transaction the concurrent  change and  reclassification  of
the Corporation's Preferred Stock as reflected in the Reclassification Proposal.
Revised  versions  of the  Note  Amendment  Agreement  No.  3 and the  requisite
amendments of the Restated Certificate reflecting such additional condition then
were  prepared  and  submitted  to  counsel  for 399  Venture  Partners  and the
Corporation's  Board  of  Directors   (including  the  members  of  the  Special
Committee) for their review and consideration.

      DETERMINATIONS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

      At a meeting on July 22, 1997,  the Special  Committee by a unanimous vote
determined that the Note Payment Proposal,  the Reclassification  Proposal,  the
Charter Amendment Proposals and the Stock Issuance Proposal taken together would
be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and recommended
that the Board of  Directors  take such actions as may be necessary to authorize
and  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  by such  proposals  as soon as
practicable.  In reaching its  conclusions,  the Special  Committee  considered,
among other things,  the  information,  documents and matters referred to in (i)
through (v) below. At a meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 22, 1997,
immediately  following  such  meeting  of the  Special  Committee,  the Board of
Directors (with all members being present and Mr. Muqaddam abstaining because of
his affiliation with 399 Venture  Partners)  approved the Note Payment Proposal,
the  Reclassification  Proposal  and  the  Charter  Amendment  Proposal  and the
transactions  contemplated  thereunder and determined  that such  proposals,  if
consummated,  would  be in  the  best  interests  of  the  Corporation  and  its
stockholders  and should be submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for
approval.  All of the members of the Board of Directors  other than Mr. Muqaddam
(Messrs. Callaway,  Comfort, Fishman, Sodini and Washburn) voted in favor of the
Note Payment Proposal,  the Reclassification  Proposal and the Charter Amendment
Proposal. In reaching such determinations, the Board of Directors considered the
following material factors:

      (i)  The May 1997 report of Alex. Brown with  respect to the  valuation of
the Corporation and certain strategic alternatives  potentially available to the
Corporation  (as further  described  below) and the July 1997 supplement to such
report.

      (ii) Non-public  information provided by the Corporation's  management and
the  Corporation's   financial,   tax  and  legal  advisors,   which  non-public
information consisted of information concerning the present holders of the Notes
and Preferred Stock, the effects on the  Corporation's  financial  statements of
the  Notes and  Preferred  Stock if they  remain  outstanding,  the  anticipated
accounting  treatment of the proposed  transactions,  the anticipated effects of
the  proposed  transactions  on  the  Corporation's  financial  statements,  the
anticipated  federal income tax  consequences of the proposed  transactions  and
various corporate, procedural and legal aspects of the proposed transactions.

      (iii)The  reasons for  the  proposals  described  above.  See "Background-
Reasons for Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification Proposal."

      (iv) The oral opinion of Alex. Brown  (subsequently  confirmed in writing)
given on or about July 17, 1997, that the transactions  contemplated by the Note
Payment Proposal and Reclassification  Proposal are fair, from a financial point
of  view,  to the  holders  of the  presently  outstanding  Common  Stock of the
Corporation,  together  with a report to the Board of  Directors  as of July 17,
1997, in which Alex. Brown summarized certain pertinent  information  (described
below in "Fairness Opinion") prepared by Alex.
Brown in reaching its conclusions.

      (v)  Draft copies of the various transaction documents  (consisting of the
Note Amendment  Agreement and its exhibits and a Certificate of Amendment of the
Restated Certificate  containing the  Reclassification  Proposal and the Charter
Amendment Proposals).

      (vi) The  recommendation  of  the  Special  Committee  that  the  Board of
Directors  take such actions as may be necessary to authorize and  consummate as
soon as practicable the transactions contemplated by the proposals to which this
Proxy Statement pertains.

In  reaching  such  decisions,  the  Board of  Directors  considered  all of the
foregoing  factors together and did not place greater relative weight on any one
or more particular factors.

      Prior to its  approval of the Note Payment  Proposal and  Reclassification
Proposal,  the Board of Directors  also  informally  considered and rejected the
following other strategic alternatives identified by Alex. Brown in its May 1997
report:  (i) obtain new equity capital for the  Corporation  through the sale of
newly issued Common Stock,  (ii) obtain new equity  capital for the  Corporation
through the sale of a new issue of convertible preferred stock, (iii) obtain new
capital for the Corporation in the form of privately  placed or publicly offered
debt  securities,  (iv) sell the  Corporation to an independent  purchaser,  (v)
effect a buy-out of the  Corporation's  stockholders  through an alliance with a
financial  partner  and (vi)  take no  action  with  respect  to the  Notes  and
Preferred Stock.  Alex. Brown indicated in its report that, if market conditions
were  appropriate and the Corporation were able to de-leverage its balance sheet
without significant dilution, the optimal alternative would be the sale of newly
issued Common Stock of the  Corporation as a means of raising new equity capital
to allow the  Subsidiary  to pursue a growth  strategy and  potentially  to also
reduce its debt.  However,  this  alternative  did not  currently  appear viable
either to Alex. Brown or the Board of Directors because of the dilutive effect a
stock sale  would have at the then  current  price of the  Corporation's  Common
Stock and because of the  Corporation's  present  capital  structure  and recent
financial performance.  Alex. Brown therefore recommended that the Corporation's
initial action with respect to a capital restructuring be a de-leveraging of the
Corporation  through  transactions of the types contemplated by the Note Payment
Proposal and the Reclassification Proposal.

      FAIRNESS OPINION

      Alex.  Brown has delivered to the Board of Directors of the  Corporation a
written  opinion  (the  "Fairness  Opinion")  as to the  fairness to the present
holders of Common Stock of the Corporation from a financial point of view of the
Note  Payment  Proposal  and  Reclassification  Proposal.  The full  text of the
Fairness Opinion is attached hereto as Exhibit 1. Stockholders are urged to read
the Fairness  Opinion in its entirety.  The summary of the Fairness  Opinion set
forth in this Proxy  Statement  is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of the Fairness Opinion attached  hereto.  Alex.  Brown's opinion does
not constitute a  recommendation  to any stockholder as to how such  stockholder
should vote.

      In connection with its opinion, Alex. Brown, among other things,  reviewed
(i)  the  Note  Amendment   Agreement,   (ii)  the  proposed  amendment  to  the
Corporation's   Restated   Certificate   that   would   effect  the  change  and
reclassification  of the outstanding  Preferred  Stock into Common Stock,  (iii)
certain publicly  available  financial  information  concerning the Corporation,
(iv) certain non-public information,  including financial forecasts,  concerning
the  Corporation,  (v) the  reported  price and trading  activity for the Common
Stock  and  (vi)  certain  financial  and  stock  market   information  for  the
Corporation  and similar  information  for certain  other public  companies.  In
addition,  Alex. Brown held discussions with members of the senior management of
the  Corporation  regarding its business and prospects and performed  such other
studies and analyses and  considered  such other  factors as Alex.  Brown deemed
appropriate.

      The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  analyses  performed  and  factors
considered  by Alex.  Brown in  connection  with the  rendering  of the Fairness
Opinion:

      FINANCIAL  POSITION.  In rendering its opinion,  Alex.  Brown reviewed and
analyzed the historical and current financial condition of the Corporation which
included (i) an assessment of the  Corporation's  financial  statements  for its
fiscal years ended on or about  January 31,  1992-1997,  (ii) an analysis of the
Corporation's  revenue,  growth  and  operating  performance  trends,  (iii)  an
assessment  of  the   Corporation's   leverage  and  preferred   stock  dividend
obligations and related discount amortization,  (iv) the Corporation's projected
consolidated  income  statement for its fiscal year ending  February 1, 1998, as
adjusted to reflect the Note Payment Proposal and the Reclassification  Proposal
and (v) the  Corporation's  capitalization  as of a recent date,  as adjusted to
give effect to the Note  Payment  Proposal  and the  Reclassification  Proposal.
Alex.  Brown also  reviewed  financial  forecasts  provided by management of the
Corporation  indicating,  among other things,  the potential effects of the Note
Payment Proposal and the  Reclassification  Proposal on the Corporation's income
statements and balance sheets for future periods.

      STOCK  TRADING  ANALYSIS.  Alex.  Brown  reviewed  and  analyzed the daily
closing per share  market  prices and trading  volume for the Common  Stock from
September 18, 1990, the effective date of the Company's initial public offering,
to July 17, 1997.  In addition,  for such period,  Alex.  Brown (i) reviewed the
trading volume of the Common Stock at various prices,  (ii) compared the closing
per share  market price of the Common Stock to the movement of prices of the Dow
Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq composite average and (iii)
compared the per share  market  price of the Common Stock to the proposed  price
per share for  purposes of the Note Payment  Proposal  and the  Reclassification
Proposal.  Alex. Brown noted that the Corporation  generally  underperformed the
indices to which it was compared and that the Common Stock generally traded well
below such proposed price per share.  This information was presented to give the
Board of Directors background information that is relevant to the Note Repayment
Proposal and the Reclassification Proposal.

      ANALYSIS  OF  CERTAIN  OTHER  PUBLICLY  TRADED  COMPANIES.  Alex.  Brown's
analysis  included an examination of the  Corporation's  valuation in the public
market as  compared  to the  valuation  in the public  market of other  selected
publicly traded companies.  Alex. Brown compared certain  financial  information
(based on the commonly used valuation  measurements described below) relating to
the Corporation to certain corresponding information from a group of 12 publicly
traded discount retailers  (consisting of Ames Department Stores, Dayton Hudson,
Dollar General, Dollar Tree Stores,  Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Family Dollar Stores,
Fred's,  Kmart  Corporation,  ShopKo  Stores,  Stage Stores,  Venture Stores and
Wal-Mart  Stores  (collectively,  the  "Selected  Companies")).  Such  financial
information  included,  among other things,  (i) common equity market valuation,
(ii) capitalization ratios, (iii) operating  performance,  (iv) ratios of common
equity market value as adjusted for debt and cash to revenues,  earnings  before
interest expense and income taxes ("EBIT") and earnings before interest expense,
income taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization  ("EBITDA"),  each for the latest
reported  twelve-month period as derived from publicly available information and
(v)  ratios of common  equity  market  prices  per share to  earnings  per share
("EPS").   Alex.   Brown  noted  that  the  total   enterprise   value   (market
capitalization  for common  equity plus debt and  preferred  stock less cash) to
trailing twelve months  revenues for the Selected  Companies was a range of .10x
to 2.51x,  with a median of .58x, as compared to .43x for the  Corporation,  the
multiple  of total  enterprise  value to  trailing  twelve  months  EBIT for the
Selected  Companies was a range of 4.84x to 21.07x,  with a median of 12.28x, as
compared to 9.67x for the Corporation, the multiple of total enterprise value to
trailing twelve months EBITDA for the Selected Companies was a range of 4.24x to
18.09x,  with a median of 7.98x, as compared to 6.71x for the  Corporation,  and
the per share market price as a multiple of trailing  twelve  months EPS,  which
was not meaningful for the Corporation,  was a range of 10.01x to 36.18x, with a
median of 21.96x, for the Selected Companies.  The financial information used in
connection  with the  analysis  was based on the  latest  reported  twelve-month
period as derived from publicly  available  information and on estimated EPS for
such period. In choosing the Selected Companies, Alex. Brown looked for four key
elements:  broadline  retailing of many  different  products,  large-size  store
format,  discount or value  price-point  retailing and a small market focus. The
Selected  Companies  in all cases  satisfied  a majority of the  criteria.  As a
result of the foregoing procedures, Alex. Brown noted that the multiples for the
Corporation  were  generally  lower  than  the  range of the  multiples  for the
Selected Companies.  In arriving at an implied value for the Common Stock, Alex.
Brown valued the  Corporation  between the lower  quartile and the median of the
Selected Companies because of the Corporation's lower  profitability  margin and
lower revenue growth as compared to the Selected Companies.

      ANALYSIS OF SELECTED  MERGERS AND  ACQUISITIONS.  Alex. Brown reviewed the
financial terms, to the extent publicly  available,  of 11 completed mergers and
acquisitions   since   November   1993  in  the  retail   area  (the   "Selected
Transactions").  The  Selected  Transactions  consisted of the  acquisitions  of
Eckerd Corp. by J.C. Penney Co., Thrifty Payless Holdings by Rite Aid Corp., Big
B by Revco D.S., Inc., Kash N' Karry Food Stores, Inc. by Food Lion, Inc., Fay's
Inc.  by J.C.  Penney Co.,  Strawbridge  & Clothier  by May  Department  Stores,
Broadway  Stores by Federated  Department  Stores,  R.H. Macy & Co. by Federated
Department  Stores,  Hess Department Stores by Bon-Ton and Hook-SuperRx by Revco
D.S.,  Inc. and the merger of Price Club and Costco  Warehouse  Co. Alex.  Brown
calculated  various  financial  multiples  based on certain  publicly  available
information  for  each of the  Selected  Transactions  and  applied  them to the
Corporation to arrive at an implied range of values for the Common Stock.  Alex.
Brown noted that the multiple of adjusted purchase price (value of consideration
paid for common equity adjusted for debt,  preferred stock and cash) to trailing
twelve  months  revenues for the  acquired  company was a range of .22x to .78x,
with a median of .49x, for the Selected  Transactions,  the multiple of adjusted
purchase  price to trailing  twelve  months EBIT for the acquired  company was a
range  of  6.02x  to  17.04x,   with  a  median  of  11.43x,  for  the  Selected
Transactions,  and the multiple of adjusted  purchase  price to trailing  twelve
months  EBITDA for the acquired  company was a range of 4.02x to 21.98x,  with a
median of 9.53x, for the Selected  Transactions.  Alex. Brown further noted that
the multiple of aggregate  purchase  price to trailing  twelve months net income
for the  acquired  company  was a range  of 6.41x to  19.97x,  with a median  of
16.58x,  for  the  Selected   Transactions.   All  multiples  for  the  Selected
Transactions  were  based  on  public  information  available  at  the  time  of
announcement of such transactions,  without taking into account differing market
and other  conditions  during  the  period in which  the  Selected  Transactions
occurred.  In arriving at an implied  value for the Common  Stock,  Alex.  Brown
valued  the  Corporation  between  the  lower  quartile  and the  median  of the
companies  acquired in the Selected  Transactions  because of the  Corporation's
lower profitability  margin and lower revenue growth as compared to the Selected
Companies.

      DISCOUNTED  CASH FLOW ANALYSIS.  Alex.  Brown  performed a discounted cash
flow analysis for the  Corporation.  The  discounted  cash flow approach  values
businesses  based on the current value of the future cash flow that the business
will  generate.  To establish a current value under this  approach,  future cash
flow must be estimated and an appropriate discount rate determined.  Alex. Brown
used estimates of projected  financial  performance  for the Corporation for the
fiscal years 1998 through 2002, prepared by management of the Corporation. Alex.
Brown  aggregated  the  present  value of the cash flows  through  2002 with the
present value of a range of terminal  values.  Alex. Brown discounted these cash
flows at discount rates ranging from 16% to 20%. The terminal value was computed
based  upon  projected  EBITDA  in  fiscal  year  2002 and a range  of  terminal
multiples of 6.37x and 7.05x.  Alex.  Brown arrived at such discount rates based
on its  judgment of the  weighted  average  cost of capital of  publicly  traded
companies in the discount  retail  industry and arrived at such terminal  values
based on its review of the trading  characteristics  of the common  stock of the
Selected Companies. This analysis as applied to the current capital structure of
the Corporation indicated a range of values of $6.76 to $11.15 per share.

      RELEVANT  MARKET AND ECONOMIC  FACTORS.  In rendering  its opinion,  Alex.
Brown considered,  among other factors, the condition of the U.S. stock markets,
particularly  in the discount  store  sector,  and the current level of economic
activity.   Alex.  Brown  also  considered  the  Corporation's   liquidity,  its
stockholder base and recent transactions involving the conversion of securities.

      No company used in the analysis of the other publicly traded  companies is
identical to the Corporation.  Accordingly, such analyses must take into account
differences  in the  financial  and  operating  characteristics  of the Selected
Companies  and the  Corporation  and other  factors that would affect the public
trading value of the Selected Companies.

      While the foregoing  summary describes certain of the analyses and factors
that Alex.  Brown deemed material in its presentation to the Board of Directors,
it is not a comprehensive  description of all analyses and factors considered by
Alex.  Brown.  The  preparation  of a  fairness  opinion  is a  complex  process
involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods
of financial  analysis and the  application  of these methods to the  particular
circumstances; and, therefore, the analytical process underlying such an opinion
is not readily susceptible to summary description. Alex. Brown believes that its
analyses  must be  considered  as a whole  and that  selecting  portions  of its
analyses and of the factors  considered by it, without  considering all analyses
and  factors,  would  create  an  incomplete  view  of  the  evaluation  process
underlying  the Fairness  Opinion.  In  performing  its  analyses,  Alex.  Brown
considered general economic,  market and financial conditions and other matters,
many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation.  The analyses performed
by Alex.  Brown  are not  necessarily  indicative  of  actual  values  or future
results,  which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested
by such  analyses.  Accordingly,  such  analyses and  estimates  are  inherently
subject to substantial uncertainty. Additionally, analyses relating to the value
of a business do not purport to be  appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
the business actually may be sold. Furthermore, Alex. Brown expressed no opinion
as to the  prices at which  shares of the  Common  Stock may trade at any future
time.

      Alex. Brown did not independently verify any of the foregoing  information
and  assumed  the  accuracy,   completeness   and  fair   presentation  of  such
information.  With respect to financial forecasts and other information relating
to the prospects of the Corporation, Alex. Brown assumed that such forecasts and
other  information  were  reasonably  prepared  and reflect  the best  currently
available   estimates  and  good  faith  judgments  of  the  management  of  the
Corporation as to the likely future financial performance of the Corporation. In
addition, Alex. Brown did not conduct a physical inspection of the properties or
facilities or make an  independent  evaluation or appraisal of the assets of the
Corporation,  nor was it  furnished  with  any  such  evaluation  or  appraisal.
Further,  Alex.  Brown's  opinion was based on  financial,  economic,  monetary,
market and other conditions as of the date of the Fairness Opinion.

      Alex.  Brown  did not  express  any  opinion  as to the price at which the
Common Stock would trade  subsequent  to the  effectiveness  of the Note Payment
Proposal  and  Reclassification   Proposal.  Alex.  Brown  made  no  independent
investigation  of any legal matters  affecting the  Corporation  and assumed the
correctness  of all  legal  advice  given to the  Corporation  and the  Board of
Directors.

      Management  of  the  Corporation,  after  consultation  with  the  Special
Committee,  selected Alex.  Brown to act as its financial  advisor in connection
with  transactions  of the type  contemplated  by the Note Payment  Proposal and
Reclassification  Proposal  and to render the  Fairness  Opinion on the basis of
Alex.  Brown's  expertise in such matters and its familiarity  with the industry
and business of the Corporation. The Corporation agreed to pay Alex. Brown a fee
of $100,000 for rendering such financial advisory services and an additional fee
of $150,000 for rendering the Fairness  Opinion.  The Corporation also agreed to
reimburse Alex.  Brown for its reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses in connection
with its services to the  Corporation.  The  Corporation has agreed to indemnify
Alex.  Brown and its  directors,  officers,  agents,  employees and  controlling
persons against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses relating to
Alex.   Brown's   engagement  to  render  financial  advisory  services  to  the
Corporation;  provided,  that the  Corporation  will not be liable  for  losses,
claims, damages,  liabilities or expenses that a court of competent jurisdiction
shall  have  found  in a  final  judgment  to have  arisen  primarily  from  the
negligence,  willful or reckless  misconduct or bad faith of the person  seeking
indemnification.

      In connection  with Alex.  Brown's  engagement by the  Corporation and the
preparation of the Fairness Opinion, representatives of Alex. Brown met (i) with
Frank A. Washburn,  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating  Officer of the
Corporation,  George R.  Mihalko,  Senior  Vice  President  and Chief  Financial
Officer of the Corporation,  Todd D. Weyhrich,  Principal  Accounting Officer of
the Corporation,  and David Nilsson,  Manager of Treasury and Investor Relations
of the Corporation, at the Corporation's office in Omaha on March 25, 1997, (ii)
with Steven S. Fishman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation,  and Mr.  Mihalko  in New York on April  14,  1997 and  (iii)  with
Messrs. Fishman, Mihalko and Nilsson at the Corporation's office in Omaha on May
8, 1997. In addition, representatives of Alex. Brown conferred by telephone with
various members of the Corporation's  management on numerous occasions from late
March through mid-August of 1997.


                                   PROPOSAL 1

                      APPROVAL OF THE NOTE PAYMENT PROPOSAL

      The Corporation entered into the Note Amendment Agreement with 399 Venture
Partners on July 22, 1997.  Under the terms of the Note Amendment  Agreement,  a
copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit 2, shares of Common
Stock and  Nonvoting  Common Stock would be issued in full payment of the Notes.
The number of shares of Common Stock or Nonvoting Common Stock to be issued to a
holder of a Note will be equal to the sum of the principal and accrued  interest
on such  Note as of the  effective  date of  payment,  divided  by nine  (9) and
rounded up to the next whole  number.  Assuming  the Note  Payment  Proposal  is
approved  by the  stockholders  and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby are
effected on November 14, 1997,  approximately 634,876 shares of Common Stock and
approximately 3,046,575 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock would be issued in full
payment of the Notes,  and 3,046,575 shares of Common Stock could be issued upon
the subsequent  conversion of such shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock into shares
of Common Stock.  See "Proposal 4 - Approval of Stock Issuance"  below.  Because
shares of Common Stock and  Nonvoting  Common Stock will be issued in payment of
both the principal of and accrued  interest on the Notes and because interest on
the Notes will  continue to accrue until the actual  effective  date of the Note
Payment  Proposal,  the exact  number of  shares of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting
Common  Stock to be issued in  connection  with the Note Payment  Proposal  will
depend upon the actual effective date of the Note Payment  Proposal.  The number
of shares to be issued to a particular holder of Notes will be rounded up to the
next whole share, and no fractional shares will be issued.  See "Certain Effects
of the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification Proposal" below.

      The  payment  rate (one  share for each  $9.00 of  principal  and  accrued
interest as of the effective date of the Note Payment  Proposal) was proposed by
the Board of Directors (exclusive of Mr. Muqaddam) to 399 Venture Partners after
the  Board's  receipt  and  review  of the May 1997  report  from  Alex.  Brown,
negotiations  with  Mr.  Muqaddam  concerning  a  payment  rate  which  would be
acceptable to 399 Venture Partners as the majority Note holder and consideration
of the  financial  effects of such payment  rate,  including the effect upon the
present  holders  of  Common  Stock  of the  Corporation,  and was  subsequently
accepted by 399 Venture  Partners in July 1997. See "Background - Appointment of
Special  Committee  and  Negotiations  with 399 Venture  Partners"  above.  Such
payment rate was not based upon a specific  formula or other  calculation and is
not subject to any  limitations,  ceilings or  adjustments.  In arriving at such
payment  rate,  in addition to its  negotiations  with Mr.  Muqaddam,  the Board
considered the implied Common Stock price range  contained in the May 1997 Alex.
Brown report ($5.35 to $10.43, with a midpoint of $7.89) and also considered the
prices at which the  Common  Stock had  traded on the  American  Stock  Exchange
during the fiscal  year ended  February 2, 1997 (high of $3.25 and low of $1.50)
and during the period from  February 3, 1997 through May 21, 1997 (the day prior
to the date on which the payment  rate was  proposed  to 399  Venture  Partners)
(high of $3.50  and low of  $2.00).  On May 20,  1997 (the last day on which the
Common Stock traded prior to the May 22, 1997 Note payment  proposal),  the high
sales price was $3.50 and the low sales price was $3.375.  The Board  determined
that the  proposed  payment  rate of one share for each $9.00 of  principal  and
accrued  interest would enable the  Corporation to issue its stock in payment of
the Notes at a rate which  ascribed a value per share to the Common  Stock equal
to more than 250% of the most recent  trading price of the Common Stock and that
such $9.00 value for payment rate purposes was well above the $7.89  midpoint of
the implied Common Stock price range  contained in the Alex.  Brown report.  The
Board also  determined  that such  payment  rate was  favorable  to the  present
holders  of Common  Stock  because  it would  permit  the  Corporation  to issue
significantly  fewer  shares in payment of the Notes,  and thus would  result in
less dilution for the present holders of Common Stock, than would be required if
the payment  rate were based upon the then  current  stock  market price for the
Common Stock.  Solely by way of illustration of the preceding  sentence,  if the
August 31, 1997 aggregate  principal amount of the Notes ($32,075,126) were paid
with Common Stock valued at $9.00 per share for payment rate purposes, then only
approximately  3,563,903  shares of Common  Stock  would be  required to pay the
Notes as  compared  with the  9,164,322  shares of Common  Stock  that  would be
required  to pay the Notes if the high  trading  price of $3.50 per share on May
20, 1997 were used to determine the payment rate.

      If the  payment  of the Notes in shares of  Common  Stock  would  have the
effect of  causing  any  registered  holder  (or a group  acting in concert as a
partnership  or other  group of which  the  holder is a  member)  to become  the
beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) of securities of the  Corporation  representing  30% or
more  of  the  combined  voting  power  of  the  outstanding  securities  of the
Corporation   ordinarily   (and  apart  from  rights   arising   under   special
circumstances)   having  the  right  to  vote  in  the   election  of  directors
(hereinafter,  a "30%  Holder"),  then any  Notes  held by such  holder  will be
payable in shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock in lieu of Common Stock.  The Notes
of all other  holders  will be  payable  in  Common  Stock.  The Note  Amendment
Agreement  provides  that any person who would  become a 30% Holder  through the
Note  Payment  Proposal  will receive  Nonvoting  Common Stock in lieu of Common
Stock to avoid triggering a possible mandatory redemption of certain debt issued
by the Subsidiary.  Specifically,  the Subsidiary has  outstanding  $140,000,000
principal  amount  of 11  3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes  due  in  2003  (the
"Subsidiary Debt").  Under the terms of the Subsidiary Debt, Pamida is obligated
to make an offer to redeem the  Subsidiary  Debt if a person or group of persons
becomes a 30% Holder. Issuance of Nonvoting Common Stock in lieu of Common Stock
in payment of Notes held by any holder which would otherwise become a 30% Holder
avoids  triggering such possible  mandatory  redemption of the Subsidiary  Debt.
Based on the current  beneficial  ownership of Common Stock, Notes and Preferred
Stock derived from statements filed under Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange
Act and the Corporation's  stock and note records,  the Corporation expects that
the only holder of Notes which will receive Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of
Notes is 399 Venture  Partners.  399 Venture Partners has expressed a preference
for  receiving  Nonvoting  Common  Stock with the right to convert  into  Common
Stock,  and the terms of the  Nonvoting  Common Stock to be issued in connection
with the Note Payment Proposal have been structured to allow for such conversion
under certain  conditions  designed to avoid  triggering the possible  mandatory
redemption of the Subsidiary  Debt referred to above.  See "Proposals 3A, 3B, 3C
and 3D - Approval of Charter Amendments - Amend  Conversion  Terms of  Nonvoting
Common  Stock"  and  "Proposal  4 -  Approval  of  Stock  Issuance"  below.  The
Subsidiary  Debt will not be paid or converted in  connection  with or otherwise
affected  by the  transactions  contemplated  by the Note  Payment  Proposal  or
Reclassification Proposal.

      Except for the right to vote,  shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock will be
equal in all respects to the Common Stock and will be convertible  into the same
number of shares of Common Stock under certain  conditions.  See  "Proposals 3A,
3B, 3C and 3D -  Approval  of Charter  Amendments  - Amend  Conversion  Terms of
Nonvoting  Common Stock" and  "Description of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common
Stock" below.

      Under the terms of the Note  Amendment  Agreement,  issuance of the Common
Stock and Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of the Notes is conditioned upon the
approval of the Note Payment Proposal and Charter Amendment Proposals 3A, 3B and
3C  by  the   Corporation's   stockholders   and   the   effectiveness   of  the
Reclassification Proposal.

      Upon  satisfaction  of  these  conditions,  the  amendments  to the  Notes
contemplated  by the Note Amendment  Agreement will be effective,  and the Notes
will be automatically  converted solely into the right to receive the applicable
number of shares of Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common Stock.  Upon the surrender
of the Notes by the  holders  thereof and the  issuance of the Common  Stock and
Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of the Notes pursuant to the terms of the Note
Amendment  Agreement,  the Notes will be canceled  and the  Corporation  will be
released from all its obligations and liabilities under the Notes.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE NOTE PAYMENT PROPOSAL AND
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.


                                   PROPOSAL 2

                    APPROVAL OF THE RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSAL

   
      The Board of Directors of the  Corporation  has adopted a resolution  that
submits for stockholder  approval at the Special Meeting an amendment of Section
4.2 of the  Restated  Certificate  to  change  and  reclassify  the  outstanding
Preferred  Stock of the  Corporation  into Common Stock.  Under the terms of the
proposed  amendment  of Section 4.2 of the Restated  Certificate,  the number of
shares  of  Common  Stock to be  issued  for the  outstanding  shares  of Senior
Preferred and Junior  Preferred held by each holder thereof will be equal to the
liquidation  value of such  holder's  shares  of  Senior  Preferred  and  Junior
Preferred  plus  any  unpaid  Preferred  Stock  dividends  not  included  in the
liquidation  value accrued as of the close of business on the effective  date of
the change and reclassification,  divided by nine (9) and rounded up to the next
whole  number.  A copy of the proposed  amendment of Section 4.2 of the Restated
Certificate  that would  effect  such  change and  reclassification  is attached
hereto as Exhibit 3. See "Background - The Preferred  Stock."  Assuming that the
Reclassification  Proposal  is  approved  by the  stockholders  and  effected on
November 14, 1997,  approximately 329,162 shares of Common Stock would be issued
upon the change and  reclassification  of the Preferred Stock into Common Stock.
Because shares of Common Stock will be issued in respect of both the liquidation
value of and accrued dividends on the Preferred Stock and because dividends will
continue to accrue on the Preferred Stock until the actual effective date of the
Reclassification  Proposal,the  exact  number of  shares  of Common  Stock to be
issued in  connection  with the  Reclassification  Proposal will depend upon the
actual effective date of the Reclassification  Proposal. The number of shares to
be issued to a particular holder of shares of Preferred Stock will be rounded up
to the next whole share, and no fractional  shares will be issued.  See "Certain
Effects of the Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal" below. The
reclassification  rate (one share of Common  Stock for each  $9.00 of  Preferred
Stock  liquidation  value plus unpaid  Preferred Stock dividends not included in
such  liquidation  value) is the same as and based  solely upon the payment rate
for the Notes and is not subject to any  limitations,  ceilings or  adjustments.
See "Proposal 1 - Approval of the Note Payment  Proposal" above for a discussion
of the payment rate for the Notes.
    

      The   effective   date  (the   "Effective   Date")  of  the   change   and
reclassification  of the  Preferred  Stock into Common  Stock will be the date a
Certificate  of Amendment to the Restated  Certificate  reflecting the amendment
set forth in Exhibit 3 hereto is filed with the  Secretary of State of Delaware.
The Corporation  intends to file such a Certificate of Amendment to the Restated
Certificate  with the Delaware  Secretary of State  promptly  after  stockholder
approval of all of the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement.

      At and  after  the  Effective  Date of the  change  and  reclassification,
holders  of shares of  Preferred  Stock,  upon  surrender  of a  certificate  or
certificates for such shares to the Corporation,  will be entitled to receive in
replacement  thereof a certificate  representing  the number of shares of Common
Stock into which the aggregate  number of shares of Preferred Stock  represented
by the  certificate or  certificates  so surrendered  will have been changed and
reclassified.  After the Effective  Date, no holder of shares of Preferred Stock
will have the right to vote on any matter  submitted to a vote of the holders of
Common Stock until the  Corporation  has issued to such holder a certificate for
the shares of Common Stock into which such shares of  Preferred  Stock will have
been changed and reclassified.  Unless and until the certificate or certificates
representing shares of Preferred Stock have been surrendered to the Corporation,
no dividends or other  distributions  payable to holders of Common Stock as of a
record  date at or after the  Effective  Date will be paid to any holder of such
certificate or certificates. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, after the
surrender of any such certificate for shares of Preferred  Stock,  there will be
paid to the record holder of the shares of Common Stock issued in replacement of
such  certificate,  without  interest,  (i) the  amount  of  dividends  or other
distributions  with a record  date at or after the  Effective  Date but prior to
such surrender  theretofore paid with respect to such shares of Common Stock and
(ii)  on the  appropriate  payment  date,  the  amount  of  dividends  or  other
distributions  with a record  date at or after the  Effective  Date but prior to
such  surrender  and a payment date  subsequent to such  surrender  payable with
respect to such shares of Common Stock.  From and after the Effective  Date, the
stock transfer books of the Corporation with respect to the Preferred Stock will
be closed,  and no transfer of any of such shares  thereafter  will be made. If,
after  the  Effective  Date,  certificates  for  shares of  Preferred  Stock are
presented  to the  Corporation  for  transfer,  then such  certificates  will be
cancelled  and  replaced by  certificates  issued in the name of the  transferee
representing the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock.

      If the change and  reclassification  of the  Preferred  Stock into  Common
Stock is effected, the Common Stock issued to current holders of Preferred Stock
will not have the rights,  preferences  and  privileges of the Preferred  Stock,
including (i) the right to receive preferential  cumulative dividends,  (ii) the
right,  upon any liquidation,  dissolution or winding up of the Corporation,  to
receive the liquidation  value of the Preferred Stock before any distribution or
other  payment is made with respect to the Common Stock or (iii) the  redemption
rights described above. See "Background - The Preferred Stock." However,  if the
reclassification is effected,  the Common Stock issued to the current holders of
Preferred Stock will entitle the holder thereof to vote on all matters submitted
to a vote of stockholders. See "Description of Common Stock and Nonvoting Common
Stock" below.  The Preferred  Stock  currently has no voting  rights,  except in
connection  with an  amendment  or waiver of the rights of the  Preferred  Stock
under the Restated Certificate or as provided by law.

      Implementation  of  the  Reclassification  Proposal  is  conditioned  upon
stockholder  approval of all of the proposals set forth in this Proxy  Statement
(other than Proposal 3D). Accordingly,  even if the Reclassification Proposal is
approved by the stockholders,  if the Note Payment  Proposal,  Charter Amendment
Proposals 3A, 3B and 3C and the Stock Issuance  Proposal are not approved by the
stockholders, then the Reclassification Proposal will not be effected.

      THE  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  A  VOTE  FOR  THE  RECLASSIFICATION
PROPOSAL.


                           PROPOSALS 3A, 3B, 3C AND 3D

                         APPROVAL OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS

   
      The Board of Directors of the  Corporation  has adopted a resolution  that
submits  for  stockholder  approval  at the Special  Meeting  amendments  to the
Restated  Certificate that would (A) increase the number of authorized shares of
Common  Stock  from  10,000,000  to  25,000,000,  (B)  increase  the  number  of
authorized  shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock from  2,000,000 to 4,000,000,  (C)
amend the  conversion  terms of the  Nonvoting  Common Stock and delete  certain
obsolete  provisions  and (D) reduce the number of  authorized  shares of Junior
Preferred to 1,627 and delete  certain  obsolete  provisions.  Each of such four
proposed  amendments  will be voted  upon  separately  at the  Special  Meeting.
However,  if all of Proposals 3A (the increase in the number of shares of Common
Stock),  3B (the increase in the number of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock) and
3C (the amendment of the conversion terms of the Nonvoting Common Stock) are not
approved  by  the   stockholders,   then  the  Note  Payment  Proposal  and  the
Reclassification Proposal will not be effected.
    

      INCREASE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED  SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND NONVOTING COMMON
      STOCK  (PROPOSALS  3A AND 3B) AND REDUCE  NUMBER OF  AUTHORIZED  SHARES OF
      JUNIOR PREFERRED (PROPOSAL 3D)

   
      Section 4.1 of the Restated Certificate  currently  authorizes  12,007,501
shares of capital  stock,  consisting of 514 shares of Senior  Preferred,  6,987
shares of Junior  Preferred,  10,000,000  shares of Common  Stock and  2,000,000
shares of Nonvoting Common Stock.

      If Proposal 3A is approved,  then Section 4.1 of the Restated  Certificate
will be amended to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from
10,000,000 to 25,000,000.

      If Proposal 3B is approved,  then Section 4.1 of the Restated  Certificate
will be amended to increase the number of authorized  shares of Nonvoting Common
Stock from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000.

      If Proposal 3D is approved,  then Section 4.1 of the Restated  Certificate
will be amended to reduce the number of  authorized  shares of Junior  Preferred
from 6,987 to 1,627 (the  number of shares  currently  outstanding)  and certain
obsolete provisions of such Section 4.1 will be deleted. If the Reclassification
Proposal  becomes  effective,  the Corporation  will have no shares of Preferred
Stock outstanding,  and the authorization of shares of Preferred Stock will have
no further relevance because the Restated Certificate will contain no provisions
setting  forth the terms of the Preferred  Stock or otherwise  providing for the
establishment of any such terms.

      The  text  of the  proposed  amendment  of  Section  4.1  of the  Restated
Certificate  that would effect the increase in the numbers of authorized  shares
of Common Stock and  Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  reduce the number of  authorized
shares of Junior Preferred and delete the obsolete provisions is attached hereto
as Exhibit 4. Such amendment also will  correspondingly  change the total number
of shares of stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue.  The provisions
to be deleted from Section 4.1 are a definition of "Preferred Stock" which is no
longer applicable,  a reference to the "Class A Common Stock" of the Corporation
which no longer  exists and a  provision  relating  to a stock  split  which was
completed in 1990. These provisions are proposed to be deleted from the Restated
Certificate  because they no longer have any  applicability to the Corporation's
stock.  The  obsolete  provisions  which will be deleted  from  Section 4.1 also
appear in Exhibit 4.
    

      As of August 31,  1997,  5,004,942  shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding,   and  no  shares  of  Nonvoting   Common  Stock  were  issued  and
outstanding.  In  addition,  345,042  shares of Common  Stock are  reserved  for
issuance  under the Pamida  Holdings  Corporation  1992 Stock  Option  Plan.  As
described  below  in  "Certain   Effects  of  the  Note  Payment   Proposal  and
Reclassification  Proposal," assuming the transactions  contemplated by the Note
Payment Proposal and Reclassification  Proposal are approved by the stockholders
and effected on November  14, 1997, a total of 4,010,613  shares of Common Stock
and  Nonvoting  Common  Stock would be issued.  Based on the current  beneficial
ownership of Common Stock, Notes and Preferred Stock of the Corporation  derived
from  statements  filed under  Section  13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange  Act, the
Corporation's  stock and note records and other  sources  which the  Corporation
considers reliable, approximately 5,968,980 shares of Common Stock and 3,046,575
shares of  Nonvoting  Common Stock would be issued and  outstanding  immediately
after the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification  Proposal become effective,
and  approximately  3,046,575  shares  of Common  Stock  would be  reserved  for
issuance upon the future conversion of the Nonvoting Common Stock.

      The proposed amendment to the Restated Certificate represented by Proposal
3B is required to provide  sufficient shares of Nonvoting Common Stock to effect
the transactions contemplated by the Note Payment Proposal.

      Although the Corporation  currently has enough authorized shares of Common
Stock to effect the Note Payment  Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal,  the
issuance  of the  number  of  shares of Common  Stock  required  to effect  such
proposals  (and the  reservation  of shares to be issued upon the  conversion of
shares  of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock)  would  leave  the  Corporation  with only
approximately 640,000 unreserved shares of Common Stock authorized and available
for issuance in the future for other purposes.

   
      The Board of Directors of the  Corporation  believes  that the  authorized
number of shares of Common  Stock  should be  increased  to  provide  sufficient
shares for such  appropriate  purposes as may be determined from time to time by
the Board of Directors. Proposal 3A would accomplish such increase. The Board of
Directors  believes that having  additional  shares authorized and available for
issuance  or  reservation  will  give the  Corporation  greater  flexibility  in
considering potential future actions involving the issuance of stock,  including
without  limitation  capital  raising  transactions,  additional  employee stock
options or awards,  acquisitions  of other  businesses in exchange for stock and
stock  dividends or splits.  The  Corporation has no current plans to effect any
such  potential  actions  and  no  pending  arrangements  to  issue  any  of the
additional  shares of Common Stock that would be  authorized  as a result of the
proposed  amendment  to the  Restated  Certificate  (Proposal  3A). The Board of
Directors  does not intend to seek  further  stockholder  approval  prior to the
issuance  of any of the newly  authorized  shares of Common  Stock or  Nonvoting
Common Stock,  unless required by law, the Restated  Certificate or the rules of
any stock  exchange upon which the stock may be listed.  Under the provisions of
Article Eleventh of the Restated Certificate,  with certain exceptions (relating
to pro rata stock  splits or stock  dividends,  dividend  reinvestment  plans in
which all  stockholders may participate and normal  compensatory  employee stock
options or rights),  the Corporation cannot issue any Common Stock to any person
who would be, after giving effect to such issuance, the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of the Common  Stock  without  the  affirmative  vote of the  holders of
Common Stock which  represent at least a majority of the aggregate  voting power
of all outstanding shares of Common Stock,  excluding the shares of Common Stock
owned by such  person,  voting  together as a single  class.  See  "Proposal 4 -
Approval of Stock Issuance" below.
    

      The newly  authorized  shares of Common  Stock will have  voting and other
rights  identical to those of the currently  authorized  shares of Common Stock.
The newly authorized shares of Nonvoting Common Stock will have rights identical
to those of the currently  authorized  shares of Nonvoting Common Stock,  except
that if  Proposal 3C is  approved  the  conversion  terms  described  below will
replace the conversion  terms presently  contained in the Restated  Certificate.
Under the Restated  Certificate,  holders of Common  Stock or  Nonvoting  Common
Stock do not have  preemptive  rights.  See  "Description  of  Common  Stock and
Nonvoting Common Stock" below. Any issuance of additional shares of Common Stock
or Nonvoting  Common Stock could have a dilutive  effect on existing  holders of
Common Stock.

      The  additional  authorized  shares of Common Stock and  Nonvoting  Common
Stock could,  under  certain  circumstances,  have the effect of rendering  more
difficult  or  discouraging  an attempt to acquire  control of the  Corporation.
However,  the Board of  Directors  is not aware of any such  attempt  and has no
present  intention to authorize the issuance of Common Stock or Nonvoting Common
Stock for anti-takeover purposes.

      AMEND CONVERSION TERMS OF NONVOTING COMMON STOCK (PROPOSAL 3C)

      No shares of Nonvoting Common Stock are currently outstanding. However, as
described  above,  shares  of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  may  be  issued  if the
transactions  contemplated  by the Note  Payment  Proposal  are  approved by the
stockholders  and effected.  Specifically,  if payment of the Notes in shares of
Common  Stock  would have the effect of causing  any holder (or a group of which
such  holder is a member)  to become a 30%  Holder,  then any Notes held by such
holder  will be payable in shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock in lieu of Common
Stock. The Note Amendment  Agreement provides that any person who would become a
30% Holder through the Note Payment Proposal will receive Nonvoting Common Stock
in lieu of Common Stock to avoid  triggering  the  mandatory  redemption  of the
Subsidiary Debt. Under the terms of the Subsidiary Debt,  Pamida is obligated to
make an offer to redeem  the  Subsidiary  Debt if a person  or group of  persons
becomes a 30% Holder. Issuance of Nonvoting Common Stock in lieu of Common Stock
in payment of Notes held by any holder which otherwise would become a 30% Holder
avoids triggering the possible mandatory  redemption of the Subsidiary Debt. See
"Proposal 1 - Approval of Note Payment Proposal" above.

   
      Under the terms of the  proposed  amendment of Section 4.3 of the Restated
Certificate  approved by the Board of  Directors,  the text of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit 5, each  holder of shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock will be
entitled to convert into the same number of shares of Common Stock any or all of
such holder's shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock if (i) such conversion would not
have the effect of  causing  such  holder (or a group of which such  holder is a
member) to become a 30% Holder; provided,  however, that if immediately prior to
a transfer of shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock to a  transferee  holder,  the
transferor  of such  shares  would  have been a 30%  Holder if its  holdings  of
Nonvoting Common Stock were deemed  converted into shares of Common Stock,  then
the transferee holder of such shares of Nonvoting Common Stock will not have the
right to convert  such shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock into shares of Common
Stock  until the  sixty-first  day after the date of the  transfer,  or (ii) the
Subsidiary  Debt is not  outstanding and has not been replaced with a debt issue
with  comparable   provisions   requiring   redemption  or  otherwise   imposing
requirements   or  restrictions  on  the  Corporation  or  the  issuer  of  such
replacement  debt  issue in the  event a person or group  becomes a 30%  Holder.
Accordingly,  such proposed amendment to the Restated Certificate  (Proposal 3C)
would permit  conversion  of the  Nonvoting  Common Stock into Common Stock when
such  conversion  would not trigger the  possible  mandatory  redemption  of the
Subsidiary Debt.
    

      The Restated  Certificate  presently  permits the  conversion of shares of
Nonvoting Common Stock (of which none currently are  outstanding)  into the same
number of shares of Common Stock upon the occurrence or expected occurrence of a
Conversion  Event.  A  Conversion  Event  presently  is defined in the  Restated
Certificate to mean (a) any public  offering or public sale of securities of the
Corporation  (including a public offering registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended,  and a public sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the  Securities and
Exchange  Commission  or any  similar  rule  then in  force),  (b)  any  sale of
securities  of the  Corporation  to a person  or group of  persons  (within  the
meaning  of the  Exchange  Act) if,  after such  sale,  such  person or group of
persons in the aggregate  would own or control  securities  which possess in the
aggregate  the ordinary  voting  power to elect a majority of the  Corporation's
directors (provided, that such sale has been approved by the Corporation's Board
of  Directors  or a  committee  thereof),  (c)  any  sale of  securities  of the
Corporation to a person or group of persons  (within the meaning of the Exchange
Act) if, after such sale, such person or group of persons in the aggregate would
own or control  securities of the  Corporation  (excluding any Nonvoting  Common
Stock being converted and disposed of in connection with such Conversion  Event)
which possess in the aggregate the ordinary  voting power to elect a majority of
the Corporation's  directors, (d) any sale of securities of the Corporation to a
person or group of persons  (within the meaning of the  Exchange  Act) if, after
such sale,  such person or group of persons  would not, in the  aggregate,  own,
control or have the right to acquire  more than two  percent of the  outstanding
securities  of any  class of  voting  securities  of the  Corporation  and (e) a
merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving the Corporation if, after
such  transaction,  a person or group of  persons  (within  the  meaning  of the
Exchange Act) in the aggregate would own or control  securities which possess in
the  aggregate  the ordinary  voting power to elect a majority of the  surviving
corporation's directors (provided, that the transaction has been approved by the
Corporation's Board of Directors or a committee  thereof).  For purposes of such
definition,   "person"   includes  any  natural  person  and  any   corporation,
partnership,  joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization and other entity
or organization.  If Proposal 3C becomes effective,  the conversion terms of the
Restated  Certificate  described  in  this  paragraph  will be  replaced  by the
conversion terms discussed in the preceding paragraph and set forth in Exhibit 5
to this Proxy Statement.

   
      If the Reclassification Proposal is approved by the stockholders, then the
proposed amendment of Section 4.3 of the Restated Certificate (Exhibit 5 to this
Proxy  Statement) also will delete certain  obsolete  provisions of such Section
4.3 relating to the Preferred  Stock.  The provisions to be deleted from Section
4.3 if the  Reclassification  Proposal is approved  relate to  dividends  on the
Preferred  Stock and to payments to be made to holders of Preferred Stock in the
event of the liquidation of the Corporation.  These provisions  (which appear in
Exhibit 5) are  proposed  to be deleted  from the  Restated  Certificate  if the
Reclassification   Proposal  is  approved  by  the   stockholders   because  the
Reclassification  Proposal will completely eliminate the Corporation's Preferred
Stock.
    

      Implementation  of the Charter  Amendment  Proposals is  conditioned  upon
stockholder  approval of all of the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement,
except  that  the  Charter  Amendment  Proposals  may be  effected  even  if the
Reclassification Proposal is not approved by the stockholders if the Corporation
and 399 Venture Partners waive the change and  reclassification of the Preferred
Stock as a condition  to the  effectiveness  of the Note Payment  Proposal.  The
failure of the stockholders to approve Charter Amendment Proposals 3A, 3B and 3C
will preclude  implementation of the Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification
Proposal.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL OF THE CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSALS.


                                   PROPOSAL 4

                           APPROVAL OF STOCK ISSUANCE

      Under the provisions of Article Eleventh of the Restated Certificate, with
certain  exceptions  (relating  to pro rata  stock  splits  or stock  dividends,
dividend reinvestment plans in which all stockholders may participate and normal
compensatory employee stock options or rights), the Corporation cannot issue any
Common Stock to any person who would be, after giving  effect to such  issuance,
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock without the affirmative
vote of the holders of Common  Stock which  represent at least a majority of the
aggregate voting power of all outstanding shares of Common Stock,  excluding the
shares of Common Stock owned by such person, voting together as a single class.

      As  discussed  above  under  "Proposal  1-Approval  of  the  Note  Payment
Proposal," the Corporation expects that 399 Venture Partners will receive shares
of Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of its Notes.

      If 399 Venture  Partners  receives  shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock in
payment of its Notes and subsequently desires to convert such shares into shares
of Common  Stock (the only  difference  between  the two  classes of stock being
voting  rights;  see  "Description  of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock"
below),  then the  Corporation  would not be permitted to issue shares of Common
Stock to 399 Venture Partners  without  complying with the provisions of Article
Eleventh of the Restated  Certificate  described  above because of the ownership
percentage represented by such shares. The same restrictions would be applicable
to an assignee of the shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  issued to 399 Venture
Partners because of the ownership percentage represented by such shares.

      399 Venture  Partners agreed to accept shares of Nonvoting Common Stock in
payment of its Notes upon the  condition  that such shares would be  convertible
into shares of Common Stock upon the terms and conditions  described above under
"Proposals 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D - Approval of Charter Amendments - Amend Conversion
Terms  of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock"  and set  forth  in  Exhibit  B to the Note
Amendment Agreement (see Exhibit 2 to this Proxy Statement). Accordingly, at the
Special  Meeting the Board of Directors  will seek  approval from the holders of
Common  Stock other than 399 Venture  Partners for the issuance of the shares of
Common  Stock to which 399 Venture  Partners or an assignee of such  corporation
would be entitled if it elects to convert its shares of  Nonvoting  Common Stock
into Common  Stock at a time when 399 Venture  Partners or such  assignee is or,
because of such conversion would become, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
the Common Stock.

      Assuming that the Note Payment Proposal becomes  effective on November 14,
1997,  399 Venture  Partners  will  receive  approximately  3,046,575  shares of
Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of its Notes. Such shares would represent 100%
of the  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  then  outstanding.  Pursuant  to the  Restated
Certificate,  as  proposed  to be amended  (see  "Proposals  3A, 3B, 3C and 3D -
Approval of Charter  Amendments"  above),  each share of Nonvoting  Common Stock
would be  convertible  into one share of Common Stock upon  satisfaction  of the
conditions  contained in the Restated  Certificate as so proposed to be amended.
If 399 Venture  Partners is  permitted  to and elects to effect such  conversion
(and  assuming no change in the numbers of shares of Common Stock  outstanding),
then 399 Venture  Partners would  beneficially own  approximately  43.86% of the
total  number of shares of Common  Stock  expected to be  outstanding  after the
consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by the Note Payment Proposal and
the Reclassification  Proposal.  Such percentage of ownership of Common Stock in
all  likelihood  would  give  399  Venture  Partners  effective  control  of the
Corporation.  If an assignee of 399 Venture  Partners is permitted to and elects
to effect such  conversion  (and assuming (i) no change in the numbers of shares
of Common Stock outstanding and (ii) that such assignee did not beneficially own
any other shares of Common  Stock),  then such assignee would  beneficially  own
approximately  33.79% of the total number of shares of Common Stock  expected to
be outstanding  after the consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by the
Note Payment Proposal and the Reclassification Proposal.

      The Board of Directors has directed that  Proposals 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C and 4
be submitted to the  stockholders  of the  Corporation  entitled to vote thereon
subject to the condition that the failure of the stockholders of the Corporation
to approve all of such proposals will preclude the  implementation of any of the
proposals  and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby,  except  that  the Note
Payment Proposal and the Charter Amendment Proposals may be effected even if the
Reclassification Proposal is not approved by the stockholders of the Corporation
if  the   Corporation   and  399   Venture   Partners   waive  the   change  and
reclassification  of the Preferred Stock as a condition to the  effectiveness of
the Note Payment Proposal. If the Stock Issuance Proposal is not approved by the
stockholders of the Corporation, the Board of Directors and 399 Venture Partners
could waive  approval  of the Stock  Issuance  Proposal  as a  condition  of the
implementation of the Note Payment Proposal,  the Reclassification  Proposal and
the Charter Amendment Proposals.

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE STOCK ISSUANCE PROPOSAL.


                       CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE NOTE PAYMENT
                     PROPOSAL AND RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSAL

      Assuming  all of the  proposals  set  forth in this  Proxy  Statement  are
approved  by the  stockholders  of  the  Corporation  and a  November  14,  1997
effective date for the Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal,  a
total of  approximately  4,010,613  shares of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common
Stock would be issued in payment of the Notes and in connection  with the change
and  reclassification  of the  Preferred  Stock.  Of such  total,  approximately
634,876 shares of Common Stock and  approximately  3,046,575 shares of Nonvoting
Common Stock will be issued in payment of the Notes, and  approximately  329,162
shares of Common  Stock will be issued upon the change and  reclassification  of
the Preferred Stock into Common Stock. Based on the current beneficial ownership
of Common  Stock,  Notes and  Preferred  Stock of the  Corporation  derived from
statements  filed  under  Section  13(d)  or  13(g)  of the  Exchange  Act,  the
Corporation's  stock and note records and other  sources  which the  Corporation
considers reliable, approximately 5,968,980 shares of Common Stock and 3,046,575
shares of  Nonvoting  Common Stock would be issued and  outstanding  immediately
after the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification  Proposal become effective,
and  approximately  3,046,575  shares  of Common  Stock  would be  reserved  for
issuance upon conversion of the Nonvoting Common Stock. Because shares of Common
Stock and Nonvoting Common Stock will be issued in payment of both the principal
of and accrued  interest on the Notes and shares of Common  Stock will be issued
in  respect  of both the  liquidation  value  of and  accrued  dividends  on the
Preferred Stock and because interest on the Notes and dividends on the Preferred
Stock  will  continue  to accrue  until the  actual  effective  date of the Note
Payment Proposal and the Reclassification  Proposal,  the exact number of shares
of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock to be issued in connection  with the
Note Payment  Proposal and the  Reclassification  Proposal will depend upon such
effective date.

      If the Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal are effected,
the  Corporation's  annual interest  expense will be reduced  substantially  and
Preferred  Stock  dividend  accruals  will be  eliminated.  If the Note  Payment
Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal are effected on November 14, 1997, then
the benefit to net income  available  for common  stockholders  for fiscal 1998,
assuming an effective tax rate of 38.29%, would be an increase of $821,000.  See
"Background - Reasons for Note Payment Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal"
above.

      Based on a Schedule  13G filed by  Citicorp  as of  December  31, 1996 and
additional  information  obtained by the Corporation,  399 Venture Partners owns
907,387 or 18.13% of the  issued and  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock.  399
Venture  Partners owns no shares of Preferred  Stock.  399 Venture  Partners has
advised the Corporation that there has been no change in its ownership of Common
Stock since December 31, 1996.  399 Venture  Partners is the owner of $4,067,410
of the aggregate outstanding  principal amount of the Senior Notes,  $11,054,434
of the aggregate  outstanding  principal  amount of the  Subordinated  Notes and
$11,420,608  of  the  aggregate  outstanding  principal  amount  of  the  Junior
Subordinated  Notes as of  September  1,  1997.  Based on this  information  and
assuming a November 14, 1997 effective date for the Note Payment  Proposal,  399
Venture  Partners  would  receive  approximately  3,046,575  shares of Nonvoting
Common Stock in payment of the Notes held by 399 Venture Partners. Combining the
shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock which would be issued to 399 Venture  Partners
in payment of its Notes with the shares of Common Stock  currently  owned by 399
Venture  Partners,  399 Venture Partners would  beneficially  own  approximately
43.86% of the total number of shares of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock
expected  to  be  outstanding   after  the   consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated  by  the  Note  Payment  Proposal  and  Reclassification  Proposal,
assuming a November 14, 1997  effective  date.  The shares of  Nonvoting  Common
Stock  received  by 399 Venture  Partners  would be  convertible  into shares of
Common Stock under the terms  described  above in "Proposals 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D -
Approval of Charter  Amendments - Amend  Conversion  Terms of  Nonvoting  Common
Stock."

      If 399 Venture  Partners  were to convert  all of its shares of  Nonvoting
Common Stock into shares of Common Stock (if such conversion is permitted by the
Restated  Certificate;  see  "Proposals  3A, 3B, 3C and 3D - Approval of Charter
Amendments - Amend Conversion Terms of Nonvoting Common Stock" above),  then 399
Venture Partners would beneficially own approximately 43.86% of the total number
of shares of Common Stock (assuming such conversion)  expected to be outstanding
after the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  by the Note Payment
Proposal  and the  Reclassification  Proposal,  assuming  a  November  14,  1997
effective date.  While 399 Venture Partners will not be permitted to convert its
shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock into  Common  Stock to the extent  that such
conversion  would result in a change of control for  purposes of the  Subsidiary
Debt (see "Proposals 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D - Approval of Charter  Amendments - Amend
Conversion  Terms of Nonvoting  Common  Stock"  above),  the  conversion of such
shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock into Common Stock by 399 Venture Partners at a
time when such conversion is permitted in all likelihood would given 399 Venture
Partners  effective  control of the  Corporation  as a result of its  percentage
ownership of the Common Stock then assumed to be outstanding.

      The issuance of shares of Common Stock as contemplated by the Note Payment
Proposal  and  Reclassification  Proposal  would have a  dilutive  effect on the
voting power of the currently  outstanding shares of Common Stock. The shares of
Common Stock currently  outstanding would represent (i) approximately  83.85% of
the total number of shares of Common Stock which would be outstanding assuming a
November 14, 1997 effective  date and assuming 399 Venture  Partners is the only
person  receiving  Nonvoting  Common Stock pursuant to either  proposal and (ii)
approximately  55.51% of the total  number of shares of Common Stock which would
be  outstanding  assuming such  effective  date and  conversion of all Nonvoting
Common Stock issued to 399 Venture Partners.


         FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES AND ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE
               RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSAL AND NOTE PAYMENT PROPOSAL

      FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

      Reclassification  Proposal. The Reclassification Proposal, if consummated,
will be a tax-free  reorganization  for the  Corporation and will have no direct
tax impact on the Corporation.

      Note Payment Proposal. The difference,  if any, between the recorded value
of the Notes and the fair market value of the Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common
Stock  issued  in  payment  of the  Notes as of the  effective  date of the Note
Payment Proposal,  as contemplated by the Note Payment  Proposal,  would cause a
taxable gain on extinguishment of indebtedness for the Corporation which will be
taxed as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.  As of August 3, 1997,
the Corporation had net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) and other previously
unrecognized tax attribute carryforwards approximating $8,900,000 and tax credit
carryforwards  approximating $1,973,000. The amount of income taxes attributable
to the taxable income created by the  consummation of the Note Payment  Proposal
would be reduced by existing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

      ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

      For financial statement purposes,  any gain on extinguishment of the Notes
held by persons  other  than 399  Venture  Partners  would be  reflected  on the
Corporation's  Statement of Operations as an extraordinary  item (net of related
taxes), separate from the operating results of the Corporation. Any gain related
to the payment of Notes  owned by 399 Venture  Partners  with  Nonvoting  Common
Stock would be considered to be a capital transaction;  accordingly,  such gain,
net of taxes,  would be recorded  directly to additional  paid-in capital on the
Corporation's   financial   statements.   Any  gain  on  the   Preferred   Stock
reclassification as Common Stock will be accounted for as a capital transaction.


             DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND NONVOTING COMMON STOCK

      COMMON STOCK

      The  holders of Common  Stock are  entitled  to one vote for each share of
Common  Stock  on all  matters  submitted  to a vote of  stockholders  and  have
cumulative  voting  rights in the election of  directors.  The holders of Common
Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared
by the Board of Directors  out of legally  available  funds.  Upon  liquidation,
dissolution  or winding up of the  Corporation,  the holders of Common Stock are
entitled  to share  ratably in all assets of the  Corporation  which are legally
available for distribution to its  stockholders,  after payment of all debts and
other  liabilities  of the  Corporation  and subject to the prior  rights of the
holders of any Senior  Preferred  and Junior  Preferred  then  outstanding.  The
holders  of  Common  Stock  have  no  preemptive,  subscription,  redemption  or
conversion  rights.  The rights of holders  of Common  Stock are  subject to the
rights and preferences of the Senior Preferred and the Junior Preferred.


      If all of the proposals presented in this Proxy Statement are effected, no
Senior  Preferred  or  Junior  Preferred  will  remain   outstanding,   and  the
Corporation  does not intend to reissue any shares of Senior Preferred or Junior
Preferred.

      NONVOTING COMMON STOCK

      The Nonvoting  Common Stock  generally is identical in all respects to the
Common Stock;  however,  the holders of Nonvoting  Common Stock have no right to
vote on any matters to be voted on by the Corporation's stockholders except that
such  holders  have  the  right  in  certain  cases  specified  in the  Restated
Certificate  to vote as a separate class on any merger or  consolidation  of the
Corporation with or into another entity or entities,  or any recapitalization or
reorganization,  in which shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock would  receive or be
exchanged   for   consideration   different  on  a  per  share  basis  from  the
consideration received with respect to or in exchange for shares of Common Stock
or would  otherwise be treated  differently  from shares of Common Stock.  Under
Delaware  law, the Nonvoting  Common Stock has voting rights in certain  special
circumstances but generally has no right to vote in the election of directors of
the Corporation.

      If the Charter  Amendment  Proposal is approved at the Special Meeting and
effected,  shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock will be  convertible  into the same
number of shares of Common Stock under the terms  described  above in "Proposals
3A, 3B, 3C and 3D - Approval of Charter  Amendments - Amend  Conversion Terms of
Nonvoting Common Stock."


                          INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS

      As  described  above,  based on a  Schedule  13G filed by  Citicorp  as of
December 31, 1996 and additional  information  obtained by the Corporation,  399
Venture  Partners  currently  owns  approximately   18.13%  of  the  issued  and
outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock  and,  as of  September  1,  1997,  owned
$26,542,452 of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes. Based on
this  information  and assuming a November 14, 1997  effective date for the Note
Payment  Proposal,  399 Venture Partners would  beneficially  own  approximately
43.86% of the total number of shares of Common Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock
expected  to  be  outstanding   after  the   consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated by the Note Payment  Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal.  See
"Certain  Effects of the Note Payment  Proposal and  Reclassification  Proposal"
above.  M.  Saleem  Muqaddam,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the
Corporation, is a Vice President of 399 Venture Partners.

      According to a Schedule  13D amended  through  January 21,  1994,  Natasha
Partnership,  of which  Nathalie P.  Comfort is the sole general  partner,  owns
11.47% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. William T. Comfort,
the husband of Nathalie P. Comfort and a limited partner in Natasha Partnership,
is the  Chairman of 399 Venture  Partners  and owns  175.26266  shares of Junior
Preferred.  Stuyvesant P. Comfort, a director of the Corporation,  is the son of
William  T. Comfort  and Nathalie P. Comfort.  See  "Outstanding  Securities and
Voting Rights" above.


                                 OTHER BUSINESS

      As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no
other business which will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting.
As to other business, if any, that properly may come before the Special Meeting,
the Board of Directors  intends that  Proxies in the  accompanying  form will be
voted in  respect  thereof  in  accordance  with the  judgment  of the person or
persons voting the Proxies.


                              STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

      As stated in the Corporation's Proxy Statement for the 1997 annual meeting
of its stockholders,  stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 1998
annual  meeting of  stockholders  of the  Corporation  must be  received  by the
Corporation not later than November 26, 1997 for inclusion in the  Corporation's
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.


                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

      The following  Unaudited Pro Forma  Consolidated  Financial Data (the "Pro
Forma  Financial  Data") reflects (i) the issuance of shares of Common Stock and
Nonvoting Common Stock in payment of the Notes at the rate of one share for each
$9.00 of  outstanding  principal of and accrued  interest on the Notes (the Note
Payment  Proposal) and (ii) the effect of changing and  reclassifying all of the
Preferred  Stock into  shares of Common  Stock at the rate of one share for each
$9.00  of  liquidation  value  and  accrued   dividends  (the   Reclassification
Proposal).   The  following  Unaudited  Pro  Forma  Consolidated   Statement  of
Operations  for the year ended  February 2, 1997 and the six months ended August
3, 1997 gives effect to the Note Payment Proposal and Reclassification  Proposal
(collectively,  the  "Transactions") as if they had occurred on January 29, 1996
and excludes the one-time  extraordinary  gain to be recognized on the effective
date of the Transactions.  The Unaudited Pro Forma Balance Sheet gives effect to
the  Transactions  as if they had  occurred on August 3, 1997 and  includes  the
one-time  extraordinary  gain  to be  recognized  on the  effective  date of the
Transactions.

      If the Transactions are consummated, the actual number of shares of Common
Stock and Nonvoting  Common Stock which will be issued will differ somewhat from
the shares  assumed in the Pro Forma  Financial  Data. The effective date of the
Transactions,  if consummated, will occur at a date later than the dates assumed
for the Pro Forma Financial  Data, and the principal of and accrued  interest on
the Notes and the  liquidation  value of and accrued  dividends on the Preferred
Stock will be greater than the amounts assumed because of the additional accrual
of interest and dividends to the  effective  date of the  Transactions.  The Pro
Forma Financial Data do not purport to represent what the Corporation's  results
of operations  actually would have been if the  Transactions  had occurred as of
the dates indicated or what such results will be for any future periods.

      The  Pro  Forma  Financial  Data  is  based  upon   assumptions  that  the
Corporation  believes are reasonable and should be read in conjunction  with the
Consolidated  Financial Statements of the Corporation and the accompanying notes
thereto which are incorporated by reference in this document.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data
                                       (In thousands, except per share data)

                                             STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS


                                                Year Ended, February 2, 1997          Six Months Ended August 3, 1997
                                            ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>
                                                        Pro Forma                               Pro Forma
                                            Historical  Adjustment     Pro Forma    Historical  Adjustment     Pro Forma
                                            ----------  ----------     ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------
Sales ...................................   $  633,189                 $ 633,189    $  307,781                 $ 307,781
Cost of goods sold ......................      479,099                   479,099       233,011                   233,011
                                            ----------                 ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------
Gross profit ............................      154,090                   154,090        74,770                    74,770

Expenses
  Selling, general and administrative ...      125,105                   125,105        64,249                    64,249
  Interest ..............................       29,781      (4,473)(1)    25,308        15,417      (2,457)(1)    12,960
                                            ----------  ----------     ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------
                                               154,886      (4,473)      150,413        79,666      (2,457)       77,209
                                            ----------  ----------     ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------

(Loss) income before provision for
  income taxes ..........................         (796)      4,473         3,677        (4,896)      2,457        (2,439)
Income tax (provision) benefit ..........           --      (1,408)(2)    (1,408)           --         934 (2)       934
                                            ----------  ----------     ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------
Net (loss) income .......................         (796)      3,065         2,269        (4,896)      3,391        (1,505)
Less provision for preferred dividends
  and discount amortization .............          391        (391)(1)        --           270        (270)(1)        --
                                            ----------  ----------     ---------    ----------  ----------     ---------
Net (loss) income available for
  common shares .........................   $   ($,187) $    3,456     $   2,269    $   (5,166) $    3,661        (1,505)
                                            ==========  ==========     =========    ==========  ==========     =========

Net(loss) earnings per common share: ....       ($0.24)                    $0.26        ($1.03)                   ($0.17)
                                            ==========  ==========    ==========    ==========  ==========     =========
Weighted average shares outstanding          5,004,942   3,825,264 (3) 8,830,206     5,004,942   3,825,264 (3) 8,830,206
                                            ==========  ==========    ==========    ==========  ==========     =========
</TABLE>


(1)   To reflect the  reduction of interest  expense,  preferred  dividends  and
      discount amortization resulting from the Transactions as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      <S>                                              <C>                 <C>   
                                                            Interest Expense
                                                  ------------------------------------
                                                    Year Ended,      Six Months Ended,
                                                  February 2, 1997    August 3, 1997
                                                  ----------------   -----------------

      13.50% Senior Promissory Notes ................. $  723              $  397
      14.00% Subordinated Promissory Notes ...........  2,035               1,120
      14.25% Junior Subordinated Promissory Notes ....  1,555                 858
      Discount amortization ..........................    160                  82
                                                       ------              ------
                                                       $4,473              $2,457
                                                       ======              ======

                                                         Preferred Dividends and
                                                         Discount  Amortization
                                                       --------------------------

      16.25% Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock ....... $   90              $   65
      14.25% Junior Cumulative Preferred Stock .......    252                 180
      Discount amortization ..........................     49                  25
                                                       ------              ------
                                                       $  391              $  270
                                                       ======              ======
</TABLE>


(2)   To reflect pro forma income tax expense at the expected effective rate. No
      income tax benefit on losses was recorded  for the year ended  February 2,
      1997 and the six months ended August 3, 1997 due to uncertainty  regarding
      the  potential  utilization  of certain  tax loss  carryforwards.  Had the
      Transactions  occurred on January 29, 1996, a  substantial  portion of the
      Company's net operating loss and tax credit  carryforwards would have been
      utilized  at that  time.  Therefore,  on a pro  forma  basis,  income  tax
      (provision) benefit is shown at the expected effective rate.

(3)   To reflect the  issuance of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting  Common  Stock in
      payment of the Notes and from  reclassification  of the  PreferredStock at
      face or liquidation value and including accrued interest and dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                Notes     Preferred Stock     Total
                                              ---------   ---------------   --------- 
      Book value as of August 3, 1997 .......   $30,045       $1,900
      Accrued interest and dividends ........       858          587
      Unamortized discount ..................       796          241
                                              ---------      -------
      Redemption value as of August 3, 1997 .    31,699        2,728
      Transaction value per common share ....       /$9          /$9
                                              ---------      -------
      Common shares to be issued ............ 3,522,178      303,086        3,825,264
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data
                      (In thousands, except per share data)

                                  BALANCE SHEET

<S>                                                        <C>         <C>              <C>
                                                           August 3,    Pro Forma
    Assets                                                    1997     Adjustments (1)  Pro Forma
                                                           ---------   -----------      ---------
Current assets:
  Cash .................................................   $   8,485   $      (500)(2)  $   7,985
  Accounts receivable, less allowance
    for doubtful accounts of $50 in both years .........       7,679                        7,679
  Merchandise inventories ..............................     147,240                      147,240
  Prepaid expense ......................................       3,624                        3,624
                                                           ---------                    ---------
     Total current assets ..............................     167,028          (500)       166,528
  Property, buildings and equipment, net ...............      43,494                       43,494
  Leased property under capital leases, net ............      26,417                       26,417
  Deferred financing costs .............................       3,098                        3,098
  Other assets .........................................      20,244                       20,244
                                                           ---------   -----------      ---------
                                                             260,281          (500)       259,781
                                                           =========   ===========      =========
     Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable .....................................      53,315                       53,315
  Loan and security agreement ..........................      47,210                       47,210
  Accrued compensation .................................       4,320                        4,320
  Accrued interest .....................................       7,217          (858)         6,359
  Store closing reserve ................................       2,158                        2,158
  Other accrued expenses ...............................      13,499                       13,499
  Income taxes - deferred and current payable ..........      11,867                       11,867
  Current maturities of long-term debt .................          47                           47
  Current obligations under capital leases .............       1,749                        1,749
                                                           ---------   -----------      ---------
     Total current liabilities .........................     141,382          (858)       140,524

  Long-term debt, less current maturities ..............     170,386       (30,045)       140,341
  Obligations under capital leases,
    less current obligations ...........................      33,140                       33,140
  Other long-term liabilities ..........................       5,355                        5,355
  Commitments and contingencies                                   --                           --
  Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
    and reserve for dividends payable ..................       2,487        (2,487)            --
  Common shareholders' equity:
    Common stock, $.01 par value; ......................          50            38             88
  Additional paid-in capital ...........................         968        31,666         32,134
                                                                              (500)(2)
  Accumulated deficit ..................................     (93,487)        1,686        (91,801)
                                                           ---------   -----------      ---------
  Total common shareholders' deficit ...................     (92,469)       32,890        (59,579)
                                                           ---------   -----------      ---------
                                                           $ 260,281   $      (500)     $ 259,781
                                                           =========   ===========      =========
</TABLE>


(1)   To reflect the  issuance of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting  Common  Stock in
      payment of the Notes and from  reclassification  of the Preferred Stock at
      face or liquidation  value and including  accrued  interest and dividends,
      and the  extraordinary  gain on the  extinguishment  of  debt,  net of the
      related income tax effect. The extraordinary gain is based upon the recent
      stock market value of the Corporation's  Common Stock,  whereas the actual
      extraordinary  gain will be based on the fair  market  value of the Common
      Stock and Nonvoting Common Stock upon issuance.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     <S>                                                <C>            <C>          <C>    
                                                         Notes    Preferred Stock    Total
                                                        -------   ---------------   -------
      Carrying value at August 3, 1997 ...............  $30,903        $2,487       $33,390

      Fair value of common stock exchanged assuming
          a current market value of $6.00 per share ..   21,133         1,819        22,952
                                                        -------        ------       -------
      Pre-tax gain ...................................    9,770           668        10,438
      Less:  Income taxes ............................       --            --            --
                                                        -------        ------       -------
      Net gain .......................................    9,770           668        10,438
      Less:  Capital transaction .....................    8,084           668         8,752
                                                        -------        ------       -------
      Extraordinary gain .............................  $ 1,686        $   --       $ 1,686
                                                        =======        ======       =======
</TABLE>


 A majority of the Notes is held by an entity (399  Venture  Partners)  having a
 significant equity interest in the Corporation.  In accordance with APB No. 26,
 "Early  Extinquishment of Debt" the gain on such portion of the transactions is
 considered  a capital  transaction  recorded  directly  to  Additional  Paid-In
 Capital,  net of tax. The income tax effect of the note payment  transaction is
 calculated  assuming the  utilization  of the net operating loss and tax credit
 carryforwards.  The  reclassification  of the  Preferred  Stock  is a  tax-free
 reorganization.

(2)   Reflects estimated transaction costs of $500.


                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

      The  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal  year ended
February 2, 1997  accompanies this Proxy  Statement.  The following  sections of
such Form 10-K are incorporated in this Proxy Statement by reference:

      1.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
      2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis  of  Financial   Condition  and
            Results of Operations.

      The  Corporation's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the  quarter  ended
August 3, 1997 also accompanies this Proxy Statement and is incorporated  herein
by reference. The Corporation also incorporates herein by reference its Form 8-K
Current Report with a July 22, 1997 Date of Report.

   
      Dated October 14, 1997
    




                                        BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,



                                        FRANK A. WASHBURN,  SECRETARY










      THE CORPORATION WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON SOLICITED
      BY THIS PROXY STATEMENT, UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST  OF SUCH PERSON, A
      COPY OF THE CORPORATION'S ANNUAL  REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL
      YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1997, INCLUDING THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
      FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.  WRITTEN  REQUESTS FOR SUCH FORM 10-K
      SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO DAVID NILSSON, MANAGER OF INVESTOR  RELATIONS,
      PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION, POST OFFICE BOX 3856,  OMAHA,  NEBRASKA
      68103-0856.

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 1




                         ALEX. BROWN & SONS INCORPORATED
                           1290 Avenue of the Americas
                                   10th Floor
                            New York, New York 10104



                                                     Dated as of August 18, 1997




Board of Directors of Pamida Holdings Corporation
8800 "F" Street
Omaha, Nebraska  68127

Dears Sirs:

      Pamida Holdings  Corporation (the "Company") has entered into that certain
Note  Amendment  Agreement  No. 3, dated as of July 22,  1997 (the  "Amendment")
between the Company and 399 Venture Partners, Inc. ("Venture"), which amends the
"Notes" (as defined in the  Amendment).  Pursuant to the Amendment,  each of the
Notes shall be amended to be payable  solely in shares of the  Company's  stock,
with one share of either  Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common Stock of the Company
to be issued for each $9.00 of outstanding principal and accrued interest on the
Notes.  Such  issuance  will be  effected  as is  provided  in the  "Allonge  to
Promissory  Note",  the form of which is attached as Exhibit A to the Amendment.
Pursuant to the Amendment, the Allonge to Promissory Note shall become effective
upon,  and  shall be  dated  as of,  the  date of  stockholder  approval  of the
transactions  contemplated  by the Allonge to Promissory  Note and the requisite
number of  shares  and  amendment  to the terms of the  Nonvoting  Common  Stock
(substantially  in the form of  Exhibit  B to the  Amendment)  to be  issued  in
connection  with  transactions  contemplated by the Amendment and the Allonge to
Promissory Note.

      Further, the holders (the "Preferred Holders") of a majority of the issued
and  outstanding  shares of the  Company's  16.25% Senior  Cumulative  Preferred
Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 14.25% Junior Cumulative  Preferred Stock,
par value $1.00 per share (collectively the "Preferred Stock"), have voted their
shares of  Preferred  Stock by written  consents  (the  "Written  Consents")  to
approve the amendment of Section 4.2 of ARTICLE FOURTH of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (the "Amended Section") so that such Section 4.2 of
ARTICLE FOURTH shall read in its entirety as set forth in the Written  Consents.
Pursuant  to  the  Amended  Section,   upon  the  effectiveness   thereof,  each
outstanding  share of Preferred Stock shall be changed and reclassified into the
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the  Liquidation  Value (as defined in
the  Amended  Section)  of such shares of  Preferred  Stock  divided by nine and
rounded  up to the next  whole  number.  The  transactions  contemplated  by the
Allonge to  Promissory  Note are  subject to the  effectiveness  of the  Amended
Section.

      The transactions contemplated by the Amendment and the Amended Section are
referred  to  herein  as  the  "Transaction".   The  holders  of  the  Company's
outstanding  Common Stock are  referred to herein as the "Common  Stockholders".
You have  requested our opinion as to whether the  Transaction  is fair,  from a
financial point of view, to the Common Stockholders, in their capacity as such.

      Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated,  as a customary  part of its investment
banking business, is engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities
in  connection  with  recapitalizations,  mergers and  acquisitions,  negotiated
underwritings, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes.  We are  rendering  the  opinion  set  forth  herein  to the  Board of
Directors of the Company in connection  with the  Transaction and will receive a
fee for such  services and have  received  fees for  rendering  other  financial
advisory services to the Company.

      In  connection  with our  opinion,  we have  reviewed the  Amendment,  the
Amended  Section  and  the  documents  referred  to  therein,  certain  publicly
available  financial  information  concerning  the Company,  certain  non-public
information,  including  financial  forecasts,  furnished to us  concerning  the
Company,  and the  Preliminary  Proxy  Statement  filed with the  Securities and
Exchange  commission  on August 18,  1997 (the  "Preliminary  Proxy  Statement")
pertaining to the Transaction. We have also held discussions with members of the
senior  management  of the Company  regarding  its  business and  prospects.  In
addition,  we have (i) reviewed the reported price and trading  activity for the
common stock of the Company,  (ii) reviewed  certain  financial and stock market
information for the Company, and similar information for certain other companies
whose securities are publicly traded, and (iii) performed such other studies and
analyses, and considered such other factors, as we deemed appropriate.

      We have not  independently  verified the information  described above, and
for purposes of this opinion, and with your consent,  have assumed the accuracy,
completeness and fair presentation  thereof. With respect to financial forecasts
and other information  relating to the prospects of the Company, we have assumed
that such forecasts and other  information were reasonably  prepared and reflect
the  best  currently  available  estimates  and  good  faith  judgments  of  the
management of the Company as to the likely future  financial  performance of the
Company.  In  addition,  we have not  conducted  a  physical  inspection  of the
properties or facilities or made an  independent  evaluation or appraisal of the
assets of the Company,  nor have we been furnished  with any such  evaluation or
appraisal. Our opinion is based on financial,  economic,  monetary,  market, and
other  conditions  as they  exist  and can be  evaluated  as of the date of this
letter. We are not expressing any opinion as to the price at which the Company's
Common  Stock  will  trade  subsequent  to the  Transaction.  We  have  made  no
independent  investigation  of any legal matters  affecting the Company and have
assumed the  correctness  of all legal advice given to the Company and the Board
of Directors of the Company.

      Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated  did not  participate in negotiating the
terms of the  Transaction  and received no instruction  to, and did not, seek or
solicit alternative transactions.

      Our  opinion  expressed  herein was  prepared  for the use of the Board of
Directors  of the  Company  and  does not  constitute  a  recommendation  to any
stockholders  as to how such  stockholder  should vote. We hereby consent to the
inclusion of this  opinion in its entirety as an exhibit to any proxy  statement
distributed in connection with the Transaction.

      Based upon and subject to the foregoing,  it is our opinion that as of the
date of this letter, the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to
the Common Stockholders.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        ALEX. BROWN & SONS INCORPORATED



                                                                       EXHIBIT 2


                         NOTE AMENDMENT AGREEMENT NO. 3

      THIS NOTE AMENDMENT AGREEMENT NO. 3, dated as of July 22, 1997, is between
PAMIDA HOLDINGS  CORPORATION,  a Delaware  corporation (the "Company"),  and 399
VENTURE PARTNERS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Venture").

                                      * * *

      As  of  the  date  of  this   Agreement,   the  Company  has   outstanding
$5,315,118.09  principal  amount of 13.5% Senior  Promissory  Notes (the "Senior
Notes"),  $14,551,384.79  principal amount of 14% Subordinated  Promissory Notes
(the "Subordinated Notes") and $10,974,758.55  principal amount of 14.25% Junior
Subordinated  Promissory  Notes (the "Junior  Subordinated  Notes").  The Senior
Notes,  Subordinated  Notes  and  Junior  Subordinated  Notes  are  collectively
referred to herein as the "Notes".  Venture holds more than 50% of the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes, more than 50% of the aggregate
outstanding  principal amount of the Subordinated Notes and more than 50% of the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes. Venture
and the Company  have the power to amend the Notes  pursuant  to  paragraph 6 of
each of the Notes.  Venture and the  Company now desire to further  amend all of
the Notes, as previously amended pursuant to a Note Amendment Agreement dated as
of December 18, 1992, between the Company and Court Square Capital Limited,  and
a Note  Amendment  Agreement No. 2 dated as of March 1, 1993 between the Company
and Venture  (formerly  known as Citicorp  Investments  Inc.),  pursuant to this
Agreement.

      THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

      SECTION 1.  AMENDMENT  OF NOTES.  Each of the Notes shall be amended to be
payable  solely  in  shares  of the  Company's  stock  in  accordance  with  the
provisions  of the  following  sentence  of this  Section 1. One share of either
Common Stock of the Company  ("Common  Stock") or Nonvoting  Common Stock of the
Company ("Nonvoting Common Stock") shall be issued for each $9.00 of outstanding
principal and accrued  interest as provided in the "Allonge to Promissory  Note"
in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the  "Allonge")  which shall  become  effective
upon satisfaction of certain conditions as provided in Section 4 hereof.

      SECTION 2.  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  OF THE COMPANY.  The Company
hereby  represents  and  warrants  to Venture  that,  subject to approval by the
Company's stockholders as provided in Section 4 hereof, the execution,  delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated hereby have
been duly  authorized  by the Company;  and that  execution  and delivery by the
Company  of this  Agreement  and the  issuance  of  shares  of  Common  Stock or
Nonvoting  Common Stock as  contemplated  by the Allonge do not and will not (i)
conflict with or result in a breach of the terms,  conditions or provisions  of,
(ii)  constitute  a default  under,  (iii)  result in the  creation of any lien,
security  interest,  charge or encumbrances  upon the Company's capital stock or
assets  pursuant  to,  (iv) give any third  party  the right to  accelerate  any
obligation   under,   (v)  result  in  a  violation  of,  or  (vi)  require  any
authorization,  consent, approval, exemption or other action by or notice to any
court or  administrative  or  governmental  body (other than in connection  with
certain state and federal  securities  laws) pursuant to the Company's  Restated
Certificate of  Incorporation,  as amended,  or the Company's Revised Bylaws, as
amended, or any law, statute, rule, regulation,  instrument,  order, judgment or
decree  to  which  the  Company  or  any  of its  subsidiaries  or any of  their
respective  properties  is subject,  or any agreement or instrument to which the
Company  or  any of its  subsidiaries  is a  party  or any of  their  respective
properties is subject.  The Company  further  represents and warrants to Venture
that the authorized equity capital of the Company as of the date hereof consists
of  10,000,000  shares  of Common  Stock,  par value  $.01 per  share,  of which
5,004,942  shares  are  issued  and  outstanding,  514  shares of 16.25%  Senior
Cumulative  Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Senior Preferred"),
of which  513.95939  shares are issued and  outstanding,  6,987 shares of 14.25%
Junior  Cumulative  Preferred  Stock,  par value  $1.00 per share  (the  "Junior
Preferred"),  of which  1,626.86016  shares  are  issued  and  outstanding,  and
2,000,000  shares of Nonvoting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, no shares
of which are issued and outstanding;  that,  except for 345,042 shares of Common
Stock reserved for issuance  under the Pamida  Holdings  Corporation  1992 Stock
Option Plan and except as contemplated  hereby,  there are no outstanding rights
to acquire shares of the Company through options, warrants, conversion rights or
otherwise;  that the liquidation  value (as determined  pursuant to the terms of
the Restated  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as in effect as of the
date hereof) for the Senior  Preferred and the Junior  Preferred,  respectively,
was $669,300.42 and  $2,058,471.04  as of May 31, 1997; and that, as of the date
hereof,  the Company has outstanding  $5,315,118.09  principal  amount of Senior
Notes,  $14,551,384.79 principal amount of Subordinated Notes and $10,974,758.55
principal amount of Junior  Subordinated  Notes. The Company further  represents
and agrees that it shall not issue any additional  shares of capital stock prior
to the effective  date of the amendments to the Notes effected by the Allonge as
determined  pursuant to Section 4 hereof,  other than  issuances of shares under
the Pamida  Holdings  Corporation  1992 Stock  Option  Plan,  without  the prior
written consent of Venture.

      SECTION 3.  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  OF VENTURE.  Venture  hereby
represents  and  warrants to the Company that it is the sole and lawful owner of
$3,915,677.52 of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes,
$10,629,263.60 of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Subordinated
Notes and  $10,974,758.55 of the aggregate  outstanding  principal amount of the
Junior  Subordinated  Notes as of the date  hereof;  that it has full  right and
lawful  authority,  without  the  consent of anyone  whose  consent has not been
given,  to enter into,  execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions  contemplated  hereby; and that M. Saleem Muqaddam has authority to
execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and to carry  out its terms on behalf of
Venture.

      SECTION 4.  CONDITIONS TO  EFFECTIVENESS OF AMENDMENT. The  amendments  to
the Notes effected by the Allonge shall become  effective upon the  satisfaction
of all of the following conditions:  (i) the requisite approval by the Company's
stockholders  pursuant to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the transactions contemplated by the Allonge and the concurrent authorization by
the Company's  stockholders pursuant to the General Corporation law of the State
of  Delaware  of the  requisite  number of shares  of the  Common  Stock and the
requisite  number of shares and amendment to the terms of the  Nonvoting  Common
Stock (substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto) to be issued in connection
with such transactions, (ii) the change and reclassification of each outstanding
share of  Senior  Preferred  and each  outstanding  share  of  Junior  Preferred
(collectively,  the "Preferred Stock") into the number of shares of Common Stock
of the  Company  equal to the  liquidation  value  of the  Preferred  Stock  (as
determined pursuant to the terms of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company as in effect as of the date hereof) plus any unpaid  Preferred Stock
dividends  not  included  in the  liquidation  value  accrued as of the close of
business on the  effective  date of the change and  reclassification  divided by
nine and,  on an  individual  shareholder  basis,  rounded  up to the next whole
number,  and (iii) the receipt by the Company of a favorable  opinion from Alex.
Brown & Sons,  Incorporated as to the fairness of the transactions  contemplated
by the Allonge and the change and reclassification of the Preferred Stock to the
present  holders  of  Common  Stock  of the  Company.  If all of the  conditions
referred to in the preceding  sentence are not satisfied on or prior to December
31, 1997,  then this Agreement shall be null and void and of no further force or
effect.

      SECTION 5.  NO COMMISSIONS.  Each  party  represents  and  agrees  that no
commission or other  remuneration  has been or will be paid or given directly or
indirectly  for  soliciting  the execution or delivery of this  Amendment or the
transactions contemplated hereby.

      SECTION 6.  SECURITIES LAW  RESTRICTIONS.  The shares of Nonvoting  Common
Stock  or  Common  Stock  to be  issued  to  Venture  either  initially  or upon
conversion of Nonvoting Common Stock shall be restricted  securities  within the
meaning  of  Rule  144  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933,  as  amended  (the
"Securities  Act"),  and shall bear an appropriate  legend.  Venture agrees that
such shares may be  transferred  only pursuant to Rule 144 under the  Securities
Act or another available  exemption from  registration  under the Securities Act
if, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such other exemption is available.
All other  holders of Notes will  receive  unrestricted  shares of Common  Stock
provided  that  they  have  continually  held the  Notes  for at least two years
(calculated  in  accordance  with Rule 144) and have not been  affiliates of the
Company for at least three months as of the effective date of the Allonge.

      SECTION 7.  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in
two or more  counterparts,  any one of which need not contain the  signatures of
more than one party,  but all such  counterparts  taken together will constitute
one and the same Agreement.

      SECTION  8.  DESCRIPTIVE  HEADINGS.   The  descriptive  headings  of  this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.

      SECTION 9.  GOVERNING  LAW. All  questions  concerning  the  construction,
validity and  interpretation  of this Agreement will be governed by the internal
law, and not the law of conflicts, of Delaware.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.



                                        PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION


                                        By:/S/ STEVEN S. FISHMAN
                                           Steven S. Fishman, Chairman of
                                           the Board and Chief Executive Officer


                                           399 VENTURE PARTNERS, INC.


                                        By:/S/ M. SALEEM MUQADDAM
                                           M. Saleem Muqaddam, Vice President



                                    EXHIBIT A



                           ALLONGE TO PROMISSORY NOTE

      The Promissory Note  ("Promissory  Note") of Pamida  Holdings  Corporation
(the "Company")  described below is hereby amended by this Allonge to Promissory
Note which shall form part of the Promissory  Note and shall supersede the terms
and conditions of the Promissory Note to the extent inconsistent herewith.

      1.  PAYMENT.  The entire  outstanding principal balance of this Promissory
Note as of the date hereof (including  amounts previously added to the principal
balance in payment of interest)  ("Principal")  and interest  accrued under this
Promissory  Note from the most recent  Quarterly  Payment  Date through the date
immediately  preceding the date hereof as set forth below  ("Interest") shall be
due and payable on the date  hereof in the number of shares of Common  Stock (or
Nonvoting  Common  Stock if  Section  2 hereof  is  applicable)  of the  Company
calculated as follows:  The number of shares to be issued in full payment of all
of the Company's  obligations  under this Promissory Note shall equal the sum of
the Principal and Interest  divided by nine (9) and rounded up to the next whole
number.

      2.  NONVOTING  COMMON STOCK.  Notwithstanding  the provisions of Section 1
hereof,  if the  payment  of this  Promissory  Note in shares  of  Common  Stock
together  with the  contemporaneous  payment in shares of Common  Stock of other
presently outstanding promissory notes of the Company held by the holder of this
Promissory  Note would have the effect of causing  the  registered  holder (or a
group acting in concert as a partnership or other group of which the holder is a
member) to become the  beneficial  owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under
the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended) of securities of the Company
representing  30% or  more  of the  combined  voting  power  of the  outstanding
securities  of the  Company  ordinarily  (and apart from  rights  arising  under
special  circumstances)  having the right to vote in the election of  directors,
then this Promissory  Note shall be payable in shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock
(as  constituted  as of the close of  business  on the date  hereof)  in lieu of
Common Stock.  Except for such right to vote,  shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock
shall be equal in all respects to the Common Stock and shall be convertible into
the same number of shares of Common Stock under certain conditions.

      3.  AUTOMATIC CONVERSION.  Effective on the date hereof,  this  Promissory
Note  automatically  and without  further  action being required shall be deemed
converted  solely into the right to receive the  applicable  number of shares of
Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  as the case may be, as  calculated in
accordance  with this Allonge to Promissory  Note; and the registered  holder of
this Promissory Note thereafter  shall have no rights under this Promissory Note
except to receive such number of shares.

      4.  DISCHARGE AND CANCELLATION. This Promissory Note is hereby discharged,
and  the  Company  shall  be  forever  released  from  all its  obligations  and
liabilities under this Promissory Note,  subject only to issuance of such shares
of Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  as the case may be, which shall be
delivered  to the  registered  holder upon  surrender  of this  Promissory  Note
(including this Allonge to Promissory  Note) to the Company for cancellation and
will not be reissued.

      5.  NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS. Nothing contained in this Promissory Note shall
be construed as conferring  upon the  registered  holder or any other person the
right to vote or to consent or to receive  notice as a stockholder in respect of
meetings of  stockholders  for the  election of directors of the Company or with
respect to any other matters or any rights  whatsoever  as a stockholder  of the
Company;  and no dividends or interest shall  hereafter be payable or accrued in
respect of this Note or the interest represented hereby or the shares obtainable
hereunder  until,  and only to the extent that,  this Promissory Note shall have
been  surrendered and shares shall have been issued to the registered  holder in
accordance with the terms of this Allonge to Promissory Note.

      6.  PLACE OF TENDER.  Tender  of  this  Promissory  Note  (including  this
Allonge to Promissory Note) is to be made at the offices of the Company,  Pamida
Holdings Corporation,  8800 "F" Street,  Omaha, Nebraska 68127-1574,  Attention:
Chief  Financial  Officer or to such other address as specified by prior written
notice from the Company to the registered holder of this Promissory Note. Shares
of Common Stock will be delivered to the  registered  holder  promptly upon such
tender at such holder's address as set forth on the records of the Company.

      7.  GOVERNING LAW. This Promissory Note shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of Delaware,  excluding that body of law relating to
conflict of laws.

      8.  HEADINGS;  REFERENCES.  All  headings   used   herein  are   used  for
convenience  only and shall not be used to construe or interpret this Promissory
Note. Except where otherwise indicated,  all references herein to sections refer
to sections hereof.

      9.  DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Allonge to Promissory Note, "Common
Stock" means Common Stock of the Company,  and  "Nonvoting  Common  Stock" means
Nonvoting Common Stock of the Company.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed and delivered this Allonge to
Promissory Note on _________________, 1997.

                                        PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION


                                        By:________________________________
                                           Steven S. Fishman, Chairman of the
                                           Board and Chief Executive Officer


This Allonge to Promissory Note amends the Promissory Note described below:

Series:
Date:
Registered Holder:
Principal (including amounts
added in payment of interest):
Interest:
Total Principal and Interest:
Shares to be issued in full payment of this Promissory Note 
      Number of shares:
      Class:


Endorsed and Tendered
for Exchange in Accordance
with this Allonge to Promissory Note


____________________________________
Registered Holder

By:_________________________________

Its:________________________________

Date:_______________________________


                                    EXHIBIT B

                             NONVOTING COMMON STOCK

      Part 4 of Section 4.3 of Article  Fourth of the  Restated  Certificate  of
Incorporation  of the  Corporation  shall be amended to read in its  entirety as
follows:

      Part 4.  CONVERSION.

      4A.   CONVERSION OF NONVOTING COMMON STOCK.

            Each holder of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock shall be entitled to
      convert  into the same number of shares of Common Stock any or all of such
      holder's shares of Nonvoting Common Stock if (i) such conversion would not
      have the effect of causing  such holder (or a group acting in concert as a
      partnership or other group of which such holder is a member) to become the
      beneficial  owner  (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the  Securities
      Exchange  Act of  1934,  as  amended)  of  securities  of the  Corporation
      representing  30% or more of the combined  voting power of the outstanding
      securities of the  Corporation  ordinarily  (and apart from rights arising
      under special  circumstances)  having the right to vote in the election of
      directors  (hereinafter,   a  "30%  Holder");   provided,  however,  that,
      notwithstanding   the   foregoing   provisions  of  this  clause  (i),  if
      immediately  prior to a transfer of shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock to a
      transferee  holder,  the  transferor  of such shares would have been a 30%
      Holder if its  holdings of Nonvoting  Common  Stock were deemed  converted
      into shares of Common Stock,  then the transferee holder of such shares of
      Nonvoting  Common Stock shall not have the right to convert such shares of
      Nonvoting  Common Stock into shares of Common Stock until the  sixty-first
      day  after  the  date  of  the  transfer,  or  (ii)  the  11  3/4%  Senior
      Subordinated Notes due 2003 of Pamida,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation (the
      "Senior  Subordinated  Notes")  are not  outstanding  and  have  not  been
      replaced with a debt issue with comparable provisions requiring redemption
      or otherwise  imposing  requirements or restrictions on the Corporation or
      the issuer of such  replacement  debt issue in the event a person or group
      becomes  a 30%  Holder.  For  purposes  of this Part 4, a  "person"  shall
      include  any  natural  person  and  any  corporation,  partnership,  joint
      venture,   trust,   unincorporated   organization,   or  other  entity  or
      organization.

      4B.   CONVERSION PROCEDURE.

            (i)  Each conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock into shares
      of  Common  Stock  pursuant  to Part 4A  above  shall be  effected  by the
      surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be
      converted at the principal  office of the  Corporation  at any time during
      normal  business  hours,  together with a written  notice by the holder of
      such shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock stating that such holder desires to
      convert the shares,  or a stated number of the shares, of Nonvoting Common
      Stock  represented  by such  certificate  or  certificates  into shares of
      Common Stock.  Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected as of
      the  close  of  business  on  the  date  on  which  such   certificate  or
      certificates have been surrendered and such notice has been received,  and
      at such time the rights of the holder of the converted shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock as such holder shall cease and the person or persons in whose
      name or names the certificate or  certificates  for shares of Common Stock
      are to be issued upon such  conversion  shall be deemed to have become the
      holder or  holders  of record of the  shares of Common  Stock  represented
      thereby.

            (ii) Promptly  after  the  surrender  of such  certificates  and the
      receipt of such written notice, the Corporation shall issue and deliver in
      accordance with the surrendering holder's instructions (a) the certificate
      or  certificates  for the  shares  of  Common  Stock  issuable  upon  such
      conversion  and (b) a  certificate  representing  any shares of  Nonvoting
      Common Stock which were  represented by the  certificate  or  certificates
      surrendered  to the  Corporation  in connection  with such  conversion but
      which were not converted.

            (iii)The issuance of  certificates  for  shares of Common Stock upon
      conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock will be made without charge
      to the holders of such shares for any issuance  tax in respect  thereof or
      other cost incurred by the  Corporation in connection with such conversion
      and the related issuance of shares of Common Stock.

            (iv) The  Corporation  at all times shall reserve and keep available
      out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock,  solely for the
      purpose of issuance  upon the  conversion  of shares of  Nonvoting  Common
      Stock,  such number of shares of Common Stock as may be issuable  upon the
      conversion of all outstanding shares of Nonvoting Common Stock. All shares
      of Common  Stock which are so issuable  shall,  when  issued,  be duly and
      validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable,  and free from all taxes,
      liens, and charges.  The Corporation shall take all such actions as may be
      necessary  to assure that all such shares of Common Stock may be so issued
      without violation of any applicable law or governmental  regulation or any
      requirements  of any  domestic  securities  exchange  upon which shares of
      Common Stock may be listed  (except for official  notice of issuance which
      will be immediately transmitted by the Corporation upon issuance).

            (v)  The Corporation  shall not close its books against the transfer
      of shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock or shares of Common Stock issued or
      issuable upon conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock in any manner
      which would  interfere  with the timely  conversion of shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock.

            (vi) If the  Corporation  in any manner  subdivides  or combines the
      outstanding  shares of Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  then the
      outstanding  shares  of the  other  of such  classes  of  stock  shall  be
      proportionately subdivided or combined in a similar manner.



                                                                       EXHIBIT 3


Text  of  Proposed   Amendment  to  Section  4.2  of  Restated   Certificate  of
Incorporation of Pamida Holdings Corporation.

                     4.2 RECLASSIFICATION OF PREFERRED STOCK

            Upon the  effectiveness  of this  Certificate  of  Amendment  of the
      Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of the Corporation (the "Effective
      Date"),  each  outstanding  share of Senior Preferred and each outstanding
      share of Junior Preferred shall be changed and  reclassified,  without any
      other action being required on the part of the respective holders thereof,
      into the number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation calculated as
      follows:  The  number  of shares  of  Common  Stock to be  issued  for the
      outstanding  shares of Senior  Preferred and Junior Preferred held by each
      holder  thereof shall be equal to the  Liquidation  Value of such holder's
      shares of Senior  Preferred and Junior  Preferred  divided by nine (9) and
      rounded up to the next whole number. The "Liquidation Value" of each share
      of Senior Preferred or Junior  Preferred shall mean the Liquidation  Value
      as  determined  pursuant to the terms of Section 4.2 of Article  Fourth of
      the Restated  Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation as in effect
      immediately  prior to the  Effective  Date plus any unpaid  dividends  not
      included in the  Liquidation  Value accrued from the most recent  Dividend
      Reference  Date (as such term is defined in the  Restated  Certificate  of
      Incorporation  of the  Corporation as in effect  immediately  prior to the
      Effective Date) to the close of business on the Effective Date.

            At and  after  the  Effective  Date,  holders  of  shares  of Senior
      Preferred  and  Junior  Preferred,  upon  surrender  of a  certificate  or
      certificates  for such  shares to the  Corporation,  shall be  entitled to
      receive in replacement  thereof a certificate  representing  the number of
      shares of Common Stock of the Corporation  into which the aggregate number
      of shares of Senior  Preferred  or  Junior  Preferred  represented  by the
      certificate or  certificates  so  surrendered  shall have been changed and
      reclassified pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Section 4.2. From
      and after the Effective Date, until surrendered and replaced in accordance
      with this paragraph,  each such certificate  representing shares of Senior
      Preferred or Junior  Preferred shall be deemed for all corporate  purposes
      to represent the number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation  into
      which such shares of Senior  Preferred or Junior Preferred shall have been
      changed and  reclassified  pursuant  to the  preceding  paragraph  of this
      Section  4.2;  provided,  however,  that the rights of the holders of such
      certificates  representing  shares of Senior Preferred or Junior Preferred
      (i) to vote and  (ii) to  receive  dividends  and  distributions,  if any,
      payable to holders of Common Stock of the Corporation shall be governed by
      the following  provisions of this paragraph.  After the Effective Date, no
      holder of shares of Senior  Preferred or Junior  Preferred  shall have the
      right to vote on any matter  submitted  to a vote of the holders of Common
      Stock of the  Corporation  until the  Corporation,  in accordance with the
      provisions of this paragraph,  has issued to such holder a certificate for
      the shares of Common  Stock of the  Corporation  into which such shares of
      Senior   Preferred  or  Junior  Preferred  shall  have  been  changed  and
      reclassified  pursuant to the  preceding  paragraph  of this  Section 4.2.
      Unless and until the  certificate or certificates  representing  shares of
      Senior  Preferred  or  Junior  Preferred  have  been  surrendered  to  the
      Corporation  as  contemplated  in this  paragraph,  no  dividends or other
      distributions  payable to holders of Common Stock of the Corporation as of
      a record date at or after the  Effective  Date shall be paid to any holder
      of such  certificate or  certificates.  Subject to the effect of unclaimed
      property,  escheat,  and other applicable laws, after the surrender of any
      such certificate for shares of Senior Preferred or Junior Preferred, there
      shall be paid to the record  holder of the  shares of Common  Stock of the
      Corporation  issued in replacement of such certificate,  without interest,
      (i) the amount of dividends or other  distributions  with a record date at
      or after the Effective Date but prior to such surrender  theretofore  paid
      with respect to such shares of Common Stock of the Corporation and (ii) on
      the   appropriate   payment  date,   the  amount  of  dividends  or  other
      distributions  with a record date at or after the Effective Date but prior
      to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such surrender  payable
      with respect to such shares of Common Stock of the  Corporation.  From and
      after the Effective Date, the stock transfer books of the Corporation with
      respect to the Senior  Preferred and the Junior Preferred shall be closed,
      and no transfer of any of such shares  thereafter shall be made. If, after
      the Effective Date,  certificates for shares of Senior Preferred or Junior
      Preferred  are  presented  to the  Corporation  for  transfer,  then  such
      certificates shall be cancelled and replaced by certificates issued in the
      name of the transferee  representing  the appropriate  number of shares of
      Common Stock of the Corporation as provided in this paragraph.



                                                                       EXHIBIT 4


      Text  of Proposed  Amendment  to  Section 4.1 of  Restated  Certificate of
      Incorporation  of Pamida Holdings Corporation.



                                  4.1 GENERAL

            The  total  number of shares  of stock  which  the  Corporation  has
      authority to issue is 29,002,141 consisting of:

            (i)  514 shares of 16.25%  Senior Cumulative  Preferred  Stock,  par
                 value $1.00 per share (the "Senior Preferred");

            (ii) 1,627 shares of 14.25% Junior  Cumulative  Preferred Stock, par
                 value $1.00 per share (the "Junior Preferred");

            (iii)25,000,000  shares of Common  Stock, par value  $.01  per share
                 (the "Common Stock"); and

            (iv) 4,000,000  shares of Nonvoting Common Stock, par value $.01 per
                 share (the "Nonvoting Common Stock").


   
                                      * * *

               Obsolete Provisions to be Deleted from Section 4.1:

      "The Senior Preferred and the Junior  Preferred are collectively  referred
to in this ARTICLE FOURTH as the "Preferred Stock".

      The  Common  Stock  previously  was  designated  in  this  Certificate  of
Incorporation  as "Class A Common Stock" and  previously was referred to in this
ARTICLE  FOURTH as "Class A Common".  All  remaining  references in this ARTICLE
FOURTH to Class A Common shall mean Common Stock.

      When this  Section  4.1, as amended,  becomes  effective  (the  "Effective
Time"),  and  without  any  further  action  being  required  on the part of the
Corporation or its  stockholders,  each share of Common Stock  (formerly Class A
Common) then outstanding  automatically  shall be split up and changed into five
(5) shares of Common Stock.  Each certificate  outstanding at the Effective Time
which prior to the Effective Time represented one or more shares of Common Stock
thereafter  shall  continue  to  represent  the same  number of shares of Common
Stock; and the Corporation promptly after the Effective Time shall issue to each
holder of record of Common Stock at the close of business on the day immediately
preceding the day on which the Effective  Time occurs an additional  certificate
representing the additional shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be
entitled by reason of the split-up  and change of the Common Stock  provided for
in this paragraph.  However,  notwithstanding  the foregoing  provisions of this
paragraph,  such  split-up  shall be effected  in such a manner as to  eliminate
fractional interests in shares of the Common Stock; accordingly,  there shall be
issued to each  holder of Common  Stock who is  entitled  to receive  additional
shares of Common  Stock as a result of such  split-up  that  number of shares of
Common  Stock  which will result in the total  number of shares of Common  Stock
held by such holder  being a whole number of shares of Common Stock equal to (i)
five (5)  times  the  number of  shares  of  Common  Stock  held by such  holder
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time less (ii) any  fraction of a share of
Common  Stock which would  result from such  multiplication;  and in lieu of the
fraction of a share referred to in the preceding clause (ii), promptly after the
Effective Time the Corporation  shall pay to such holder in cash an amount equal
to such fraction multiplied by $16.00."
    



                                                                       EXHIBIT 5



Text  of  Proposed   Amendment  to  Section  4.3  of  Restated   Certificate  of
Incorporation  of Pamida Holdings Corporation.



                   4.3 COMMON STOCK AND NONVOTING COMMON STOCK

            Except as  otherwise  provided in this  Section 4.3 or as  otherwise
      required  by  applicable  law,  all shares of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting
      Common Stock shall be  identical  in all  respects  and shall  entitle the
      holders  thereof to the same  rights and  privileges,  subject to the same
      qualifications, limitations, and restrictions.

            Part 1.  VOTING RIGHTS.

            Except as  otherwise  provided  in this  Section  4.3 or in  ARTICLE
      ELEVENTH or as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of Common
      Stock  shall be  entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted
      on by the Corporation's stockholders,  and the holders of Nonvoting Common
      Stock  shall  have no right to vote on any  matters  to be voted on by the
      Corporation's stockholders; provided, that the holders of Nonvoting Common
      Stock  shall have the right to vote as a  separate  class on any merger or
      consolidation  of the Corporation with or into another entity or entities,
      or any  recapitalization  or reorganization,  in which shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock would receive or be exchanged for consideration  different on
      a per share basis from the  consideration  received  with respect to or in
      exchange  for  shares  of  Common  Stock or  would  otherwise  be  treated
      differently  from shares of Common Stock,  except that shares of Nonvoting
      Common  Stock may,  without  such a  separate  class  vote,  receive or be
      exchanged for non-voting securities which are otherwise identical on a per
      share  basis in amount and form to the  voting  securities  received  with
      respect  to or in  exchange  for the  Common  Stock  so  long as (i)  such
      non-voting  securities are convertible into voting  securities on the same
      terms as  Nonvoting  Common Stock is  convertible  into Common Stock under
      Part 4 of this Section 4.3 and (ii) all other  consideration is equal on a
      per share basis.

            Part 2.  DIVIDENDS

            As and when dividends are declared or paid thereon, whether in cash,
      property,  or securities of the  Corporation,  the holders of Common Stock
      and the holders of Nonvoting Common Stock shall be entitled to participate
      in such  dividends  ratably on a per share  basis;  provided,  that (i) if
      dividends  are  declared  which are  payable in shares of Common  Stock or
      Nonvoting Common Stock, then dividends shall be declared which are payable
      at the same rate on both classes of stock, the dividends payable in shares
      of Common  Stock  shall be payable to  holders  of Common  Stock,  and the
      dividends  payable in shares of Nonvoting Common Stock shall be payable to
      holders of  Nonvoting  Common Stock and (ii) if the  dividends  consist of
      other voting  securities of the  Corporation,  the Corporation  shall make
      available  to each holder of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  at such  holder's
      request,  dividends consisting of non-voting securities of the Corporation
      which are  otherwise  identical  to such voting  securities  and which are
      convertible  into or exchangeable  for such voting  securities on the same
      terms as  Nonvoting  Common Stock is  convertible  into Common Stock under
      Part 4 of this Section 4.3.

            Part 3.  LIQUIDATION.

            Except as otherwise  provided by  applicable  law or by the Restated
      Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or any amendments thereto,
      in the  event  of  any  liquidation,  dissolution,  or  winding  up of the
      Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Common Stock
      and the  holders of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  shall be entitled to share,
      ratably  according to the number of shares of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting
      Common  Stock held by them,  in all  remaining  assets of the  Corporation
      available for distribution to its stockholders.

            Part 4.  CONVERSION.

      4A.   CONVERSION OF NONVOTING COMMON STOCK.

            Each holder of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock shall be entitled to
      convert  into the same number of shares of Common Stock any or all of such
      holder's shares of Nonvoting Common Stock if (i) such conversion would not
      have the effect of causing  such holder (or a group acting in concert as a
      partnership or other group of which such holder is a member) to become the
      beneficial  owner  (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the  Securities
      Exchange  Act of  1934,  as  amended)  of  securities  of the  Corporation
      representing  30% or more of the combined  voting power of the outstanding
      securities of the  Corporation  ordinarily  (and apart from rights arising
      under special  circumstances)  having the right to vote in the election of
      directors  (hereinafter,   a  "30%  Holder");   provided,  however,  that,
      notwithstanding   the   foregoing   provisions  of  this  clause  (i),  if
      immediately  prior to a transfer of shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock to a
      transferee  holder,  the  transferor  of such shares would have been a 30%
      Holder if its  holdings of Nonvoting  Common  Stock were deemed  converted
      into shares of Common Stock,  then the transferee holder of such shares of
      Nonvoting  Common Stock shall not have the right to convert such shares of
      Nonvoting  Common Stock into shares of Common Stock until the  sixty-first
      day  after  the  date  of  the  transfer,  or  (ii)  the  11  3/4%  Senior
      Subordinated Notes due 2003 of Pamida,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation (the
      "Senior  Subordinated  Notes")  are not  outstanding  and  have  not  been
      replaced with a debt issue with comparable provisions requiring redemption
      or otherwise  imposing  requirements or restrictions on the Corporation or
      the issuer of such  replacement  debt issue in the event a person or group
      becomes  a 30%  Holder.  For  purposes  of this Part 4, a  "person"  shall
      include  any  natural  person  and  any  corporation,  partnership,  joint
      venture,   trust,   unincorporated   organization,   or  other  entity  or
      organization.

      4B.   CONVERSION PROCEDURE.

            (i)  Each conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock into shares
      of  Common  Stock  pursuant  to Part 4A  above  shall be  effected  by the
      surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be
      converted at the principal  office of the  Corporation  at any time during
      normal  business  hours,  together with a written  notice by the holder of
      such shares of Nonvoting  Common Stock stating that such holder desires to
      convert the shares,  or a stated number of the shares, of Nonvoting Common
      Stock  represented  by such  certificate  or  certificates  into shares of
      Common Stock.  Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected as of
      the  close  of  business  on  the  date  on  which  such   certificate  or
      certificates have been surrendered and such notice has been received,  and
      at such time the rights of the holder of the converted shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock as such holder shall cease and the person or persons in whose
      name or names the certificate or  certificates  for shares of Common Stock
      are to be issued upon such  conversion  shall be deemed to have become the
      holder or  holders  of record of the  shares of Common  Stock  represented
      thereby.

            (ii) Promptly  after the  surrender  of such   certificates  and the
      receipt of such written notice, the Corporation shall issue and deliver in
      accordance with the surrendering holder's instructions (a) the certificate
      or  certificates  for the  shares  of  Common  Stock  issuable  upon  such
      conversion  and (b) a  certificate  representing  any shares of  Nonvoting
      Common Stock which were  represented by the  certificate  or  certificates
      surrendered  to the  Corporation  in connection  with such  conversion but
      which were not converted.

            (iii)The issuance of  certificates  for shares  of Common Stock upon
      conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock will be made without charge
      to the holders of such shares for any issuance  tax in respect  thereof or
      other cost incurred by the  Corporation in connection with such conversion
      and the related issuance of shares of Common Stock.

            (iv) The  Corporation  at all times shall reserve and keep available
      out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock,  solely for the
      purpose of issuance  upon the  conversion  of shares of  Nonvoting  Common
      Stock,  such number of shares of Common Stock as may be issuable  upon the
      conversion of all outstanding shares of Nonvoting Common Stock. All shares
      of Common  Stock which are so issuable  shall,  when  issued,  be duly and
      validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable,  and free from all taxes,
      liens, and charges.  The Corporation shall take all such actions as may be
      necessary  to assure that all such shares of Common Stock may be so issued
      without violation of any applicable law or governmental  regulation or any
      requirements  of any  domestic  securities  exchange  upon which shares of
      Common Stock may be listed  (except for official  notice of issuance which
      will be immediately transmitted by the Corporation upon issuance).

            (v)  The Corporation  shall not close its books against the transfer
      of shares of  Nonvoting  Common  Stock or shares of Common Stock issued or
      issuable upon conversion of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock in any manner
      which would  interfere  with the timely  conversion of shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock.

            (vi) If the  Corporation  in any manner  subdivides  or combines the
      outstanding  shares of Common Stock or Nonvoting  Common  Stock,  then the
      outstanding  shares  of the  other  of such  classes  of  stock  shall  be
      proportionately subdivided or combined in a similar manner.

            Part 5.  AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.

            No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Section 4.3 shall be
      effective  without the prior  approval of the holders of a majority of the
      then  outstanding  shares of  Nonvoting  Common Stock voting as a separate
      class."

   
                                      * * *

               Obsolete Provisions to be Deleted from Section 4.3:

      Deletion from Part 2:

            "The  rights of the  holders of Common  Stock and  Nonvoting  Common
            Stock to receive  dividends  are  subject to the  provisions  of the
            Preferred  Stock,  but the holders of  Preferred  Stock shall not be
            entitled to receive any  dividends  in excess of those to which they
            shall  be  entitled   pursuant  to  the  Restated   Certificate   of
            Incorporation of the Corporation or any amendments thereto."


      Deletions from Part 3:

            "after  payment  shall have been made to the  holders  of  Preferred
            Stock of the full  amounts to which they shall be entitled  pursuant
            to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of the Corporation or
            any amendments thereto,"

            "to the exclusion of the holders of Preferred Stock,"
    




                                      PROXY


                           PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
     PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 14, 1997


           THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


      The undersigned hereby  constitutes and appoints Steven S. Fishman,  Frank
A.  Washburn,  and George R.  Mihalko,  and each or any of them,  attorneys  and
proxies of the undersigned,  with full power of substitution to each of them, to
vote all stock of Pamida Holdings  Corporation (the  "Corporation")  standing in
the name of the  undersigned  at the  special  meeting  of  stockholders  of the
Corporation to be held at the office of the Corporation, 8800 "F" Street, Omaha,
Nebraska, at 8:30 a.m. on November 14, 1997, and at any adjournments thereof, on
the matters set forth on the reverse  side hereof and on any other  matters that
properly may come before such meeting or any adjournments thereof.

      THIS  PROXY,  WHEN  PROPERLY  SIGNED,  WILL BE VOTED AS  SPECIFIED.  IF NO
SPECIFICATION  IS GIVEN,  THIS  PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL OF THE  MATTERS  SET
FORTH ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF.

      The  undersigned  hereby  ratifies  and  confirms  all  that  any of  such
attorneys  and  proxies,  or  their  substitutes,  may do or cause to be done by
virtue  hereof and  acknowledges  receipt  of the  Notice of Special  Meeting of
Stockholders  of the  Corporation  to be held on November  14,  1997,  the Proxy
Statement of the Corporation for such Special Meeting,  and copies of the Annual
Report of the  Corporation  on Form 10-K for the fiscal  year ended  February 2,
1997, and the Quarterly Report of the Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
period ended August 3, 1997.


(TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)                              (SEE REVERSE SIDE)



<PAGE>


1.    Approval of Note Amendment Agreement No. 3 between the Corporation and 399
      Venture Partners, Inc. and the transactions contemplated thereby.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]


2.    Approval of an amendment to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of
      the Corporation to change and reclassify all of the outstanding  shares of
      Preferred  Stock of the  Corporation  into  shares of Common  Stock of the
      Corporation.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ] 



3A.   Approval of an amendment to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of
      the  Corporation  to increase  the number of  authorized  shares of Common
      Stock of the Corporation.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]



3B.   Approval of an amendment to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of
      the  Corporation to increase the number of authorized  shares of Nonvoting
      Common Stock of the Corporation.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]



3C.   Approval of an amendment to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of
      the  Corporation  to amend the  conversion  terms of the Nonvoting  Common
      Stock of the Corporation.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]



3D.   Approval of an amendment to the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of
      the  Corporation  to  reduce  the  number of  authorized  shares of Junior
      Cumulative Preferred Stock of the Corporation.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]



4.    Approval of issuance of shares of Common Stock of the  Corporation  to 399
      Venture  Partners,  Inc. or its  assignee  upon the future  conversion  of
      shares of Nonvoting Common Stock of the Corporation  issued to 399 Venture
      Partners, Inc.

            FOR                     AGAINST                      ABSTAIN
            [ ]                       [ ]                          [ ]




- ------------------------           -------------------------          ----------
Signature of Shareholder           Signature if Held Jointly             Date


Note: Please sign exactly as name appears  above.  When shares are held by joint
      tenants,   both  should  sign.   When   signing  as  attorney,   executor,
      administrator,  trustee,  or  guardian,  please  give full  title as such.
      Corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies should sign in
      their names by an authorized officer, partner, member, or manager.

<PAGE>

                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

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

                   For the fiscal year ended February 2, 1997
                         Commission File Number 1-10619

                           PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                 Delaware                           47-0696125
     (State or other jurisdiction of       (IRS Employer Identification
      incorporation or organization)        Number)

         8800 "F" Street, Omaha, Nebraska                    68127
     (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (402) 339-2400

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

          Title of Each                   Name of Each Exchange
              Class                        on Which Registered
          -------------                  -----------------------
          Common Stock                   American Stock Exchange

 Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      NONE

     Indicate  by check mark  whether the  registrant  (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant  was required to file such  reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ]

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

     The aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of
the  registrant  as of April 15, 1997,  was  $10,899,162  based upon the closing
price for such stock on the American Stock Exchange on such date.

     Indicate  the  number of  shares  outstanding  of each of the  registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

                                                 Outstanding at
             Class of Stock                      April 15, 1997
             --------------                     ----------------
              Common Stock                      5,004,942 shares

     Documents  Incorporated by Reference:  Portions of the  registrant's  proxy
statement  dated  March 26,  1997,  for the annual  meeting of the  registrant's
stockholders to be held on May 22, 1997, are incorporated by reference into Part
III.
                                     PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS.

      FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of 1995 (the "1995  Act").  Such
statements  are made in good faith by the Company  pursuant  to the  safe-harbor
provisions of the 1995 Act. In  connection  with these  safe-harbor  provisions,
this 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements which reflect management's
current  views  and  estimates  of  future  economic   circumstances,   industry
conditions,  Company performance and financial results. The statements are based
on many  assumptions  and  factors  including  sales  results,  expense  levels,
competition and interest rates as well as other risks and uncertainties inherent
in the Company's business, capital structure and the retail industry in general.
Any changes in these factors could result in  significantly  different  results.
The Company  further  cautions that the  forward-looking  information  contained
herein is not exhaustive or exclusive.  The Company does not undertake to update
any  forward-looking  statements  which  may be made  from time to time by or on
behalf of the Company.

      GENERAL.

     Pamida Holdings  Corporation  conducts its mass merchandise retail business
through its wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Pamida,  Inc.,  a Delaware  corporation.
Unless the context indicates  otherwise,  the terms "Pamida" and "Company" refer
collectively   to  Pamida   Holdings   Corporation,   its  direct  and  indirect
subsidiaries  and  their  predecessors,  and  "Holdings"  refers  only to Pamida
Holdings Corporation.

     Holdings is a Delaware  corporation  incorporated in 1986 to acquire all of
the  capital  stock of Pamida,  Inc.  which,  directly  since 1981 and through a
predecessor  prior to 1981,  had been  engaged  in the mass  merchandise  retail
business since 1963. The capital stock of Pamida,  Inc. is the only  significant
asset of Holdings, and Holdings has no material operations of its own.

     On January 19, 1996, the Company announced its intention to close 40 stores
located in unprofitable or highly competitive markets. Store closing sales began
on January 29, 1996, and the Company completed all of such store closings during
the second quarter of the fiscal year ended February 2, 1997. References in this
Form 10-K to the "40 Closed Stores" mean such 40 stores.


      STORES.

     At February 2, 1997,  Pamida  operated 148 mass  merchandise  retail stores
located in 148 small towns (having an average population of approximately 5,500)
in 15 Midwestern,  North Central and Rocky Mountain states.  Pamida's  strategic
objective is to be the dominant mass merchandise  retailer in the communities it
serves.  The Company  believes that it holds the leading market position in over
80% of the communities in which its stores are located.

     Pamida stores generally are located in small towns,  normally county seats,
where  there  often  is  little  or  no  competition  from  another  major  mass
merchandise  retailer and which the Company  considers to be either too small to
support  more than one major  mass  merchandise  retailer  (thereby  creating  a
potential  barrier  to  entry by a major  competitor)  or too  small to  attract
competitors whose stores generally are designed to serve larger populations.  At
February  2,  1997,  119 of the  Company's  148  stores  faced no  direct  local
competition from other major mass merchandise retailers.

     The Company's stores average approximately 29,000 square feet of sales area
and range in size from approximately  6,000 to 51,000 square feet of sales area.
At  February  2,  1997,   Pamida's   stores  had  an  aggregate  sales  area  of
approximately 4,348,000 square feet.

     The  following  table  indicates the states in which  Pamida's  stores were
located as of February 2, 1997:

     STATE                                                        TOTAL
     -----                                                        -----
     Minnesota.....................................................  29
     Iowa..........................................................  26
     Nebraska......................................................  15
     Wisconsin.....................................................  14
     Michigan.....................................................   12
     Ohio.........................................................   10
     Wyoming.......................................................   9
     North Dakota..................................................   7
     South Dakota..................................................   7
     Montana.......................................................   7
     Indiana.......................................................   4
     Kansas........................................................   3
     Kentucky .....................................................   2
     Illinois......................................................   2
     Missouri .....................................................   1
                                                                    ---
                                                                    148
                                                                    ===

     The  following  tables  show the number of the  Company's  store  openings,
relocations  and closings and the aggregate  year-end store sales area by fiscal
year since fiscal 1993:

                                   Fiscal Year Ended
                        1997    1996    1995    1994    1993

Beginning of year ...    144     184     173     178     178
  Stores opened in
    new markets .....      6       7      17       8       9
  Stores relocated in
    existing markets       2       3      --      --      --
  Stores closed .....     (4)    (10)     (6)    (13)     (9)
                         ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
End of year .........    148     184     184     173     178
Less 40 Closed Stores    ===     (40)    ===     ===     ===
                                 ---
                                 144
                                 ===

                                  Fiscal Year Ended
                        1997    1996    1995    1994    1993

Square feet of
  store sales area
  at year-end (in
  millions)             4.35    5.22    5.09    4.68    4.75
Less 40 Closed Stores          (1.09)
                               ------
                                4.13

     Pamida  regularly  evaluates all of its stores and from time to time closes
stores which no longer meet its standards for sales, profitability, selling area
or other applicable criteria.

      STORE EXPANSION PROGRAM.

     Pamida's  store  expansion  program is subject to the Company's  ability to
negotiate satisfactory leases, to the ability of prospective landlords to obtain
financing  for new store  buildings  and to various  zoning,  site  acquisition,
environmental,  traffic, construction and other contingencies. Three new stores,
two of which are replacement  stores,  are expected to commence  operations this
year.

     Pamida has identified  numerous  communities  which are potential sites for
the  Company's  prototype  stores and in which Pamida  believes it can achieve a
leading  market  position,  although there is no assurance that Pamida will open
stores in such communities or on any particular time schedule.

     In October  1996 the  Company  agreed to lease a new  200,000  square  foot
distribution  facility to be located in Lebanon,  Indiana.  Construction of this
new  facility is  underway,  and the  facility is expected to be  completed  and
operational during the second quarter of the current year.


     Pamida believes that its existing  distribution  facilities  (including the
new Lebanon, Indiana facility), senior and middle management staff and corporate
infrastructure are sufficient to accommodate the Company's anticipated growth.

     The Company typically invests  approximately  $1,450,000 to $1,750,000 in a
new  prototype  store.  Such  expenditures  consist  primarily of  approximately
$1,000,000 to $1,200,000 for the initial store inventory,  a portion of which is
financed by vendor  trade  credit,  and  approximately  $450,000 to $550,000 for
store fixtures and equipment.  Because of the redeployment of store fixtures and
equipment  from the 40 Closed  Stores to new stores,  the Company  expects store
fixture and equipment  expense to be limited to  approximately  $250,000 per new
store for fiscal 1998. In most cases,  building and land costs of  approximately
$1,450,000 to $1,750,000 per store are financed by  unaffiliated  developers who
lease the real estate to Pamida.  To expedite the construction  process,  Pamida
occasionally  may  construct  stores  on  sites  which  it  acquires,  with  the
expectation  that it subsequently  will enter into  sale-leaseback  transactions
with respect to such stores with unaffiliated investors.

      SALES AND MERCHANDISING.

     Pamida's  merchandising policy is to provide customers with one-stop family
shopping convenience and to feature nationally advertised brand-name products as
well as some private-label merchandise at attractive prices. Pamida operates its
stores  on a  self-service,  primarily  cash-and-carry  basis  and  runs  weekly
advertised  promotions  throughout the year. All of Pamida's  stores accept bank
credit cards,  which  accounted for 14.2% of total store sales during the fiscal
year ended February 2, 1997.

     Pamida's typical customers are  price-conscious  families across the income
spectrum.  To effectively  serve such customers,  the Company's  stores are open
seven days a week for an average of at least 75 hours per week.

     Pamida's two basic merchandise  divisions are softlines and hardlines.  The
softlines  division includes men's,  women's,  children's and infants' clothing,
footwear,  accessories and jewelry.  The hardlines division includes  categories
such as health and beauty aids,  automotive  accessories,  housewares,  cleaning
supplies,  hardware,  paint, sporting goods, toys, stationery,  small appliances
and electronic items, videos, compact discs and tapes, lawn and garden supplies,
linens and other domestics,  cameras and accessories, pet supplies and some food
and candy items.

     The Company  currently  owns and  operates  pharmacies  in 41 of its larger
stores,  and eight of Pamida's  other  stores  contain  prescription  pharmacies
leased to and operated by independent pharmacists. The pharmacies have proved to
be effective  in building  customer  loyalty and  attracting  customers  who are
likely to  purchase  other  items in  addition  to  prescription  drugs.  Pamida
intends,  whenever feasible in light of regulatory and personnel  considerations
and where  space  permits,  to include a pharmacy  in each of its new  prototype
stores and to add pharmacies to existing stores.

     During the fiscal  year ended  February  2, 1997,  the  hardlines  division
accounted  for  approximately  72% of Pamida's  total  sales,  while the apparel
division and the pharmacies accounted for 23% and 5%, respectively,  of Pamida's
total sales.

     Among the methods that the Company  employs to build  customer  loyalty and
satisfaction are weekly  advertised  specials,  competitive  pricing,  clean and
orderly stores,  friendly well-trained  personnel, a liberal return policy and a
wide variety of special  customer  services (such as wheelchairs for the elderly
and  handicapped,  restroom  facilities and water  fountains,  seating  benches,
speedy  check-out  lanes and  expedited  check cashing and raincheck and layaway
processing) offered under various customer-oriented themes such as "We Care" and
"We're  Listening".  Pamida  places  special  emphasis on  maintaining  a strong
in-stock  position in all merchandise  categories,  particularly with respect to
sale items.

     Pamida's business,  like that of most other mass merchandise retailers,  is
seasonal.  First quarter  sales  (February  through  April) are lower than sales
during the other three fiscal  quarters,  while fourth  quarter sales  (November
through January) in recent years have increased to approximately 30% of the full
year's  sales  and  normally  involve  a greater  proportion  of  higher  margin
merchandise.


      ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION.

     The Company's  extensive  advertising  primarily  utilizes  colorful weekly
circulars  developed  by  a  centralized   advertising  department  at  Pamida's
headquarters.  Such  circulars  advertise  brand-name  and other  merchandise at
significant  price  reductions and are inserted into local  newspapers or mailed
directly to customers.  Pamida also uses local shoppers  publications and coupon
books.  During  fiscal 1997,  Pamida  spent  approximately  $11,618,000  (net of
promotional  allowances  provided by vendors) on advertising,  which represented
approximately 1.8% of fiscal 1997 sales.


      PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION.

     Pamida  maintains a centralized  buying,  merchandising  and store planning
staff at its  executive  offices.  The  merchandising  department  includes  two
general merchandise managers, five hardlines divisional merchandise managers and
three  apparel  divisional   merchandise   managers.   Each  of  the  divisional
merchandise  managers  supervises  from  five to seven  buyers.  Members  of the
Company's  experienced  buying staff regularly  attend major trade shows,  visit
both domestic and overseas markets and meet with vendor  representatives  at the
Company's headquarters.

     The  merchandise  in the  Company's  stores is  purchased  from over  3,000
primary  manufacturers  and suppliers and numerous  other  vendors.  Centralized
purchasing enables Pamida to more effectively control inventory shrinkage and to
take advantage of promotional  programs and volume discounts  offered by certain
vendors. The Company continuously seeks to optimize merchandise costs, including
promotional allowances offered by its suppliers. Pamida also has centralized the
management  of  returned   merchandise,   which  enables  the  Company  to  most
effectively secure vendor credits and refunds with respect to such merchandise.

     The Company's  point-of-sale  data capture  equipment located in its stores
provides  current  information  to  Pamida's  buyers to assist  them in managing
inventories,   effecting   prompt   reorders  of  popular   items,   eliminating
slow-selling merchandise and reducing markdowns.

     Seaway  Importing  Company,  a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Pamida,  Inc.,
imports a wide variety of merchandise,  including  sporting goods, pet supplies,
toys, electronic items, apparel, hair care items, painting supplies,  automotive
items and hardware, for sale in Pamida's stores.

     During fiscal 1997,  approximately 76% of Pamida's merchandise was supplied
to the stores through  Pamida's own  distribution  centers,  while the remaining
merchandise   was  supplied   directly  to  the  stores  by   manufacturers   or
distributors.

      COMPETITION.

     The mass merchandise retail business is highly  competitive.  The Company's
stores generally  compete with  supermarkets,  drug and specialty  stores,  mail
order and catalog  merchants  and, in some  communities,  department  stores and
other mass merchandise retailers. Competitors consist both of independent stores
and of regional and national chains,  some of which have  substantially  greater
resources than the Company. The type and degree of competition and the number of
competitors which Pamida's stores face vary significantly by market.

     Pamida  believes  that  the  principal  areas  of  competition  in the mass
merchandise retail industry are store location,  price,  merchandise variety and
quality and customer  service,  although  numerous other factors also affect the
competitive position of any particular store. Among the methods that the Company
employs  to build  customer  loyalty  and  satisfaction  are  weekly  advertised
specials,  competitive pricing, clean and orderly stores,  friendly well-trained
personnel,  a liberal  return  policy and a wide  variety  of  special  customer
services offered under themes such as "We Care" and "We're Listening".

     Pamida stores generally are located in small towns,  normally county seats,
where  there  often  is  little  or  no  competition  from  another  major  mass
merchandise  retailer and which may be either too small to support more than one
major mass merchandise  retailer  (thereby creating a potential barrier to entry
by a  major  competitor)  or too  small  to  attract  competitors  whose  stores
generally are designed to serve larger  populations.  The Company believes that,
in terms of sales,  it is the leading mass  merchandise  retailer in over 80% of
the communities in which its stores are located.

     At February 2, 1997, 119 of Pamida's 148 stores were located in communities
in which there was no direct local competition from other major mass merchandise
retailers. As of that date, Kmart, Alco, Wal-Mart,  Target and ShopKo had stores
in 16,  11,  6, 2 and 1  communities,  respectively,  where  Pamida  stores  are
located;  however,  because some of these communities have more than one of such
competitors,  only 29 Pamida  stores face  direct  local  competition  from such
retail chains. In recent years the Company's business strategy has been to focus
its store expansion  program on communities with less likelihood of the entry of
a new major  competitor,  but there can be no assurance that in the future major
competitors will not open additional stores in the Company's markets.

     Merchandise  prices  generally are  established on a zone basis at Pamida's
executive offices, although store managers are given discretion to adjust prices
of key items to meet local  competition  and to match a competitor's  advertised
prices.  Zone pricing allows the Company to establish prices at different levels
in different trade territories, based primarily on competitive conditions within
such territories,  rather than having a uniform pricing structure throughout the
entire  chain.   Pamida  conducts  a  continuous  program  of  competitor  price
comparisons that enables the Company to make merchandise price adjustments, when
necessary, to assure that the Company maintains a competitive position.

      EMPLOYEES.

     As of February 2, 1997, Pamida had approximately  5,700 employees,  of whom
approximately  2,800  were  full-time  and 2,900 were  part-time.  The number of
employees varies on a seasonal basis. None of Pamida's employees are represented
by a labor union, and the Company believes that its relations with its employees
are good.

     At  February  2, 1997,  the  average  length of  service  of the  Company's
management staff was as follows:

                                     Average
                                      Years
                                             Number     of Service
                                             ------     ----------
Top Management                                  2          15.3
Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents     16           5.7
District Managers                              12          20.3
Pharmacy District Supervisors                   3           4.9
Store Managers                                148          10.7
Pharmacy Managers                              41           3.1


     Pamida's human resources  department is responsible for company-wide salary
and wage administration,  as well as all benefit-plan administration.  The human
resources  department works closely with store operations in the development and
administration of Pamida's store-level employee training programs.  In addition,
Pamida has an ongoing  program for the  development  of management  personnel to
fill  positions in all facets of the Company's  operations and makes a concerted
effort to identify and train potential  successors for all of its key middle and
senior managers.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES.

     At February 2, 1997, the Company owned 20 of its 148 store buildings, while
its remaining 128 stores operated in leased premises.  A substantial majority of
the Company's leases have renewal options,  with approximately 49% of the leases
having  unexpired  current  terms of five  years or more.  The  following  table
provides  information  relating to the  remaining  lease terms for the Company's
leased stores at February 2, 1997:


          Lease Expiring             Number of Leased Stores
       During the Period (1)                 2/02/97


          1/97 to 12/98                         5
          1/99 to 12/00                         5
          1/01 to 12/02                        10
          1/03 to 12/04                         8
            After 12/04                       100
                                              ---
               Total                          128
                                              ===
- ---------------
(1) Includes renewal options.


     Pamida's  management  believes that the physical condition of the Company's
stores  generally is very good.  All of the  Company's  stores are  continuously
updated to conform to Pamida's operating and merchandising standards.

     The Company's  general offices and one of its two distribution  centers are
located in a 215,000  square  foot  building  in Omaha,  Nebraska,  owned by the
Company.  This facility contains  approximately 135,000 square feet of warehouse
space and approximately 80,000 square feet of office space.

     Pamida's   primary   distribution   center   is  a  336,000   square   foot
"flow-through"   facility   situated  on  a  22-acre  tract  of  land  in  Omaha
approximately  one mile  from the  distribution  center  described  above.  This
facility,  which is owned by Pamida, serves primarily as a redistribution center
for bulk  shipments  and  promotional  merchandise  on which cost savings can be
realized through  quantity  purchasing.  Pamida also owns an additional  10-acre
tract of land  adjacent to such  distribution  center  which  would  permit that
facility to be further expanded by almost 60%.

     In October  1996,  the Company  agreed to lease a new  200,000  square foot
distribution  facility to be located in Lebanon,  Indiana.  Construction of this
new  facility,  currently  is  underway,  and the  facility  is  expected  to be
operational  during the second  quarter of the current year.  This  distribution
facility  will replace the 100,000  square foot  warehouse  facility  previously
operated by the Company in the Milwaukee,  Wisconsin area,  which was closed and
the lease  terminated in December 1996 due to eminent  domain action by the City
of Glendale,  Wisconsin.  Under the Wisconsin administrative code, Pamida has up
to two years to file a claim for  "Actual and  Reasonable  Moving  Expenses"  in
connection  with the  Company's  relocation  to  Lebanon,  Indiana.  The Lebanon
facility  also will be used as a  redistribution  center for bulk  shipments and
promotional merchandise.

     Pamida also has a warehouse facility in Omaha which contains  approximately
41,000 square feet of space and is located immediately adjacent to the Company's
general  offices.  This  warehouse,  which is owned by  Pamida,  is used for the
processing  of  merchandise  to be returned  to vendors  and by the  advertising
department in connection with its printing operations.

     In  addition  to its retail  stores,  distribution  centers  and  warehouse
facility,  Pamida's  tangible  assets include  inventories,  warehouse and store
fixtures  and  equipment,   merchandise  handling  equipment,  office  and  data
processing equipment, motor vehicles and an airplane.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     Pamida is a party to a number of lawsuits  incidental to its business,  the
outcome of which,  both  individually  and in the aggregate,  is not expected to
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  operations  or  financial
condition.

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

         None.

                                      * * *

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

     The present executive  officers of Holdings are Steven S. Fishman (Chairman
of  the  Board,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer)  Frank  A.  Washburn
(Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary), and George R.
Mihalko (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary).  Information  concerning  such  executive  officers  appears  in the
following paragraphs:

     Mr. Fishman, age 46, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Holdings  and  Pamida,  Inc.  since  April 1993 and as  Chairman of the Board of
Holdings  and Pamida,  Inc.  since  August  1993.  From 1988 to March 1993,  Mr.
Fishman was  employed  by Caldor,  Inc.  as Senior  Vice  President  and General
Merchandise Manager-Homelines. Mr. Fishman has been a director of Holdings since
1993 and also is a director of Pamida, Inc.

     Mr. Washburn, age 48, has served as Chief Operating Officer of Holdings and
Pamida,  Inc.  since March 1997,  Executive  Vice  President  of Holdings  since
September 1995 and Executive Vice President of Pamida, Inc. since February 1995.
Mr.  Washburn  previously  served as Senior Vice President - Human  Resources of
Pamida,  Inc.  from  1993 to 1995 and as Vice  President  - Human  Resources  of
Pamida,  Inc.  from 1987 to 1993.  Mr.  Washburn  also  serves as  Secretary  of
Holdings and Pamida Inc. Mr. Washburn  joined Pamida's  predecessor in 1965. Mr.
Washburn  has been a director of  Holdings  since 1995 and also is a director of
Pamida, Inc.

     Mr. Mihalko,  age 42, has served as Senior Vice President,  Chief Financial
Officer,  Treasurer and Assistant  Secretary of Holdings and Pamida,  Inc. since
September 1995.  From February 1993 to September 1995,  Mr. Mihalko was employed
by Pier 1 Imports,  Inc.  as Vice  President  and  Treasurer.  From July 1990 to
February  1993,  Mr.  Mihalko was employed by  Burlington  Northern  Railroad as
Assistant Treasurer.

     The  executive  officers of Holdings may be removed  from their  respective
positions  as such  officers at any time by the Board of  Directors of Holdings,
subject to any rights which they may have under  employment  agreements with the
Company.

                                     PART II

Item  5.  MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT'S  COMMON  EQUITY  AND  RELATED
            STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

     The Common  Stock of Holdings  has been  listed and traded on the  American
Stock Exchange since  September 18, 1990.  Prior to that date, no market existed
for such Common Stock.

     The high and low sales  prices  for the  Common  Stock of  Holdings  on the
American Stock Exchange for fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 are as follows:

      Fiscal 1997:                  High          Low

     4th Quarter                  2 5/16        1 1/2
     3rd Quarter                  2 3/8         1 5/8
     2nd Quarter                  3 1/4         2 1/8
     1st Quarter                  3 1/4         2 1/8


      Fiscal 1996:                  High          Low

      4th Quarter                 4 3/16        2 1/2
      3rd Quarter                 4 5/8         2 1/4
      2nd Quarter                 6             4
      1st Quarter                 7 3/4         6

     As of March 24, 1997 there were 297 record  holders of the Common  Stock of
Holdings.

     Holdings has never  declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock
and does not intend to pay any such  dividends in the  foreseeable  future.  The
obligations  of Pamida,  Inc.  under certain of its financing  arrangements  are
guaranteed  by Holdings.  Such  financing  arrangements  presently  prohibit the
payment of  dividends  by  Holdings on its Common  Stock and also  significantly
restrict  the  ability  of  Pamida,   Inc.  to  pay   dividends  or  make  other
distributions to Holdings.

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
         (Dollar amounts in thousands - except per share and other data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Fiscal Years Ended
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                            February 2,   January 28,   January 29,  January 30,  January 31,
                                               1997 (1)     1996          1995         1994         1993
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Sales ...................................   $ 633,189     $ 736,315     $ 711,019    $ 656,910    $ 622,941

Gross profit ............................     154,090       177,688       177,367      158,906      154,695
Selling, general and
   administrative expenses ..............     125,105       151,096       143,585      133,921      124,225
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating income ........................      28,985        26,592        33,782       24,985       30,470
Interest expense ........................      29,781        29,526        27,367       26,588       25,147
Long-lived asset write-off ..............          --        78,551            --           --           --
Store closing costs .....................          --        21,397            --           --           --
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------
(Loss) income before provision for income
   taxes and extraordinary item .........        (796)     (102,882)        6,415       (1,603)       5,323
Income tax (benefit) provision ..........          --        (7,863)        3,500          427        3,061
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------

(Loss) income before extraordinary item .        (796)      (95,019)        2,915       (2,030)       2,262
Extraordinary item ......................          --           371            --       (4,943)          --
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------

Net (loss) income .......................        (796)      (94,648)        2,915       (6,973)       2,262
Less preferred dividends
   and discount amortization ............         391           362           361          359          357
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------

Net (loss) income available
   for common shares ....................   $  (1,187)    $ (95,010)    $   2,554    $  (7,332)   $   1,905
                                            =========     =========     =========    =========    =========

Weighted average number of common and
   common equivalent shares outstanding     5,004,942     5,034,536     5,024,745    4,999,984    4,999,984
                                            =========     =========     =========    =========    =========

Net (loss) earnings per common share:
   (Loss) earnings before extraordinary
     item .............................     $    (.24)    $  (18.94)    $     .51    $    (.48)   $     .38
   Extraordinary item .................            --     $     .07            --         (.99)          --
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------    ---------

   Net (loss) earnings per common share     $    (.24)    $  (18.87)    $     .51    $   (1.47)   $     .38
                                            =========     =========     =========    =========    =========

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Working capital .....................   $  28,673     $  34,082     $  46,725    $  41,323    $  16,515
    Total assets ........................     269,188       258,525       354,367      314,621      309,629
    Long-term debt ......................     168,000       163,746       162,505      160,315      132,006
    Obligations under capital leases ....      33,999        36,559        43,050       35,618       37,164
    Redeemable preferred stock ..........       1,875         1,826         1,779        1,734        1,690
    Common shareholders' (deficit) equity     (87,303)      (86,116)        8,876        6,322       13,654

OTHER DATA:
    Team Members ........................       5,700         7,200         7,200        6,100        5,900
    Number of stores ....................         148           184           184          173          178
    Retail square feet (in millions) ....        4.35          5.22          5.09         4.68         4.75

(1)  Represents a 53 week year.

</TABLE>

Item  7.  MANAGEMENT'S   DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL
            CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.


                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                          (Dollar amounts in thousands)


       YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED JANUARY 28, 1996

     SALES - As discussed  in Note O to the  financial  statements,  the Company
closed  forty  stores  at the end of  fiscal  1996  in  unprofitable  or  highly
competitive  markets  which did not fit the  Company's  niche  market  strategy.
Consequently,  the  Company  experienced  a planned  decrease in total sales for
fiscal 1997 of $103,126 or 14.0%  compared to fiscal 1996 due  primarily  to the
reduced  number of stores.  During  fiscal  1997 the  Company  opened  eight new
prototype  stores,  of  which  six are  located  in new  markets  and  two  were
relocations;  the Company also closed two stores, resulting in a net increase in
selling area during the fiscal year of  approximately  216,000  square feet (not
including  changes  relating  to the forty  stores  closed as of fiscal year end
1996) to a total of 4,348,000 square feet. As of February 2, 1997, the Company's
store base  included 35 of the  Company's  most recent  store  prototype,  which
represented 28.7% of the Company's total selling square feet.

     Comparable  store sales during the 53-week fiscal 1997 period  decreased by
$8,893 or 1.5% from the 52-week fiscal 1996 period.  Comparable store sales on a
53-week to 53-week basis  decreased by 2.6%.  Sales were  affected  primarily by
slowed warehouse  distributions to stores as a result of the implementation of a
new  warehouse  inventory  management  system  initiated in the first quarter of
fiscal 1997.  The slowed  distributions  caused a  deterioration  of merchandise
in-stock  positions in most of the  Company's  stores,  resulting in lost sales.
While  implementation  of the warehouse  system was largely  completed by August
1996, and in-stock positions at the stores improved  thereafter,  sales remained
below management  expectations due to reduced customer traffic continuing in the
third and fourth  quarters.  Comparable  sales also were affected during much of
the year by low-margin  clearance  sales in fiscal 1996 which were not necessary
at the  same  level in  fiscal  1997.  However,  beginning  late in the  holiday
shopping  season and  continuing  through fiscal year end, sales improved as the
Company  demonstrated to customers its improved in-stock position in all product
categories.

     The Company  experienced  substantial  comparable  store sales increases in
fiscal 1997 in several merchandise  categories,  the most dramatic of which were
in the pharmacy prescription,  junior apparel,  grocery and ready-to-wear areas.
Comparable  store sales gains also were  generated in the hosiery,  team sports,
camera,  stationery,  health aids and bath categories.  The Company  experienced
comparable  store sales  decreases  in several  categories.  The largest  dollar
decreases  on a  comparable  store  basis were in the  electronics,  automotive,
misses bottoms, men's shoes, electrical and appliance areas. Management believes
that subtle  adjustments made to the Company's  softlines strategy at the end of
fiscal 1996 to meet customer demand for a deeper  selection of basic apparel had
a positive impact on sales and margins in softlines during fiscal 1997.

     GROSS PROFIT - Gross profit  dollars were affected by the reduced number of
stores in operation during fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996. The Company's
merchandise  gross profit as a percentage  of sales  improved to 27.8% in fiscal
1997 from  26.8% in fiscal  1996.  However,  this  improvement  was  diluted  by
additional costs related to the  implementation  of the new warehouse  inventory
management  system  discussed  above.  Warehouse costs increased to $13,457 from
$11,066  last year and  increased  as a percent  of sales to 2.1% from 1.5% last
year.  Delivery  costs  decreased to $7,637 in fiscal 1997 from $8,845 last year
and amounted to 1.2% of sales in both years. Accordingly, gross profit decreased
by $23,598,  or 13.3%,  to $154,090 in fiscal 1997 from  $177,688 in fiscal 1996
but, as a percentage  of sales,  increased to 24.3% in fiscal 1997 from 24.1% in
fiscal 1996.

     SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE expense decreased $25,991, or 17.2%, to
$125,105 in fiscal 1997 from  $151,096 in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales,
selling,  general and administrative  expense decreased to 19.8% from 20.5% last
year.  This  reduction  was largely  attributable  to  reductions in store level
expenses. Store payroll, controllable and occupancy expenses accounted for 64.2%
of the total  decrease  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expense  and
decreased  by  14.5%,  17.5%  and  13.9%,  respectively.  Selling,  general  and
administrative  expense  also was  positively  impacted by a 28.9%  reduction in
advertising  costs which  accounted for 18.2% of the gross  decrease in selling,
general and administrative  expense. All of these areas of expense were impacted
by the  elimination of costs related to the forty stores which were closed as of
the end of fiscal 1996.  Selling,  general and  administrative  expense also was
impacted by an 11.0%  decrease in  corporate  general and  administrative  costs
which  accounted  for 11.3% of the  gross  decreases  in  selling,  general  and
administrative  expense. The major components of this decrease were decreases in
the net costs of insurance,  professional  fees,  management bonuses and related
fringe benefits.

     Selling, general and administrative expense also was positively impacted by
the elimination of amortization  of goodwill and favorable  leasehold  interests
resulting  from the  write-off  of these  items in the fourth  quarter of fiscal
1996. The decreases in selling,  general and administrative  expense were offset
by a $1,246 reduction in other income which was attributable largely to one-time
gains realized in fiscal 1996,  primarily  from the sale of idle  transportation
company assets.

     The Company is  continuing  to focus on  controlling  selling,  general and
administrative  expenses.  Store  operating  expenses  as a percent of sales are
anticipated  to remain  relatively  constant  in fiscal  1998.  Certain  expense
categories  are  anticipated  to increase  somewhat as a percent of sales due to
more normal  clearance  activity  and expected  increases  in interest  expense,
information  systems costs,  store payroll  expenses (due to federally  mandated
minimum wage increases) and incentive compensation. The Company expects to begin
to realize operating efficiencies from systems enhancements in the warehouse and
distribution  areas in fiscal 1998 and in the  merchandising  areas beginning in
the second half of fiscal 1999. Further expense leveraging is expected in future
years through internal growth as well as the addition of new stores.

     INTEREST  expense  increased  marginally  by $255 or 0.9% for  fiscal  1997
compared to fiscal 1996.  The  increase in interest  expense for fiscal 1997 was
attributable  primarily to higher usage of the  revolving  line of credit and to
the  outstanding  promissory  notes  of  the  Company  which  require  quarterly
compounding  interest  payments to be paid in kind. These increases were largely
offset by decreased  interest related to lower average  outstanding  capitalized
lease obligations in fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal 1996.

     INCOME TAX PROVISION - No income tax benefit on losses for fiscal 1997 will
be  recorded  until  the  Company  can  establish  with a  reasonable  degree of
certainty  the  potential  utilization  of certain tax loss carry  forwards from
prior year store closing charges. The effective tax rate in fiscal 1996 was 7.6%
and was impacted by the  non-deductible  amortization  and write-off of goodwill
and the reserves recorded to offset the deferred tax assets.


      YEAR ENDED JANUARY 28, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED JANUARY 29, 1995


WRITE-OFF OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND STORE CLOSING CHARGE.

     During  fiscal  1996,  weak  trends in the retail  industry  combined  with
increasing  competition  lowered the  operating  results of the  Company.  While
operating  results in the first three  quarters  of the year were  behind  plan,
management focused on strategies to achieve its plan during the important fourth
quarter season.

     During the fourth quarter,  management  reviewed its expectations for near-
and long-term  performance of the Company,  revised its earnings projections and
reassessed the recoverability of the Company's long-lived assets.

     As explained in Note N to the financial  statements,  in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards
No.121 "Accounting For the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
to Be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This financial  accounting  standard requires the
Company to perform an  analysis of the  recoverability  of the net book value of
long-lived  assets. The Company analyzed cash flows on an individual store basis
to assess  recoverability of store level long-lived  assets including  allocated
goodwill. As a result of this analysis, impairment totaling $27,228 on a pre-tax
basis was indicated at certain stores.

     The Company also analyzed the value of its remaining goodwill and favorable
leasehold  interests not impaired under the store-level  SFAS 121 analysis using
its historical method under Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 17 (APB 17)
and  determined  that such  remaining  amounts  also were  impaired.  The APB 17
analysis  projected  a  fifteen-year  forecast  period  and  produced  $5,186 of
aggregate  undiscounted  adjusted net income,  including  projected adjusted net
losses for fiscal 1997 of $4,522,  which  included  interest  expense of $26,242
paid in cash and interest payable `in kind' (PIK) of $4,453, and for fiscal 1998
of $2,863,  which included cash interest  expense of $26,581 and PIK interest of
$5,121.   For  fiscal  1999,  the  Company  projected  adjusted  net  income  of
approximately  $967,  which  included  cash  interest  expense of  approximately
$26,581 and PIK interest of $5,889. Due to the uncertainty of projections beyond
1999,  this level of adjusted net income was assumed to continue for each of the
remaining fiscal years in the projection period. Accordingly, a non-cash pre-tax
charge  totaling  $51,323 was recorded as  indicated in Note N to the  financial
statements.

     Also,  management's  fourth quarter review of individual stores' operations
and  cash  flows  resulted  in  the  identification  of  forty  unprofitable  or
competitive market stores which did not fit the Company's niche market strategy.
Consequently, a pre-tax charge totaling $21,397 was recorded at January 28, 1996
to cover the costs necessary to close these stores as indicated in Note O to the
financial statements.

     SALES for fiscal 1996  increased  $25,300 or 3.6%  compared to fiscal 1995.
Comparable  store sales  decreased  $4,160 or 0.7%.  Excluding  the forty stores
closed as of the end of fiscal 1996,  comparable  store sales increased by 0.1%.
During fiscal 1996 the Company  opened ten new  prototype  stores of which seven
were located in new markets and three were relocations.  The Company also closed
ten stores (excluding the 40 stores identified to be closed as discussed above),
resulting  in a net  increase in selling area of  approximately  126,000  square
feet.  The  openings  and  closings of stores over the last two fiscal years has
resulted in a net increase in sales of $33,662.

     The modest overall sales  increases  were affected by weak consumer  demand
which was  generally  experienced  throughout  the retail  industry.  Management
believes that the Company's  geographical niche market positioning combined with
its ability to distribute  quality  merchandise  on a more timely basis tempered
these generally weak retail trends.  The Company  experienced  substantial sales
increases in several merchandise categories,  the most dramatic of which were in
the  housewares,  prescriptions,  junior  apparel  and  bath  and  floor  areas.
Substantial  sales gains also were  generated  in paper,  cleaning  and seasonal
categories.   The  Company  experienced  sales  declines  in  several  softlines
categories, primarily women's apparel.

     The initial  operating  results of the seven new prototype stores and three
relocated  prototype  stores  opened  during  fiscal 1996 exceeded the Company's
original  sales  projections  and reflected  the success of the Company's  niche
market  positioning  and  merchandising  strategies.  At  fiscal  year end 1996,
twenty-seven  new format  stores were in  operation,  representing  14.7% of all
stores and 18.3% of total Company selling square feet.

     GROSS PROFIT  increased $321 or 0.2% in fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal 1995
and, as a percentage of sales,  decreased  from 24.9% in fiscal 1995 to 24.1% in
fiscal  1996.  The decline in gross  profit  percent in fiscal 1996  compared to
fiscal 1995 was attributable  primarily to the increased markdown activity which
was necessary to counter sluggish customer demand during most of the year and to
meet customers' pricing expectations during this difficult period for the retail
industry.  Markdown expense increased by 23.8% over such expense in fiscal 1995.
During  fiscal 1996,  the Company  experienced  margin  dollar  increases due to
higher  sales  in  several  merchandise  categories,  most  notably  stationery,
prescriptions, bath and floor and seasonal. While the Company experienced margin
dollar  decreases  in  several  softlines  categories,  they  were  concentrated
primarily in the women's apparel and fashion areas.

     SELLING,  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE  expense increased $7,511 or 5.2% from
fiscal  1995.  As a percentage  of sales,  selling,  general and  administrative
expense   increased  from  20.2%  in  fiscal  1995  to  20.5%  in  fiscal  1996.
Approximately  40%  of  the  total  gross  increase  in  selling,   general  and
administrative  expense was  attributable  to  increases  in  corporate  general
administrative   costs.   Payroll  and  fringe   benefits  costs   increased  by
approximately   13%  due  to  the  effect  of  a  full  year's  salary  for  the
merchandising, real estate and other corporate personnel added in fiscal 1995 as
well as the costs related to information  systems  personnel added during fiscal
1996 to support  the new  systems  implementations  to enhance  efficiencies  in
warehouse,  distribution  and  merchandising.  In  addition,  professional  fees
increased  approximately 54% due primarily to information  systems and strategic
planning  consulting  costs as well as  increases  in legal fees  related to new
store construction and financing.

     In  addition to the  corporate  general and  administrative  cost  changes,
advertising  expenses as a percent of sales  increased  from 2.0% to 2.2% due to
increases in the costs of paper and postage.  This  accounted for  approximately
25% of the gross increase in selling,  general and administrative expense. Store
controllable  expenses  increased by 8%, which also accounted for  approximately
25% of the gross increase in selling,  general and administrative  expense.  The
change in store controllable expense was due primarily to increases in the costs
of security  equipment  rentals,  charge card  processing fees (due to increased
credit card sales  volume),  utilities  and  inventory  counting (as a result of
changes  in  procedures  to  allow  for  detailed  SKU  level   counts).   Store
controllable  costs were partially reduced by decreases in supplies,  travel and
entertainment costs. Store fixed costs as a percent of sales increased from 2.8%
to 3.0% due primarily to increases in rent expense.  These increases in selling,
general and  administrative  expense were offset in part by an increase in other
income resulting primarily from the sale of idle transportation assets.

     INTEREST  expense  increased  $2,159 or 7.9% for fiscal  1996  compared  to
fiscal 1995. The increase in interest  expense for fiscal 1996 was  attributable
primarily to higher usage of the revolving  line of credit in fiscal 1996 and to
the  outstanding  promissory  notes  of  the  Company  which  require  quarterly
compounding  interest  payments to be paid in kind.  The Company also had higher
average  outstanding  capitalized  lease  obligations in fiscal 1996 compared to
fiscal 1995.

     INCOME  TAX  PROVISION  - The  effective  tax rate was 7.6% in fiscal  1996
compared to 54.6% in fiscal  1995.  The  effective  tax rate for fiscal 1996 was
impacted by the  non-deductible  amortization  and write-off of goodwill and the
reserve  recorded  to offset  the  deferred  tax  assets.  In fiscal  1995,  the
effective  tax rate was higher than the normal  statutory  rates  primarily as a
result of non-deductible goodwill amortization.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The  Company's  business is seasonal  with first  quarter  sales  (February
through  April)  being lower than sales during the other three  quarters,  while
fourth quarter sales (November  through January) have represented  approximately
30% of the full  year's  retail  sales in recent  years and  normally  involve a
greater proportion of higher margin sales.

     The Company has satisfied  its seasonal  liquidity  requirements  primarily
through a combination  of funds  provided from  operations  and from a revolving
credit facility.  Funds used by operating  activities  totaled $11,577 in fiscal
1997,  and funds  provided  from  operations  totaled  $4,967 in fiscal 1996 and
$3,816 in fiscal 1995.  The change in cash flow from operating  activities  from
fiscal 1996 to fiscal 1997 was  primarily the result of planned net increases in
inventory and other operating assets and decreases in accounts payable and other
operating  liabilities.  These  decreases  in cash flow  were  offset in part by
changes  in  deferred  income  taxes.  The  positive  change  in cash  flow from
operating activities from fiscal 1995 to fiscal 1996 was primarily the result of
net decreases in inventory and accounts  payable.  These  increases in cash flow
were offset in part by current and deferred tax payable changes,  principally as
a result of the store  closing  charge,  the  changes  in  profitability  of the
continuing operations and changes in other operating assets and liabilities.

     Effective  March 17, 1997, the term of Pamida,  Inc.'s  (Pamida)  committed
Loan and Security  Agreement (the  Agreement) was extended to March 2000 and the
maximum  borrowing  limit of the facility was increased to $95,000 from $70,000,
which had been the  limit  throughout  fiscal  1997.  Prior to March  17,  1997,
borrowings under the Agreement bore interest at a rate which was 0.75% per annum
greater than the applicable  prime rate.  Effective  March 17, 1997,  borrowings
under the  Agreement  bear  interest  at a rate which is tied to the  applicable
prime rate or the London Interbank  Offered Rate (LIBOR),  generally at Pamida's
discretion.  The  amounts  Pamida is  permitted  to borrow are  determined  by a
formula based upon the amount of Pamida's eligible  inventory from time to time.
Such  borrowings are secured by security  interests in all of the current assets
(including  inventory)  of Pamida and by liens on certain real estate  interests
and other property of Pamida.  The Company and two  subsidiaries  of Pamida have
guaranteed the payment and  performance of Pamida's  obligations  under the Loan
and Security  Agreement and have pledged some or all of their respective assets,
including the stock of Pamida owned by the Company, to secure such guarantees.

     The  Agreement  contains   provisions   imposing  operating  and  financial
restrictions  on the Company.  Certain  provisions of the Agreement  require the
maintenance of specified  amounts of tangible net worth (as defined) and working
capital (as defined) and the  achievement of specified  minimum  amounts of cash
flow (as defined).  Other restrictions in the Agreement and those provided under
the Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes will affect, among other
things, the ability of Pamida to incur additional  indebtedness,  pay dividends,
repay  indebtedness  prior to its  stated  maturity,  create  liens,  enter into
leases,  sell  assets  or  engage  in  mergers  or  acquisitions,  make  capital
expenditures  and make  investments.  These covenants  currently have not had an
impact on the Company's  ability to fully utilize the revolving credit facility.
However,  certain of the covenants,  such as those which restrict the ability of
the Company to incur  indebtedness  or  encumber  its  property or which  impose
restrictions  on  or  otherwise  limit  the  Company's   ability  to  engage  in
sale-leaseback  transactions,  may at some future time  prevent the Company from
pursuing its store expansion program at the rate that the Company desires.

     Obligations  under the  Agreement  were  $57,115  at  February  2, 1997 and
$31,588 at January 28, 1996.  As noted  above,  this  facility  expires in March
2000, and the Company intends to refinance any outstanding balance by such date.
Borrowings  under the Agreement are senior to the Senior  Subordinated  Notes of
the Company. The Company had long-term debt and obligations under capital leases
of $201,999 at February 2, 1997 and $200,305 at January 28, 1996.  The Company's
ability  to  satisfy  scheduled  principal  and  interest  payments  under  such
obligations in the ordinary  course of business is dependent  primarily upon the
sufficiency  of the  Company's  operating  cash flow.  At February 2, 1997,  the
Company was in compliance with all covenants  contained in its various financing
agreements.

     On December  18,  1992,  the  promissory  notes of the Company were amended
effective  as of  December 1, 1992 to provide  that,  until the  obligations  of
Pamida and the Company under  certain of Pamida's  credit  agreements  have been
repaid,  the quarterly  interest payments on the promissory notes of the Company
will be paid in kind.  Pamida  paid the  Company  $315 in  fiscal  1996  under a
tax-sharing  agreement to enable the Company to pay  quarterly  dividends to its
preferred  stockholders.  During  fiscal 1996,  the Company  received  $967 from
Pamida under a tax-sharing agreement as a reimbursement for certain tax benefits
derived by Pamida. Such remittance,  along with $18 from the exercise of certain
stock options,  was used by the Company to redeem Subordinated  Promissory Notes
as  described  in Note L to the  financial  statements,  to  repay  intercompany
balances totaling $29, and to pay quarterly  dividends on preferred stock. Since
the Company  conducts no operations of its own, the only cash requirement of the
Company relates to preferred  stock dividends in the aggregate  annual amount of
approximately  $316; and Pamida is expressly permitted under its existing credit
facilities  to pay  dividends  to the  Company  to  fund  such  preferred  stock
dividends.  However, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, under
which the Company and Pamida are  incorporated,  allows a corporation to declare
or pay a dividend  only from its surplus or from the current or the prior year's
earnings.  Due to the  accumulated  deficit  resulting  primarily from the store
closings and the write-off of goodwill and other long-lived assets recognized in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company and Pamida did not declare or pay
any cash  dividends in fiscal 1997 and may pay cash  dividends in ensuing  years
only to the extent that the Company and Pamida satisfy the applicable  statutory
standards  which include the Company's  having a net worth equal to at least the
aggregate par value of the preferred  stock which amounts to $2. The  cumulative
dividend  rate on the  preferred  stock  increases  by 0.5% per quarter  (with a
maximum  aggregate  increase of 5%) on each quarterly  dividend  payment date on
which the  preferred  stock  dividends  are not paid  currently  on a cumulative
basis.  Any unpaid  dividends are added to the  liquidation  value until paid in
cash.  Such  nonpayment of preferred  stock  dividends  does not  accelerate the
redemption rights of the preferred stockholders.

     The Company made capital  expenditures of $4,947 in fiscal 1997 compared to
$9,265 during fiscal 1996.  The Company plans to open three new stores in fiscal
1998 and will consider additional  opportunities for new store locations as they
arise.  Total capital  expenditures are expected to be  approximately  $9,500 in
fiscal 1998. The Company expects to fund these  expenditures from cash flow from
its  operations.  The costs of buildings  and land for new store  locations  are
expected  to be  financed  by  operating  or capital  leases  with  unaffiliated
landlords.  The  Company's  expansion  program  also will  require  inventory of
approximately  $1,000 to $1,200 for each new  market  store,  which the  Company
expects to finance through trade credit, borrowings under the Agreement and cash
flow from operations.

     The recent changes to the Agreement,  along with expected  improvements  in
the Company's cash flow from operations,  should provide  adequate  resources to
meet the Company's near term liquidity  requirements.  On a long-term basis, the
Company's  expansion  will require  continued  investments  in store  locations,
working capital and distribution and  infrastructure  enhancements.  The Company
expects to continue to finance  some of these  investments  through  leases from
unaffiliated  landlords,  trade credit,  borrowings under the Agreement and cash
flow from operations but ultimately will need to explore  additional  sources of
funds which may include capital structure changes. Currently, it is not possible
for the  Company  to  predict  with  any  certainty  either  the  timing  or the
availability of such additional financing.

INFLATION

     The Company  uses the LIFO method of inventory  valuation in its  financial
statements;  as a result,  the cost of  merchandise  sold  approximates  current
costs.  The Company's  rental expense is generally  fixed and,  except for small
amounts of percentage  rents and rentals  adjusted by  cost-of-living  increases
tied to the Consumer  Price Index or interest  rates,  has not been  affected by
inflation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This management's  discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (the "1995  Act").  Such  statements  are made in good faith by the Company
pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the 1995 Act. In connection with these
safe-harbor  provisions,  this  management's  discussion  and analysis  contains
certain forward-looking  statements which reflect management's current views and
estimates  of  future  economic  circumstances,   industry  conditions,  company
performance and financial results.  The statements are based on many assumptions
and factors  including sales results,  expense levels,  competition and interest
rates  as well as  other  risks  and  uncertainties  inherent  in the  Company's
business,  capital structure and the retail industry in general.  Any changes in
these  factors  could result in  significantly  different  results.  The Company
further cautions that the  forward-looking  information  contained herein is not
exhaustive  or  exclusive.   The  Company  does  not  undertake  to  update  any
forward-looking  statements  which may be made from time to time by or on behalf
of the Company.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.


                  PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors
Pamida Holdings Corporation
Omaha, Nebraska



     We  have  audited  the  consolidated   balance  sheet  of  Pamida  Holdings
Corporation and subsidiary as of February 2, 1997, and the related  consolidated
statements of operations, common stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of
the  years  ended  February  2,  1997 and  January  29,  1995.  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.  The consolidated  balance sheet of Pamida Holdings  Corporation and
subsidiary as of January 28, 1996,  and the related  consolidated  statements of
operations,  common  stockholders'  equity  and cash  flows  for the year  ended
January 28, 1996, were audited by other auditors,  whose report, dated March 26,
1996,  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion on those  statements  and included an
explanatory  paragraph  that  described  the  adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 121,  "Accounting  for the  Impairment  of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."

     We conducted  our audits in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards 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  financial  position of Pamida
Holdings  Corporation  and subsidiary as of February 2, 1997, and the results of
their  operations  and their cash flows for each of the years ended  February 2,
1997 and January 29,  1995 in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.





/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

    Omaha, Nebraska
    March 7, 1997
    (March 17, 1997 as to Note E)

                                       16
<PAGE>

                       REPORT OF INDENPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



Board of Directors
Pamida Holdings Corporation
Omaha, Nebraska

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  balance sheet of Pamida Holdings
Corporation and Subsidiary as of January 28, 1996, and the related  consolidated
statements of  operations,  common  stockholders'  equity and cash flows for the
year then  ended.  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 audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards  require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  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 audit  provides a  reasonable  basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of Pamida  Holdings
Corporation  and  Subsidiary  as of January 28,  1996,  and the results of their
operations  and their cash flows for the year then  ended,  in  conformity  with
generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note N to the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the Company
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of."



/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Chicago, Illinois
March 26, 1996



                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Years Ended
                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                  February 2,    January 28,    January 29,
                                                     1997            1996           1995
                                                  (53 Weeks)      (52 Weeks)     (52 Weeks)
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------

<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Sales .........................................   $   633,189    $   736,315    $   711,019
Cost of goods sold ............................       479,099        558,627        533,652
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
Gross profit ..................................       154,090        177,688        177,367
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
Expenses:
    Selling, general and administrative .......       125,105        151,096        143,585
    Interest ..................................        29,781         29,526         27,367
    Long-lived asset write-off ................            --         78,551             --
    Store closing costs .......................            --         21,397             --
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                      154,886        280,570        170,952
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
(Loss) income before provision for income
    taxes and extraordinary item ..............          (796)      (102,882)         6,415
Income tax (benefit) provision ................            --         (7,863)         3,500
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
(Loss) income before extraordinary item .......          (796)       (95,019)         2,915
Extraordinary item ............................            --            371             --
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
Net (loss) income .............................          (796)       (94,648)         2,915
Less provision for preferred dividends and
    discount amortization .....................           391            362            361
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
Net (loss) income available for
    common shares .............................   $    (1,187)   $   (95,010)   $     2,554
                                                  ===========    ===========    ===========
Net (loss) earnings per common share:
    (Loss) earnings before extraordinary item.    $      (.24)   $    (18.94)   $      0.51
    Extraordinary item.........................            --            .07             --
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------
    Net (loss) earnings per common share.......   $      (.24)   $    (18.87)   $      0.51
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------

</TABLE>

                                       17
<PAGE>

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
              (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     February 2,    January 28,
ASSETS                                                                                 1997            1996
                                                                                     ----------     -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
Current assets:
    Cash .........................................................................   $     6,973    $     7,298
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $50 in both years         6,919          9,049
    Merchandise inventories ......................................................       157,490        150,837
    Prepaid expenses .............................................................         2,993          2,953
    Property held for sale .......................................................         1,748          2,218
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
       Total current assets ......................................................   $   176,123    $   172,355

Property, buildings and equipment, (net) .........................................        42,403         44,153
Leased property under capital leases, less accumulated
    amortization of $14,604 and $13,496, respectively ............................        27,713         30,977
Deferred financing costs .........................................................         3,176          3,809
Other assets .....................................................................        19,773          7,231
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                                                     $   269,188    $   258,525
                                                                                     ===========    ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable .............................................................   $    54,245    $    63,087
    Loan and security agreement ..................................................        57,115         31,588
    Accrued compensation .........................................................         3,860          5,923
    Accrued interest .............................................................         7,668          6,992
    Store closing reserve ........................................................         4,521          7,818
    Other accrued expenses .......................................................        10,112         10,823
    Income taxes - deferred and current payable ..................................         8,101          8,861
    Current maturities of long-term debt .........................................            47          1,334
    Current obligations under capital leases .....................................         1,781          1,847
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
       Total current liabilities .................................................       147,450        138,273

Long-term debt, less current maturities ..........................................       168,000        163,746
Obligations under capital leases, less current obligations .......................        33,999         36,559
Reserve for dividends ............................................................           342             --
Other long-term liabilities ......................................................         4,825          4,237
Commitments and contingencies ....................................................            --             --
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:
    16-1/4% senior cumulative preferred stock, $1 par value;
       514 shares authorized, issued and outstanding .............................           514            514
    14-1/4% junior cumulative preferred stock, $1 par value;
       6,986 shares authorized; 1,627 shares issued and outstanding;
       redemption amount of $1,627, less unamortized discount ....................         1,361          1,312
Common shareholders' equity:
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 5,004,942
       shares issued and outstanding in both years ...............................            50             50
    Additional paid-in capital ...................................................           968            968
    Accumulated deficit ..........................................................       (88,321)       (87,134)
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
       Total common shareholders' deficit ........................................       (87,303)       (86,116)
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                                                     $   269,188    $   258,525
                                                                                     ===========    ===========

</TABLE>

                                       18
<PAGE>

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                          (Dollar amounts in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Retained
                                                                Nonvoting    Additional     Earnings
                                                    Common       Common       Paid-in     (Accumulated
                                                    Shares        Stock       Capital       Deficit)
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance at January 30, 1994 ...........            $       41   $        9   $      950    $   15,322
    Net income ........................                    --           --           --         2,915
    Amortization of discount on 14-1/4%
       junior cumulative preferred ....                    --           --           --           (45)
    Cash dividends to preferred
       stockholders ...................                    --           --           --          (316)
    Conversion of nonvoting common
       stock to common shares .........                     9           (9)          --            --
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------

Balance at January 29, 1995 ...........                    50           --          950         7,876
    Net loss ..........................                    --           --           --       (94,648)
    Amortization of discount on 14-1/4%
       junior cumulative preferred ....                    --           --           --           (47)
    Cash dividends to preferred
       stockholders ...................                    --           --           --          (315)
    Stock sold under incentive stock
       option plan ....................                    --           --           18            --
                                                   ----------   -----------   ---------    ----------

Balance at January 28, 1996 ...........                    50           --          968       (87,134)
    Net loss ..........................                    --           --           --          (796)
    Amortization of discount on 14-1/4%
       junior cumulative preferred ....                    --           --           --           (49)
    Accrued dividends for preferred
       stockholders ...................                    --           --           --          (342)
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------

Balance at February 2, 1997 ...........            $       50   $       --   $      968    $  (88,321)
                                                   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========

</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          (Dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Years Ended
                                                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                                      February 2,    January 28,    January 29,
                                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                                      (53 Weeks)      (52 Weeks)     (52 Weeks)
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income .................................................   $      (796)   $   (94,648)   $     2,915
       Adjustments to  reconcile  net (loss)  income to net cash from  operating
         activities:
           Depreciation and amortization ..........................        11,658         15,345         14,962
           Provision (credit) for LIFO inventory valuation ........           874           (585)          (675)
           Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes ...........         3,305         (6,647)        (1,555)
           Noncash interest expense ...............................         4,313          3,756          3,315
           Accretion of original issue debt discount ..............           160            154            149
           Gain on disposal of assets .............................           (56)          (982)           (58)
           Stock incentive benefits ...............................            --             --             84
           Deferred retirement benefits ...........................          (125)            13             37
           Extraordinary item .....................................            --           (371)            --
           Long-lived assets write-off ............................            --         78,551             --
           Store closing costs ....................................        (3,726)        21,397             --
           (Increase) decrease in merchandise inventories .........        (7,527)         4,532        (30,951)
           Increase in other operating assets .....................        (5,622)        (3,847)          (486)
           Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ................        (8,842)        (6,749)         8,153
           Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable ............        (3,250)        (4,607)         3,942
           Increase (decrease) in other operating liabilities......        (1,943)          (345)         3,984
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
       Total adjustments ..........................................       (10,781)        99,615            901
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
       Net cash from operating activities .........................       (11,577)         4,967          3,816

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Proceeds from disposal of assets ..............................           917          1,163            980
    Principal payments received on notes receivable ...............            16             15             14
    Assets acquired for sale ......................................          (391)            --             --
    Capital expenditures ..........................................        (4,947)        (9,265)       (12,888)
    Construction notes receivable .................................        (5,845)        (4,412)            --
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
       Net cash from investing activities .........................       (10,250)       (12,499)       (11,894)
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Borrowings under loan and security agreement net ..............        25,527         10,986         12,417
    Principal payments on other long-term debt ....................        (1,335)          (193)          (177)
    Dividends paid on preferred stock .............................            --           (315)          (316)
    Principal payments on promissory notes ........................            --           (641)        (1,029)
    Payments for deferred finance costs ...........................           (54)           (13)          (200)
    Principal payments on capital lease obligations ...............        (2,636)        (2,071)        (1,894)
    Proceeds from sale of stock ...................................            --             18             --
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
           Net cash from financing activities .....................        21,502          7,771          8,801
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
    Net (decrease) increase in cash ...............................          (325)           239            723
    Cash at beginning of year .....................................         7,298          7,059          6,336
                                                                      -----------    -----------    -----------
    Cash at end of year ...........................................   $     6,973    $     7,298    $     7,059
                                                                      ===========    ===========    ===========

                                       20
<PAGE>

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
    Cash paid (received) during the year for:
       Interest.....................................................  $    24,804    $    25,691    $    24,021
       Income taxes:
           Payments to taxing authorities...........................          386          3,622          1,785
           Refunds received from taxing authorities.................         (442)          (231)          (672)
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING
AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Capital lease obligations incurred when the Company entered
       into lease agreements for new store facilities and equipment.  $        11    $       620    $     9,721
    Capital lease obligations terminated............................           --            154             --
    Amortization of discount on junior cumulative preferred stock
       recorded as a direct charge to retained earnings.............           49             47             45
    Payment of interest in kind by increasing the
       principal amount of the notes................................        4,313          3,702          3,263
    Provision for dividends payable.................................          342             --             --
    Conversion of 919,587 shares of nonvoting common
       stock, $.01 par value, to common stock
           Common stock.............................................           --             --              9
           Nonvoting common stock...................................           --             --             (9)


</TABLE>

                                       21
<PAGE>

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
              (Dollar amounts in thousands - except per share data)



A.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Pamida Holdings Corporation (the "Company") was formed for the sole purpose
of acquiring  Pamida,  Inc.  ("Pamida")  through a merger in a leveraged buy-out
transaction which was consummated on July 29, 1986.

     CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated  financial  statements include the results
of  operations,  account  balances  and  cash  flows  of  the  Company  and  its
wholly-owned subsidiary,  Pamida, and of Seaway Importing Company ("Seaway") and
Pamida Transportation Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pamida. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     FISCAL YEAR - All references in these financial  statements to fiscal years
are to the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends.

     LINE OF BUSINESS - Through Pamida,  the Company is engaged in the operation
of retail discount stores in a fifteen-state Midwestern, North Central and Rocky
Mountain area. Seaway imports primarily seasonal merchandise for sale to Pamida.
Pamida  Transportation  Company  operated as a contract carrier for Pamida until
July 1995,  at which time  independent  contractors  were engaged to provide all
transportation  needs of the  Company.  Due to the  similarity  in nature of the
Company's  businesses,  the  Company  considers  itself to be a single  business
segment.

     CASH FLOW  REPORTING - For  purposes of the  statement  of cash flows,  the
Company  considers all temporary cash  investments  purchased with a maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents. There were no temporary investments
at February 2, 1997 and January 28, 1996.

     MERCHANDISE  INVENTORIES - Substantially all of the Company's  inventory is
stated at the lower of cost (last-in, first-out) or market.

     PROPERTY,  BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT - Property,  buildings and equipment are
stated at cost and  depreciated on the  straight-line  method over the estimated
useful lives. Buildings and building improvements are generally depreciated over
8-40 years, while store,  warehouse and office equipment,  vehicles and aircraft
equipment are generally depreciated over 3-10 years.  Leasehold improvements are
depreciated  over the  life of the  lease or the  estimated  life of the  asset,
whichever is shorter.

     LEASED PROPERTY UNDER CAPITAL LEASES - Noncancellable  financing leases are
capitalized  at the  estimated  fair  value of the  leasehold  interest  and are
amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the leases.

     LONG-LIVED  ASSETS  - When  facts  and  circumstances  indicated  potential
impairment,  the Company evaluates the recoverability of assets carrying values,
including  goodwill,  using estimates of future cash flows over remaining assets
lives.  When  impairment is indicated,  any  impairment  loss in measured by the
excess of carrying values over fair values.

     DEFERRED  FINANCING  COSTS AND  ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DEBT  DISCOUNT  - Deferred
financing  costs are being  amortized  using the  straight-line  method over the
terms of the issues which approximates the effective  interest method.  Original
issue debt discount is being amortized using the effective  interest method over
the terms of the issues.

     PRE-OPENING  EXPENSES - Costs related to opening new stores are expensed as
incurred.

     EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share were calculated  using the weighted
average common shares and dilutive common share equivalents  outstanding  during
the year using the treasury stock method.

     MANAGEMENT'S USE OF ESTIMATES - 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 and
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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     STOCK-BASED  COMPENSATION  -  The  Company  accounts  for  its  stock-based
compensation  under the  provisions of Accounting  Principles  Board Opinion 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25).

     RECLASSIFICATIONS  -  Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made to prior
years' financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

                                       22
<PAGE>

B.  MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

     Total  inventories  would have been  higher at February 2, 1997 and January
28, 1996 by $6,574 and $5,700, respectively, had the FIFO (first-in,  first-out)
method been used to determine the cost of all inventories.  On a FIFO basis, net
income  (loss)  before  extraordinary  item would have been $78,  $(95,604)  and
$2,666, respectively, for fiscal years 1997, 1996, and 1995. During fiscal years
1997, 1996, and 1995,  certain inventory  quantities were reduced resulting in a
liquidation  of certain  LIFO layers  carried at costs which were lower than the
cost of current  purchases,  the effect of which  increased  net income by $116,
$125, and $102, respectively.

C.  PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT

     Property, buildings and equipment consists of:

                                 Feb. 2,   Jan. 28,
                                  1997       1996
                                --------   --------
Land and land improvements ..   $  4,013   $  3,943
Buildings and building
  improvements...............     22,076     21,578
Store, warehouse and office
  equipment..................     59,668     55,638
Vehicles and aircraft
  equipment..................      1,513      1,578
Leasehold improvements ......     16,497     15,362
                                 103,767     98,099
Less accumulated depreciation
  and amortization ..........     61,364     53,946
                                --------   --------
                                $ 42,403   $ 44,153
                                ========   ========

D.  OTHER ASSETS

     Other assets consist of:
                                 Feb. 2,   Jan. 28,
                                  1997       1996
                                --------   --------
Construction notes receivable.  $ 10,257   $  2,767
Unamortized software
  costs, net .................     7,541      3,357
Other ........................     1,975      1,107
                                --------   --------
                                $ 19,773   $  7,231
                                ========   ========


E.  FINANCING AGREEMENTS

     Effective March 17, 1997, the term of Pamida's  committed Loan and Security
Agreement (the  Agreement) was extended to March 2000 and the maximum  borrowing
limit of the facility was increased to $95,000 from $70,000,  which had been the
limit  throughout  fiscal 1997.  Prior to March 17, 1997,  borrowings  under the
Agreement  bore  interest at a rate which was 0.75% per annum  greater  than the
applicable prime rate. Effective March 17, 1997,  borrowings under the Agreement
bear interest at a rate which is tied to the applicable prime rate or the London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR),  generally at Pamida's  discretion.  The amounts
Pamida is permitted to borrow under the  Agreement  are  determined by a formula
based upon the amount of Pamida's  eligible  inventory  from time to time.  Such
borrowings of Pamida under the  Agreement  are secured by security  interests in
substantially all of the current assets  (including  inventory) of Pamida and by
liens on certain real estate interests and other property of Pamida. The Company
and two  subsidiaries  of Pamida  have  guaranteed  payment and  performance  of
Pamida's  obligations  under the Agreement and have pledged some or all of their
respective assets, including the stock of Pamida owned by the Company, to secure
such guarantees.

     The  Agreement  contains   provisions   imposing  operating  and  financial
restrictions  on the Company.  Certain  provisions of the Agreement  require the
maintenance of specified  amounts of tangible net worth (as defined) and working
capital (as defined) and the  achievement of specified  minimum  amounts of cash
flow (as defined).  Other restrictions in the Agreement and those provided under
the Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes will affect, among other
things, the ability of Pamida to incur additional  indebtedness,  pay dividends,
repay  indebtedness  prior to its  stated  maturity,  create  liens,  enter into
leases,  sell  assets  or  engage  in  mergers  or  acquisitions,  make  capital
expenditures and make investments.

     The maximum amount of borrowings under the Agreement during fiscal 1997 and
1996 was $69,256 and  $63,884,  respectively.  The weighted  average  amounts of
borrowings  under  the  Agreement  for  fiscal  1997 and 1996 were  $43,002  and
$35,544,  respectively;  and the weighted  average interest rates were 10.0% and
10.4%, respectively.

                                       23
<PAGE>

Long-term debt consists of:

                                   Feb. 2,   Jan. 28,
                                     1997      1996
                                   -------   --------
Senior Subordinated Notes,
  11.75%, due March 2003 ......   $140,000   $140,000
Industrial development bonds,
  8.5%, due in monthly install-
  ments through 2005 ..........        411      1,745
Senior promissory notes, 15.5%,
  due in 2003, interest paid
  in kind quarterly ...........      4,926      4,231
Subordinated promissory notes,
  16%, due in 2003, interest
  paid in kind quarterly ......     13,454     11,500
Junior subordinated  promissory
  notes,  16.25%,  net of
  unamortized  discount of $878
  and $1,038, due in 2003,
  interest paid in kind quarterly    9,256      7,604
                                  --------    -------
                                   168,047    165,080
Less current maturities .......         47      1,334
                                  --------   --------
                                  $168,000   $163,746
                                  ========   ========

     As of  February  2, 1997,  the fair value of  long-term  debt was  $153,900
compared to its recorded value of $168,000. The fair value of long-term debt was
estimated  based on quoted  market values for the same or similar debt issues or
rates currently available for debt with similar terms. The aggregate  maturities
of long-term  debt in each of the next five fiscal years are as follows:  1998 -
$47; 1999 - $47; 2000 - $47; 2001 - $47; and 2002 - $47.

     The Senior  Subordinated  Notes and the promissory  notes are unsecured and
are  subordinate  borrowings  under  the  Agreement.  Presently,  under the most
restrictive debt covenants, the Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its
common stock.

     The senior  subordinated  and junior  subordinated  promissory notes of the
Company were amended to provide  that until the  obligations  of the Company and
Pamida  under  certain loan  agreements  have been paid in full,  the  quarterly
interest  payments on the notes will be paid in kind by increasing the principal
amount of each note on the  applicable  quarterly  payment date by the amount of
accrued  interest  then being paid in kind.  Interest  on the notes paid in kind
accrues at a rate which, in each case, is two percentage  points higher than the
applicable cash interest rate.

F.  INCOME TAXES

     Components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

                          Years Ended
                  --------------------------------

                  Feb. 2,    Jan. 28,     Jan. 29,
                   1997        1996         1995
                  --------    --------    --------
Current:
   Federal ....   $ (3,155)   $   (993)   $  4,048
   State ......       (150)       (223)      1,007
                  --------    --------    --------
                    (3,305)     (1,216)      5,055
                  --------    --------    --------

Deferred:
  Federal .....      3,189      (5,865)       (679)
  State .......        116        (782)       (876)
                  --------    --------    --------
                     3,305      (6,647)     (1,555)
                  --------    --------    --------
Total (benefit)
  provision ...   $     --    $ (7,863)   $  3,500
                  ========    ========    ========

     The  differences  between  the  U.S.  Federal  statutory  tax  rate and the
Company's effective tax rate are as follows:

                                        Years Ended
                               ---------------------------
                               Feb. 2,   Jan. 28,  Jan. 29,
                                1997     1996       1995
                               --------  --------  --------
   Statutory rate .........     (34.0)%   (34.0)%     34.0%
   State income tax effect.      (2.8)     (1.3)       5.5
 Amortization of the excess
   of cost over net assets
     acquired .............        --      23.9       12.2
Valuation allowance .......      25.1       3.6        0.1
Accretion of discount on
  junior subordinated debt        6.8       0.1        0.8
Other .....................       4.9       0.1        2.0
                               --------  --------  --------
                                  0.0%    (7.6)%       54.6%
                               ========  ========  ========

                                       24
<PAGE>

     Significant  temporary  differences  between  reported and taxable earnings
that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

                                          Feb. 2,      Jan. 28,
                                            1997        1996
                                          ---------    --------
Net current deferred tax liabilities:
  Inventories .........................   $  15,302    $  13,681
  Valuation allowance .................          --        3,869
  Prepaid insurance ...................         210          514
  Other ...............................         453          366
  Supplier allowances .................         (41)          --
  Post employment health costs ........        (189)        (237)
  Accrued expenses ....................        (941)      (1,300)
  Store closing costs .................      (2,570)      (7,159)
                                          ---------    ---------
     Net current deferred
       tax liabilities ................      12,224        9,734
                                          ---------    ---------
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities:
    Property, buildings and
       equipment ......................       2,862        3,109
    Other .............................       1,436          438
    Valuation allowance ...............       4,069            5
    Capital loss carryforward .........          --           (5)
    Capital leases ....................      (3,089)      (2,602)
    Tax benefit carryforward ..........      (3,518)          --
                                          ---------    ---------
Net long-term deferred
  tax liabilities .....................       1,760          945
                                          ---------    ---------
Net total deferred tax
     liabilities ......................   $  13,984    $  10,679
                                          =========    =========

     Net long-term  deferred tax liabilities are classified with other long-term
liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company. As of February 2,
1997 the Company had net  operating  loss  carryforwards  totaling  $4,034 which
expire in 2012 and the  Company  had tax credit  carryforwards  totaling  $1,973
which expire in 2006 through 2011.

G.  LEASES

     The majority of store  facilities  are leased under  noncancelable  leases.
Substantially  all of the leases are net leases  which  require  the  payment of
property taxes,  insurance and maintenance costs in addition to rental payments.
Certain leases provide for additional rentals based on a percentage of sales and
have renewal options for one or more periods  totaling from one to twenty years.
Leases have been  categorized as capital or operating  leases in conformity with
the definition in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, Accounting
for Leases.

     At February 2, 1997 the future  minimum  lease  payments  under capital and
operating leases with rental terms of more than one year amounted to:

     Fiscal Year Ending        Capital    Operating
                               Leases      Leases
                              ---------   ---------
1998.....................     $   5,802   $  10,010
1999.....................         5,659       8,800
2000.....................         5,442       6,879
2001.....................         5,352       5,639
2002.....................         5,267       5,103
Later years..............        41,384      46,069
                              ---------   ---------
Total minimum obligations     $  68,906   $  82,500
                              ---------   ---------
Less amount representing
  interest................       33,126
                              ---------
Present value of net minimum
  lease payments..........       35,780
 Less current portion.....        1,781
                              ---------
Long-term obligations.....    $  33,999
                              =========

     The minimum rentals under operating leases have not been reduced by minimum
sublease rentals of $191 due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

     Total rental expense related to all operating leases  (including those with
terms less than one year) is as follows:

                                  Years Ended
                        -------------------------------
                        Feb. 2,     Jan. 28,    Jan. 29,
                          1997        1996       1995
                        --------    --------    --------
Minimum rentals .....   $ 10,938    $ 11,715    $  9,585
Contingent rentals ..        258         399         477
Less sublease rentals       (735)       (852)       (918)
                        --------    --------    --------
                        $ 10,461    $ 11,262    $  9,144
                        ========    ========    ========

H.  SAVINGS AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS

     Pamida has adopted a 401(k)  savings plan that covers all employees who are
21 years of age with one or more years of service.  Participants  can contribute
from 1% to 15% of their pre-tax  compensation.  Pamida has currently  elected to
match 50% of the participant's  contribution up to 5% of compensation.  Pamida's
savings plan  contribution  expenses for fiscal years 1997,  1996, and 1995 were
$770, $749, and $716, respectively.

     Prior to  December  1993,  the  Company  had agreed to  continue to provide
health  insurance  coverage and pay a portion of the health  insurance  premiums
until age 65 for  individuals  who  retire if the  individual  was  eligible  to
participate  in the  plan,  had  attained  age  55,  had  completed  ten or more
consecutive years of service and

                                       25
<PAGE>

elected to continue on the Company plan.  The plan is unfunded,  and the Company
had the right to modify or  terminate  these  benefits.  In December  1993,  the
Company amended the Plan to no longer offer  postretirement  health benefits for
employees retiring after February 1, 1994.

     The components of periodic  expense for  postretirement  benefits in fiscal
1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:

                                               Feb. 2,    Jan. 28,   Jan. 29,
                                                 1997      1996       1995
                                               --------   --------   --------
      Annual postretirement benefit expense:
        Interest cost .......................        16         32         42
     Amortization of
       unrecognized
       net obligations ......................       (44)        (6)        --
                                               --------   --------   --------
     Annual postretirement
       benefit expense ......................  $    (28)  $     26   $     42
                                               ========   ========   ========

     The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation consists of:

                                            Feb. 2,    Jan. 28,
                                             1997       1996
                                            --------   --------
          Accumulated postretirement
            benefit obligation .........    $    194   $    395
          Unrecognized gain ............         299        223
                                            --------   --------
          Accrued expense ..............    $    493   $    618
                                            ========   ========

     A 5% and a 10%  increase in the cost of covered  health care  benefits  was
assumed  for  fiscal  1997  and  1996,  respectively.  The rate of 5% used as of
February 2, 1997 is assumed to remain level after  fiscal  1997.  At January 28,
1996, the 10% was assumed to decrease  incrementally  to 5% after five years and
remain level  thereafter.  Assuming a 1% increase in the health care trend rate,
the annual postretirement  benefit expense would remain the same for fiscal 1997
and increase by $1 for fiscal 1996, and the unfunded accumulated  postretirement
benefit  obligation  would  increase  by $4 and $13 for  fiscal  1997 and  1996,
respectively.  The  weighted  average  discount  rate  used in  determining  the
accumulated  postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0% for both fiscal 1997 and
1996.

I.  PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO MANDATORY REDEMPTION

     The  Company  is  obligated  to  redeem  all  outstanding  shares of senior
cumulative  and junior  cumulative  preferred  stock on December 31, 2001,  at a
price not to exceed  the  liquidation  value  which is $1,000 per share plus any
accrued dividends. Subject to certain loan restrictions, the Company may, at any
time,  redeem all or any portion of the preferred shares  outstanding at a price
of $1,000 per share plus any accrued dividends.

     Each share of senior  cumulative  and  junior  cumulative  preferred  stock
entitles  its holder to receive a  quarterly  dividend  of 16.25% and 14.25% per
annum,  respectively,  of the liquidation  value from the date of issuance until
redeemed.  Both  series  of  preferred  stock  are  non-voting,  and any  unpaid
dividends are added to the liquidation value until paid.

     The  General  Corporation  Law of the State of  Delaware,  under  which the
Company and Pamida are  incorporated,  allows a corporation  to declare or pay a
dividend only from its surplus or from the current or the prior year's earnings.
Due to the accumulated  deficit resulting  primarily from the store closings and
the write-off of goodwill and other long-lived  assets  recognized in the fourth
quarter of fiscal  1996,  the Company and Pamida did not declare or pay any cash
dividends in fiscal 1997 and may pay cash dividends in ensuing years only to the
extent that the Company and Pamida  satisfy the applicable  statutory  standards
which include the  Company's  having a net worth equal to at least the aggregate
par value of the preferred  stock which amounts to $2. A liability and provision
for preferred  stock  dividends  have been recorded in the fiscal 1997 financial
statements.  The cumulative  dividend rate on the preferred  stock  increases by
0.5% per quarter  (with a maximum  aggregate  increase of 5%) on each  quarterly
dividend  payment  date on which  the  preferred  stock  dividends  are not paid
currently on a cumulative basis.

     The difference  between the fair value of the junior  cumulative  preferred
stock at issuance and the mandatory  redemption  value is being recorded through
periodic  accretions,  using the effective interest method with a related charge
to retained earnings.

J.  STOCK OPTIONS

     On November  24, 1992,  the Board of  Directors of the Company  adopted the
Pamida  Holdings  Corporation  1992 Stock  Option Plan (the  "Plan"),  which was
approved by the Company's stockholders in May 1993. The Plan,  administered by a
Committee of the Board of

                                       26
<PAGE>

Directors,  provides for the granting of options to key employees of the Company
and its  subsidiaries to purchase up to an aggregate of 350,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company.  Options  granted  under the Plan may be either  incentive
stock options,  within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal  Revenue Code,
or  non-qualified  options.  Options  granted under the Plan will be exercisable
during the period fixed by the Committee for each option;  however,  in general,
no option will be exercisable earlier than one year after the date of its grant,
and no incentive stock option will be exercisable  more than ten years after the
date of its grant.  The option  exercise price must be at least 100% of the fair
market  value  of  the  Common  Stock  on  the  date  of the  option  grant.  No
compensation  expense  related to stock options was recorded during fiscal 1997,
1996 or 1995.

     The Company accounts for its stock-based  compensation under the provisions
of Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 25,  "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" (APB Opinion No. 25), which utilizes the intrinsic value method.  The
effect on 1997 and 1996 net  income and  earnings  per share of  accounting  for
stock-based  compensation  using the fair value method  required by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based  Compensation
(SFAS 123) is immaterial.

     The  weighted  average  fair value of options  granted  during the year was
$0.70 and $2.86 per  option  for fiscal  1997 and 1996,  respectively.  The fair
value of options granted under the Plan was estimated at the date of grant using
a binomial options pricing model with the following assumptions:

                                              Feb. 2,        Jan. 28,
                                               1997            1996
                                              --------       --------
      Risk-free interest rate...............       6.0%           7.0%
      Dividend yield........................       0.0%           0.0%
      Expected Volatility...................       8.1%           8.1%
      Expected life (years) ................       6.6 years      6.7 years

     A summary of the Company's  stock-based  compensation  activity  related to
stock options for the last three fiscal years is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   February 2, 1997       January 28, 1996         January 29, 1995
                                 --------------------    --------------------    --------------------
                                             Weighted                Weighted               Weighted
                                             Average                 Average                 Average
                                             Exercise                Exercise                Exercise
                                 Number       Price      Number       Price      Number       Price
                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Outstanding-beginning of year    296,546     $  5.05     227,545     $  4.33     171,750     $  3.63
Granted .....................     86,800        2.37     122,205        6.80      75,000        5.75
Expired/terminated ..........    (80,530)       4.66     (48,246)       6.22     (19,205)       3.63
Exercised ...................       --            --      (4,958)       3.63          --          --
Outstanding-end of year .....    302,816     $  4.39     296,546     $  5.05     227,545     $  4.33
</TABLE>

     There were 123,616,  85,474 and 61,681  options  exercisable at February 2,
1997, January 28, 1996 and Janaury 29, 1995, respectively.

     The following table summarizes  information about stock options outstanding
as at February 2, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                    Options Outstanding                                Options Exercisable
- ------------------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------
                                            Weighted
                                             Average        Weighted                        Weighted
            Range of                        Remaining       Average                         Average
            Excercise       Number         Contractual      Exercise         Number         Exercise
             Prices       Outstanding         Life            Price        Exercisable        Price
           -----------    -----------      -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>        <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
           $1.94-$2.78          83,800       9.5 Years     $      2.36              --     $        --
             3.63-5.75         171,016       7.3 Years            4.60         114,016            4.20
                  7.19          48,000       8.1 Years            7.19           9,600            7.19
           -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Totals     $1.94-$7.19         302,816       8.0 Years     $      4.39         123,616     $      4.43
</TABLE>

                                       27
<PAGE>

K.  CAPITAL STOCK

     In October 1994,  919,587  shares of nonvoting  common stock of the Company
were  converted  into the same number of shares of common  stock.  After  giving
effect to such conversion,  the Company had 5,004,942 shares of common stock and
no shares of nonvoting  common stock  outstanding  at the end of fiscal 1997 and
1996.

L.  EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS

     On July 31,  1995,  the Company made an offer to purchase for cash 39.5% of
the aggregate outstanding principal amount of 14% Subordinated  Promissory Notes
(Notes) of Pamida Holdings  Corporation.  The offered  purchase price was 50% of
the principal  amount to be purchased.  In the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the
Company redeemed Notes tendered in the aggregate  principal amount of $1,281 and
made cash payments of $641, resulting in an after-tax gain of $371.

M.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     Pamida has employment  agreements  with three key executive  officers which
expire in 2000 and 2001. In addition to a base salary,  the  agreements  provide
for a bonus to be paid if certain Company performance goals are achieved.  Also,
in  March  1997,  the  Board  of  Directors   approved  a  long-term   incentive
compensation  program in order to enhance  retention  of certain  key members of
management.  Payout is tied to continued  employment  and future  Company common
stock price appreciation.

     The  terms  of the  senior  and  junior  preferred  stock  and the  senior,
subordinated  and junior  subordinated  promissory  notes provide that, upon the
occurrence of an event of  noncompliance  with respect to the preferred stock or
event of default with respect to the promissory  notes,  the Company is required
to pay higher  dividend  and  interest  rates  with the  amount of the  increase
depending on the nature of the event of noncompliance or default.

     During   fiscal  1996,   the  Company   received  $967  from  Pamida  as  a
reimbursement for certain tax benefits derived by Pamida. Such remittance, along
with $18 from the exercise of certain stock options,  was used by the Company to
redeem Subordinated  Promissory Notes as described in Note L, to repay to Pamida
intercompany  balances totaling $29, and to pay quarterly dividends on preferred
stock totaling $315.

     In June 1994, the Company  received  $1,316 from Pamida as a  reimbursement
for certain tax  benefits  derived by Pamida.  Such  remittance  was used by the
Company to make a  principal  payment  on its  outstanding  promissory  notes of
$1,029 and to repay Pamida certain intercompany advances aggregating $287.

     In  connection  with the  Company's  self  insured  retention  of  worker's
compensation  liabilities and future rental payments on a warehouse, on February
2,  1997,  the  Company  had  standby  letters  of credit  outstanding  totaling
approximately $1,188.

N.  IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS RECORDED IN FISCAL 1996

     During  fiscal  1996,  weak  trends in the retail  industry  combined  with
increasing competition lowered the operating results of the Company.

     Therefore,  during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996,  management  reviewed
its expectations for near- and long-term  performance of the Company and revised
its earnings  projections to reflect developing and projected trends,  primarily
in comparable-store-sales growth, gross margins, operating expenses and interest
expenses.  Consequently,  the recoverability of the Company's  long-lived assets
was also reassessed.

     In the fourth  quarter of fiscal  1996,  the Company  adopted  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  121  "Accounting  For the  Impairment  of
Long-Lived  Assets and  Long-Lived  Assets to Be Disposed  Of" (SFAS 121).  This
financial accounting standard requires the Company to perform an analysis of the
recoverability of the net book value of long-lived  assets. The Company analyzed
cash flows on an individual store basis to assess  recoverability of store level
long-lived assets including allocated goodwill.

     As a result of this analysis,  impairment was indicated at certain  stores,
and a noncash pre-tax charge was recorded as illustrated in the table below. The
impairment  losses  were  based  on fair  value  which  was  determined  through
discounted cash flows for the particular  stores  utilizing a rate  commensurate
with the associated  risks. The effect of this accounting change was to increase
the net loss for the year by $24,693 or $4.90 per common share.

     The Company also analyzed the value of its remaining goodwill and favorable
leasehold  interests not impaired

                                       28
<PAGE>

under the  store-level  SFAS 121  analysis  using its  historical  method  under
Accounting  Principles  Board Opinion No. 17 (APB 17) and  determined  that such
remaining  amounts  also  were  impaired.  For this  analysis  the  value of the
goodwill  and  favorable   leasehold  interests  was  determined  by  projecting
aggregate net income and adjusting it by adding back  amortization of intangible
assets.  With  respect  to  the  projections  of net  income  used  to  evaluate
intangible assets impairment,  management made several assumptions in projecting
their best estimate of the results of future operations of the Company. The most
significant  assumptions were an estimated  remaining useful life of goodwill of
fifteen years,  modest annual comparable store sales growth,  gross margin rates
consistent  with those  experienced  over the past fiscal year in the stores not
being closed,  an annual expense  escalation  consistent  with recent  inflation
trends and the ability to refinance debt maturities as they come due.

     These assumptions  resulted in aggregate  undiscounted  adjusted net income
for the  fifteen-year  forecast period of approximately  $5,186,  which reflects
aggregate pre-tax interest expense of approximately $398,000 payable in cash and
$86,000 payable "in kind" (PIK). The $5,186 of aggregate adjusted net income for
the fifteen-year  forecast period also reflected  projected  adjusted net losses
for fiscal 1997 of $4,522,  which included cash interest  expense of $26,242 and
PIK  interest of $4,453,  and for fiscal  1998 of $2,863,  which  included  cash
interest  expense of $26,581 and PIK interest of $5,121.  For fiscal  1999,  the
Company projected adjusted net income of approximately $967, which included cash
interest expense of approximately $26,581 and PIK interest of $5,889. Due to the
uncertainty  of projections  beyond 1999,  this level of adjusted net income was
assumed to continue for each of the  remaining  fiscal  years in the  projection
period. As a result of this evaluation in fiscal 1996, management concluded that
the remaining goodwill and favorable leasehold interests were fully impaired.

     Pre-Tax  Components  of  Long-Lived  Asset  Write-Off  As  Reflected in the
Statement of Operations for the year ended January 28, 1996:

                                   SFAS          APB
                                    121           17         Total
                                 --------     --------     --------
          Goodwill               $ 20,607     $ 49,406     $ 70,013
          Favorable leasehold
            interests               4,245        1,917        6,162
          Property, buildings
            and equipment           2,376           --        2,376

                                 --------     --------     --------
          Total                  $ 27,228     $ 51,323     $ 78,551
                                 ========     ========     ========

     The  goodwill  was  originally  recorded in July 1986 when Pamida  Holdings
Corporation  acquired Pamida,  Inc. through a leveraged  buy-out and represented
the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired.
Goodwill had been amortized on a  straight-line  basis over a forty-year  period
but, due to the trends  cited above,  its  estimated  remaining  useful life was
adjusted to fifteen years during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.

                                       29
<PAGE>

O.  STORE CLOSINGS IN FISCAL 1996

     As discussed in Note N above, the Company's  operating  performance  during
fiscal  1996  was  below  plan.  Management's  analysis  of  individual  stores'
operations and cash flows resulted in the  identification of forty  unprofitable
or  competitive  market  stores  which did not fit the  Company's  niche  market
strategy.  Consequently,  a charge was recorded at January 28, 1996 as indicated
below to cover the costs necessary to close these stores.  The Company  received
positive  net cash flow from closing the stores due to cash  generated  from the
disposition  of related  inventories.  The amounts the Company  will  ultimately
realize from the disposal of assets or pay on the resolution of liabilities  may
differ from the estimated  amounts  utilized in arriving at the income statement
effect.

          Pre-Tax                                   Income
          Components of fiscal 1996               Statement
          Store Closing Costs                       Effect
                                                   --------
          Real estate exit costs and
            write-off of property,
            buildings, and equipment ...........   $ 11,455
          Inventory liquidation ................      9,080
          Professional charges .................        314
          Severance and other costs and fees ...        548
                                                   --------
          Totals ...............................   $ 21,397
                                                   ========

     The store closing reserve  balance as of January 28, 1996 included  amounts
related to real estate, inventory, severance,  professional fees and other costs
of closing the forty stores. The liquidation of the closing stores inventory was
completed in the second quarter of fiscal 1997. All known ancillary costs of the
store closings have been paid except those related to the remaining real estate.
During fiscal 1997,  the Company  negotiated  settlements on twenty closed store
properties which had been leased,  two which have been subleased,  and sold four
closed  store  properties  which had been owned.  As of  February  2, 1997,  the
Company remains liable for lease  obligations on twelve closed store  properties
and owns four  closed  store  properties.  The  Company  anticipates  that final
disposition of the remaining  obligations  and  properties  will be completed in
fiscal  1999.  There were no  adjustments  made during  fiscal 1997 to the store
closing  reserve  other  than cash  inflows  and  outflows  related to the store
closings.

     The store closing reserve is presented in the balance sheets as follows:

                                        Feb. 2,      Jan. 28,
                                          1997         1996
                                        --------     --------
          Store closing reserve
            (short-term)                $  4,521     $  7,818
          Amount included in other
            long-term liabilities          2,190        2,619
                                        --------     --------

          Total                         $  6,711     $ 10,437
                                        ========     ========

                                       30
<PAGE>

P.  QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

     The following is a summary of the quarterly  results of operations  for the
years ended February 2, 1997 and January 28, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           April 28,       July 28,       October 27,     February 2,
Fiscal 1997                                  1996            1996            1996            1997            Year
                                          -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Sales .................................   $   131,786     $   155,817     $   151,980     $   193,606     $   633,189
Gross profit ..........................        31,575          37,096          36,446          48,973         154,090

Net (loss) income .....................        (4,742)         (1,294)            189           5,051            (796)
Less provision for preferred
     dividends and discount
     amortization .....................            93              97              99             102             391
                                          -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Net (loss) income available
     for common shares ................   $    (4,835)    $    (1,391)    $        90     $     4,949     $    (1,187)
                                          ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

Net (loss) earnings
    per common share ..................   $      (.97)    $      (.28)    $       .02     $       .99     $      (.24)
                                          ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           April 30,       July 30,       October 29,     January 28,
Fiscal 1996                                   1995           1995            1995            1996           Year
                                          -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Sales...................................  $   153,961     $   186,953     $   176,206     $   219,195     $   736,315
Gross profit............................       36,813          44,638          42,802          53,435         177,688

Net (loss) income before
    Extraordinary item..................       (2,179)            608             130         (93,578)        (95,019)
Extraordinary item......................           --              --             371              --             371
                                          -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

Net (loss) income.......................       (2,179)            608             501         (93,578)        (94,648)
Less preferred dividends and
    discount amortization...............           91              90              90              91             362
                                          -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Net (loss) income available
    for common shares...................  $    (2,270)    $       518     $       411     $   (93,669)    $   (95,010)
                                          ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

Net (loss) earnings
    per common share                      $      (.45)    $       .10     $       .08     $    (18.60)    $    (18.87)
                                          ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SCHEDULE



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors
Pamida Holdings Corporation
Omaha, Nebraska



We have audited the  consolidated  balance sheet of Pamida Holdings  Corporation
and subsidiary as of February 2, 1997, and the related  consolidated  statements
of operations,  stockholders'  equity and cash flows for each of the years ended
February 2, 1997 and January 29, 1995 and have issued our report  thereon  dated
March 7, 1997  (March 17,  1997 as to Note E).  Such  financial  statements  and
report are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our audits also included
the financial  statement schedule of Pamida Holdings  Corporation and subsidiary
as of  February 2, 1997,  and for each of the years  ended  February 2, 1997 and
January 29, 1995 listed in Item 14(a)2. This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion based on our audits. In our opinion,  such financial statement schedule,
when considered in relation to the basic financial  statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
March 7, 1997


                          PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                             (Parent Company Only)
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)

           SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
             BALANCE SHEETS - FEBRUARY 2, 1997 AND JANUARY 28, 1996



ASSETS                                                      1997          1996
Current assets:                                           --------     --------
  Refundable income taxes ............................    $    855     $    855
  Investment in subsidiary ...........................     (57,531)     (61,226)
  Deferred financing costs ...........................          52           63
                                                          --------     --------

                                                          $(56,624)    $(60,308)
                                                          ========     ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable ...................................    $     --     $      8
  Accrued interest ...................................         811          639
  Payable to Pamida, Inc. ............................          16           --
                                                          --------     --------
      Total current liabilities ......................         827          647

Long-term debt .......................................      27,636       23,335
Dividends payable ....................................         342           --
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:
  16-1/4% senior cumulative preferred stock, $1
    par value; 514 shares authorized, issued and
    outstanding ......................................         514          514
  14-1/4% junior cumulative preferred stock, $1
    par value; 6,986 shares authorized;
    1,627 shares issued and outstanding;
    redemption amount of $1,627 less
    unamortized discount .............................       1,360        1,312

Common stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares
    authorized; 5,004,942 shares issued and
    outstanding, in both years .......................          50           50
  Additional paid-in capital .........................         968          968
  Accumulated deficit ................................     (88,321)     (87,134)
                                                          --------     --------
      Total common stockholders' equity ..............     (87,303)     (86,116)
                                                          --------     --------
                                                          $(56,624)    $(60,308)
                                                          ========     ========


                          PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                             (Parent Company Only)
             (Dollar amount in thousands except for per share data)

           SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED (DEFICIT) EARNINGS
      YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1997, JANUARY 28, 1996 AND JANUARY 29, 1995


                                                 1997        1996        1995
                                               --------    --------    --------
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiary ....   $  3,696    $(92,527)   $  5,130
Expenses:
  General and administrative ...............         19          33          34
  Interest .................................      4,473       3,910       3,463
                                               --------    --------    --------
                                                  4,492       3,943       3,497
                                               --------    --------    --------

(Loss) income before income tax benefit
  and extraordinary item ...................       (796)    (96,470)      1,633

Extraordinary item .........................         --         371          --
                                               --------    --------    --------
(Loss) income before income tax benefit ....       (796)    (96,099)      1,633
Income tax benefit .........................         --       1,451       1,282
                                               --------    --------    --------
Net (loss) income ..........................       (796)    (94,648)      2,915
Amortization of discount on 14-1/4%
  junior cumulative preferred ..............        (49)        (47)        (45)
Cash dividends paid to preferred
  stockholders .............................         --        (315)       (316)
Accrued dividends for
   preferred stockholders ..................       (342)         --          --
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) -
   beginning of year .......................    (87,134)      7,876       5,322
                                               --------    --------    --------
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) -
   end of year .............................   $(88,321)   $(87,134)   $  7,876
                                               ========    ========    ========

(Loss) earnings per common share ...........   $   (.24)   $ (18.87)   $    .51
                                               ========    ========    ========

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                             (Parent Company Only)
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)

           SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
      YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1997, JANUARY 28, 1996 AND JANUARY 29, 1995

                                                                 1997        1996        1995
Cash flows from operating activities:                          --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>
  Net (loss) income ........................................   $   (796)   $(94,648)   $  2,915
                                                               --------    --------    --------
  Adjustments to reconcile  net income  (loss) to net cash provided by (used in)
    operating activities:
      Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiary ..............     (3,696)     92,527      (5,130)
      Noncash interest expense .............................      4,313       3,756       3,315
      Accretion of original issue debt discount ............        160         154         149
      Amortization of intangible assets ....................         11          10          11
      Extraordinary item related to retirement of debt .....         --        (371)         --
      (Increase) decrease in refundable income tax .........         --        (483)        349
      Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities .........          8          (7)       (264)
                                                               --------    --------    --------
           Total adjustments ...............................        796      95,586      (1,570)
                                                               --------    --------    --------
           Net cash provided by operating activities .......         --         938       1,345
                                                               --------    --------    --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Dividends received from subsidiary .......................         --          --          --

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of stock ..............................         --          18          --
  Principal payments on promissory notes ...................         --          --      (1,029)
  Payments to redeem subordinated notes ....................         --        (641)         --
  Dividends paid to preferred stockholders .................         --        (315)       (316)
                                                               --------    --------    --------
           Net cash used in financing activities ...........         --        (938)     (1,345)
                                                               --------    --------    --------

Net change in cash .........................................         --          --          --

Cash at beginning of year ..................................         --          --          --
                                                               --------    --------    --------

Cash at end of year ........................................   $     --    $     --    $     --
                                                               ========    ========    ========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION:
    Cash paid during the year for interest .................   $     --    $     --    $     --

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH FINANCING
  ACTIVITY:
    Amortization of discount on junior cumulative preferred
      stock recorded as a direct charge to retained earnings   $     49    $     47    $     45

    Payment of interest in kind by increasing the
      principal amount of the notes ........................      4,141       3,702       3,263

    Conversion on nonvoting common stock to common stock:
      Common stock .........................................         --          --           9
      Nonvoting stock ......................................         --          --          (9)
</TABLE>


Item  9. CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND
           FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

     The information  required by this item has been previously  reported in the
Form 8-K Current Report of the registrant dated October 16, 1996.


                                    PART III

     The information required by this Part III is incorporated by reference from
the  registrant's  definitive proxy statement for the 1997 annual meeting of the
registrant's  stockholders  to be held  on May  22,  1997,  which  involves  the
election of directors.  Such  definitive  proxy statement will be filed with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal  year  covered by this Form 10-K.  However,  information  concerning  the
registrant's executive officers will be omitted from such proxy statement and is
furnished in a separate item captioned  "Executive  Officers of the  Registrant"
included in Part I of this Form 10-K.


                                     PART IV

Item 14. EXHIBITS,  FINANCIAL  STATEMENT  SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report in Item
              8 of Part II:

     1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

       Pamida Holdings Corporation and Subsidiary

         -  Independent Auditors' Report

         -  Consolidated  Statements of Operations  for the Years Ended February
            2, 1997, January 28, 1996 and January 29, 1995

         -  Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 2, 1997 and January 28, 1996

         -  Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity for the Years
            Ended February 2, 1997, January 28, 1996 and January 29, 1995

         -  Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended  February
            2, 1997, January 28, 1996 and January 29, 1995

         -  Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for the  Years  Ended
            February 2, 1997, January 28, 1996 and January 29, 1995

     2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

         -  Independent Auditors' Report on Schedule

         -  Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant


All  other  schedules  of the  registrant  for  which  provision  is made in the
applicable accounting  regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are
not  required  under the related  instructions,  are  inapplicable  or have been
disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and, therefore, have
been omitted.

     3. EXHIBITS.

(1)  3.1   -   Restated   Certificate   of  Incorporation   of  Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation, as amended.

(2)  3.2   -   Revised By-Laws of Pamida Holdings Corporation.

(1)  3.3   -   Certificate   of   Amendment   of   Certificate  of Incorporation
                 of Pamida  Holdings  Corporation (amends Exhibit 3.1).

(9)  3.4   -   Certificate   of   Amendment   of   Certificate  of Incorporation
                 of Pamida  Holdings Corporation (amends Exhibit 3.1).

(2)  4.1   -   Form  of  certificate  representing  shares  of  the Common Stock
                 of Pamida Holdings Corporation.

(6)  4.2   -   Indenture dated  as  of  March  15, 1993,  among Pamida, Inc.  as
                 Issuer, Pamida  Holdings  Corporation  as Guarantor,  and State
                 Street Bank  and Trust  Company as Trustee  relating to 11 3/4%
                 Senior  Subordinated  Notes due 2003 of Pamida, Inc.

(6)  4.3   -   Specimen form  of 11 3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Note due 2003 of
                 Pamida, Inc.

(3)  10.1  -   Stock and  Note Purchase Agreement  dated  as  of July  29, 1986,
                 among  Pamida  Holdings  Corporation, Citicorp Venture Capital,
                 Ltd.,  Citicorp  Capital  Investors,  Ltd.,  and the individual
                 purchasers who are parties thereto.

(1)  10.2  -   Amendment  to Stock  and  Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 31,
                 1990 (amends Exhibit 10.1).


(1)  10.3  -   Second Amendment  to  Stock  and  Note  Purchase Agreement, dated
                 August 10, 1990  (amends  Exhibit 10.1).

(1)  10.4  -   Third  Amendment  to  Stock  and  Note  Purchase Agreement, dated
                 September 13, 1990 (amends Exhibit 10.1).

(1)  10.5  -   Registration Agreement dated July 29, 1986, among Pamida Holdings
                 Corporation  and  the persons  listed  on the  signature  pages
                 thereof.

(1)  10.6  -   Amendment No.1 to Registration Agreement, dated August 10,  1990,
                 among Pamida Holdings Corporation,  Citicorp  Venture  Capital,
                 Ltd. and C. Clayton Burkstrand (amends Exhibit 10.5).

(1)  10.7  -   Exchange  Agreement dated August 10, 1990, among Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation, Citicorp Venture  Capital, Ltd. and  Court  Square
                 Capital Limited.

(1)  10.8  -   Agreement   dated  September  13,  1990,  among  Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation,  Citicorp  Venture  Capital, Ltd. and Court Square
                 Capital Limited.

(2)  10.9  -   Agreement   dated  September  20,  1990,  among  Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation,  Citicorp  Venture  Capital, Ltd. and Court Square
                 Capital Limited.

(4)  10.10 -   Exchange Agreement dated  as of  December 1,  1990 between Pamida
                 Holdings  Corporation,   Citicorp  Venture  Capital,  Ltd.  and
                 Court Square Capital Limited.

(4)  10.11 -   Form of 14.25% Junior  Subordinated  Promissory  Note  of  Pamida
                 Holdings Corporation.

(4)  10.12 -   Form  of  Indemnification  Agreement  between   Pamida   Holdings
                 Corporation and its officers and directors.

(5)  10.13 -   Note Amendment  Agreement  dated as of December 18, 1992, between
                 Pamida Holdings  Corporation and Court Square Capital Limited.

(5)  10.14 -   Note Amendment Agreement No. 2 dated as of March 1, 1993, between
                 Pamida  Holdings Corporation  and Citicorp Investments Inc.

(5)  10.15 -   Tax-Sharing  Agreement dated as of February 2, 1992, among Pamida
                 Holdings Corporation, Pamida,  Inc.,  Seaway Importing company,
                 and Pamida  Transportation Company.

(6)  10.16 -   Loan  and Security Agreement  dated March 30, 1993, by  and among
                 Congress Financial  Corporation (Southwest)   and  BA  Business
                 Credit,  Inc.  as  Lenders,   Congress  Financial   Corporation
                 (Southwest)as Agent  for the  Lenders,  and  Pamida,  Inc.  and
                 Seaway Importing Company as Borrowers.

(12) 10.17 -   Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated January 23,
                 1995,  among  Pamida, Inc.  and  Seaway  Importing  Company  as
                 Borrowers,  Congress  Financial  Corporation  (Southwest)  as a
                 Lender and Agent,  and BA  Business  Credit  Inc.  as a  Lender
                 (amends Exhibit 10.16).

(13) 10.18 -   Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated January 28,
                 1996,  among  Pamida,  Inc.  and Seaway  Importing  Company  as
                 Borrowers,  Congress  Financial  Corporation  (Southwest)  as a
                 Lender and Agent,  and BankAmerica  Business Credit as a Lender
                 (amends Exhibit 10.16).

(14) 10.19 -   Amendment  No. 3 to  Loan  and  Security  Agreement among Pamida,
                 Inc.  and  Seaway  Importing  Company,  as  Borrowers, Congress
                 Financial  Corporation  (Southwest)  and  BankAmerica  Business
                 Credit, Inc., as  Lenders, and Congress Financial   Corporation
                 (Southwest),  as  Agent,  dated   September  16,  1996  (amends
                 Exhibit 10.16).

     10.20 -   Amendment No. 4 to  Loan  and  Security  Agreement  among Pamida,
                 Inc.  and Seaway  Importing  Company,  as   Borrowers, Congress
                 Financial  Corporation  (Southwest)  and  BankAmerica  Business
                 Credit, Inc.,  as  Lenders, and Congress  Financial Corporation
                 (Southwest),  as   Agent,   dated   January  31,  1997  (amends
                 Exhibit 10.16).

     10.21 -   Amendment No.  5 to  Loan  and  Security  Agreement among Pamida,
                 Inc. and Seaway  Importing  Company, as   Borrowers,   Congress
                 Financial Corporation   (Southwest)  and BankAmerica   Business
                 Credit, Inc.,  as Lenders, and  Congress Financial  Corporation
                 (Southwest),   as   Agent,  dated   March   17,  1997   (amends
                 Exhibit 10.16).

(8)  10.22 -   Pamida Holdings Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan.

(7)  10.23 -   Employment  Agreement dated April 19, 1993,  between
                 Pamida, Inc. and Steven S. Fishman.

(10) 10.24 -   Amendment  No.  1 to Employment Agreement, dated January 3, 1994,
                 between  Pamida, Inc.  and  Steven  S. Fishman  (amends Exhibit
                 10.23).

(11) 10.25 -   Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, dated January  23, 1995,
                 between  Pamida,  Inc.  and Steven  S. Fishman  (amends Exhibit
                 10.23).

(12) 10.26 -   Employment   Agreement  dated  September  22,  1995, among Pamida
                 Holdings Corporation,  Pamida, Inc. and  Steven S. Fishman.

(14) 10.27 -   Amendment  No.  1 to Employment  Agreement among Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation,  Pamida,  Inc., and  Steve S. Fishman dated August
                 29,  1996  (amends Exhibit 10.26).

     10.28 -   Amendment  No.  2 to Employment Agreement among  Pamida  Holdings
                 Corporation, Pamida, Inc., and Steven S. Fishman dated March 6,
                 1997 (amends Exhibit 10.26).

(11) 10.29 -   Pamida, Inc. 1995 Deferred Compensation Plan.

     10.30 -   Employment  Agreement  dated as  of March 6,  1997, among  Pamida
                 Holdings Corporation, Pamida, Inc., and Frank A. Washburn.

     10.31 -   Employment  Agreement  dated as  of March 6,  1997, among  Pamida
                 Holdings Corporation, Pamida, Inc., and George R. Mihalko.

     10.32 -   Long-Term  Incentive Award Agreement  dated as  of March 6, 1997,
                 between Pamida, Inc. and, Steven S. Fishman.

     10.33 -   Long-Term Incentive  Award  Agreement dated  as of March 6, 1997,
                 between Pamida, Inc., and Frank A. Washburn.

     10.34 -   Long-Term Incentive  Award  Agreement dated  as of March 6, 1997,
                 between Pamida, Inc., and George R. Mihalko.

(1)  22.1  -   Subsidiaries of Pamida Holdings Corporation.

     23.1  -   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

     23.2  -   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

     24.1  -   Power of Attorney

     27.1  -   Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR filing only)

- -------------------------

(1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement of Pamida Holdings
     Corporation on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-35324) and incorporated herein
     by this reference.

(2)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings   Corporation   for  the  period  ended  October  28,  1990,   and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(3)  Previously filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement of Pamida, Inc. on
     Form S-l  (Registration  No.  33-10980)  and  incorporated  herein  by this
     reference.

(4)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form  10-K  Annual  Report  of  Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation  for the fiscal  year  ended  February  3, 1991,  and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(5)  Previously  filed as an exhibit to Registration  Statement of Pamida,  Inc.
     and Pamida Holdings Corporation on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-57990) and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(6)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation  for the period ended May 2, 1993,  and  incorporated
     herein by this reference.

(7)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida,
     Inc.  (File  No.  33-57990)  for the  period  ended  August  1,  1993,  and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(8)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation for the period ended August 1, 1993, and incorporated
     herein by this reference.

(9)  Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation for the period ended July 31, 1994, and  incorporated
     herein by this reference.

(10) Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form  10-K  Annual  Report  of  Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation  for the fiscal  year ended  January  30,  1994,  and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(11) Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form  10-K  Annual  Report  of  Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation  for the fiscal  year ended  January  29,  1995,  and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(12) Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings   Corporation   for  the  period  ended  October  29,  1995,   and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(13) Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form  10-K  Annual  Report  of  Pamida
     Holdings  Corporation  for the fiscal  year ended  January  28,  1996,  and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

(14) Previously  filed as an  exhibit  to Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report of Pamida
     Holdings   Corporation   for  the  period  ended  October  27,  1996,   and
     incorporated herein by this reference.

                                      * * *

(b)  No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the registrant during the last quarter
     of the period covered by this report.

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant  to the  requirements  of  Section  13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:  April 15, 1997                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION

                                By:/s/  Steven S. Fishman
                                        Steven S. Fishman, Chairman
                                        of the Board, President and
                                        Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, this
report  has  been  signed  below  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


    /s/ Steven S. Fishman               Chairman of the Board,    April 15, 1997
    Steven S. Fishman                   President, Chief Executive
                                        Officer and Director


    /s/ George R. Mihalko               Senior Vice President,    April 15, 1997
    George R. Mihalko                   Chief Financial Officer
                                        and Treasurer


    /s/ Todd D. Weyhrich                Principal Accounting      April 15, 1997
    Todd D. Weyhrich                    Officer


    /s/ Frank A. Washburn               Director                  April 15, 1997
    Frank A. Washburn

            *                           Director                  April 15, 1997
    L. David Callaway, III

            *                           Director                  April 15, 1997
    Stuyvesant P. Comfort

            *                           Director                  April 15, 1997
    M. Saleem Muqaddam


            *                           Director                  April 15, 1997
    Peter J. Sodini

* By:  /s/ George R. Mihalko
       George R. Mihalko,
       Attorney-in-Fact


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
 [X]               15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the quarterly period ended August 3, 1997
                               --------------

Commission File Number 1-10619
                       -------

                           PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              Delaware                                         47-0696125
- --------------------------------                        -----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (IRS Employer
  incorporation or organization)                         Identification Number)


   8800 "F" Street, Omaha, Nebraska                                     68127
- ----------------------------------------                             ----------
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)


                                 (402) 339-2400
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


     Indicate  by check mark  whether the  registrant  (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant  was required to file such  reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ]

     Indicate the number of shares  outstanding of each of the issuer's  classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class of Common Stock                          Outstanding at September 5, 1997
- ---------------------                          --------------------------------
   Common Stock                                          5,004,942 Shares




                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                          ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
ASSETS:                                                            August 3,   February 2,
  Current assets:                                                    1997         1997
                                                                  ----------   -----------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>        
    Cash ......................................................   $   8,485    $     6,973
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for
      doubtful accounts of $50 ................................       7,679          6,919
    Merchandise inventories ...................................     147,240        157,490
    Prepaid expenses ..........................................       3,624          2,993
    Property held for sale ....................................          --          1,748
                                                                  ----------   -----------
       Total current assets ...................................     167,028        176,123

  Property, buildings and equipment, less accumulated
    depreciation and amortization of $64,805 and $61,364 ......      43,494         42,403
  Leased property under capital leases, less accumulated
    amortization of $15,900 and $14,604 .......................      26,417         27,713
  Deferred financing costs ....................................       3,098          3,176
  Other assets ................................................      20,244         19,773
                                                                  ----------   -----------
                                                                  $ 260,281    $   269,188
                                                                  ==========   ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable ..........................................   $  53,315    $    54,245
    Loan and security agreement ...............................      47,210         57,115
    Accrued compensation ......................................       4,320          3,860
    Accrued interest ..........................................       7,217          7,668
    Store closing reserve .....................................       2,158          4,521
    Other accrued expenses ....................................      13,499         10,112
    Income taxes - deferred and current payable ...............      11,867          8,101
    Current maturities of long-term debt ......................          47             47
    Current obligations under capital leases ..................       1,749          1,781
                                                                  ----------   -----------
       Total current liabilities ..............................     141,382        147,450

  Long-term debt, less current maturities .....................     170,386        168,000
  Obligations under capital leases, less current obligations ..      33,140         33,999
  Other long-term liabilities .................................       5,355          4,825
  Commitments and contingencies ...............................          --             --
  Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
    and reserve for dividends payable .........................       2,487          2,217
  Common stockholders' equity:
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
      5,004,942 shares issued and outstanding, ................          50             50
    Additional paid-in capital ................................         968            968
    Accumulated deficit .......................................     (93,487)       (88,321)
                                                                  ----------   -----------
      Total common stockholders' equity .......................     (92,469)       (87,303)
                                                                  ----------   -----------
                                                                  $ 260,281    $   269,188
                                                                  ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
                       (Unaudited)




                                 Three Months Ended         Six Months Ended
                                ---------------------     ---------------------
                                August 3,    July 28,     August 3,    July 28,
                                   1997        1996          1997        1996
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
<S>                             <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>      
Sales ......................    $ 163,217   $ 155,817     $ 307,781   $ 287,603

Cost of goods sold .........      121,715     118,721       233,011     218,932
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
Gross profit ...............       41,502      37,096        74,770      68,671

Expenses:
  Selling, general and
    administrative .........       33,275      31,262        64,249      60,473
  Interest .................        7,664       7,128        15,417      14,234
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
                                   40,939      38,390        79,666      74,707
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
Income (loss) before income
  tax provision ............          563      (1,294)       (4,896)     (6,036)

Income tax provision .......           --          --            --          --
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
Net income (loss) ..........          563      (1,294)       (4,896)     (6,036)

Less provision for preferred
  dividends and discount
  amortization .............          165          97           270         190
                                ---------   ---------     ---------   ---------
Net income (loss) available
  for common stock .........    $     398   $  (1,391)    $  (5,166)  $  (6,226)
                                =========   =========     =========   =========
Income (loss) per common share  $     .08   $    (.27)    $   (1.03)  $   (1.24)
                                =========   =========     =========   =========

</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                                          Six Months Ended
                                                                        --------------------
                                                                        August 3,   July 28,
                                                                          1997        1996
                                                                        --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>      
  Net loss ..........................................................   $ (4,896)   $ (6,036)
                                                                        --------    --------
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operations:
      Depreciation and amortization .................................      5,890       5,468
      Provision for LIFO inventory valuation ........................        433         300
      Non-cash interest expense .....................................      2,375       2,015
      Gain on disposal of assets ....................................        (77)        (28)
      Other .........................................................         82          79
      Decrease in store closing reserve .............................     (2,028)     (3,365)
      Decrease in merchandise inventories ...........................      9,817      13,501
      Increase in other operating assets ............................     (4,266)     (3,252)
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable .......................       (930)      2,119
      Increase (decrease) in other operating liabilities ............      7,309        (864)
                                                                        --------    --------
         Total adjustments ..........................................     18,605      15,973
                                                                        --------    --------
           Net cash from operating activities .......................     13,709       9,937
                                                                        --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Capital expenditures .............................................     (4,833)     (3,148)
   Construction notes receivable ....................................      1,765      (3,022)
   Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets ...........................      1,906         672
   Assets acquired for sale, net ....................................       --          (391)
   Other ............................................................          9           8
                                                                        --------    --------
          Net cash from investing activities ........................     (1,153)     (5,881)
                                                                        --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Borrowings under loan and security agreement, net ................     (9,905)        667
   Principal payments on capital lease obligations ..................       (891)       (884)
   Principal payments on long-term debt .............................        (23)       (104)
   Payments for deferred finance costs ..............................       (225)       --
                                                                        --------    --------
           Net cash from financing activities .......................    (11,044)       (321)
                                                                        --------    --------

Net increase in cash ................................................      1,512       3,735
Cash at beginning of year ...........................................      6,973       7,298
                                                                        --------    --------
Cash at end of period ...............................................   $  8,485    $ 11,033
                                                                        ========    ========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
(1)  Cash paid (received) during the period for:
       Interest .....................................................   $ 13,459    $ 12,158
       Income taxes:
         Payments to taxing authorities .............................         32         257
         Refunds received from taxing authorities ...................     (3,798)       (169)

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITY:
(1)  Amortization of discount on junior cumulative preferred
       stock recorded as a direct charge to retained earnings .......         25          24
(2)  Provision for dividends payable ................................        245         166
(3)  In-kind payment of accrued interest on promissory notes:
       Promissory notes .............................................      2,327       1,989
       Accrued interest .............................................     (2,327)     (1,989)
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.





                   PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 3, 1997 AND JULY 28, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)
                             (Dollars in Thousands)



1.   MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION

     The  accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements have been
     prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles for
     interim  financial   information.   In  the  opinion  of  management,   all
     adjustments  necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations
     for the interim periods have been included.  All such  adjustments are of a
     normal  recurring  nature.  Because of the seasonal nature of the business,
     results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year's
     operations. The accounting policies followed by Pamida Holdings Corporation
     (the Company) and  additional  footnotes are reflected in the  consolidated
     financial  statements  contained  in the Form  10-K  Annual  Report  of the
     Company for the fiscal year ended February 2, 1997.

2.   INVENTORIES

     Substantially  all  inventories  are stated at the lower of cost  (last-in,
     first-out) or market. Total inventories would have been higher at August 3,
     1997 and February 2, 1997 by $7,007 and $6,574  respectively,  had the FIFO
     (first-in,  first-out)  method  been  used  to  determine  the  cost of all
     inventories.  Quarterly LIFO inventory  determinations  reflect assumptions
     regarding  fiscal  year-end  inventory  levels and the estimated  impact of
     annual  inflation.  Actual inventory levels and annual inflation could vary
     from estimates made on a quarterly basis.

3.   INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

     Income (loss) per common share was  calculated  using the weighted  average
     common shares and dilutive common share equivalents  outstanding during the
     period using the treasury stock method.

4.   RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
     128, "Earnings Per Share" which specifies the computation, presentation and
     disclosure  requirements  for  earnings  per share.  The  objective  of the
     statement is to simplify the computation of earnings per share.  The impact
     on the  Company's  earnings  per  share is not  materially  different  than
     earnings per share determined in accordance with current guidance. SFAS No.
     128 is applicable for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1997.

5.   RECLASSIFICATIONS

     Certain  reclassifications  have been made to the  prior  year's  financial
     statements to conform to the current year's presentation.



                ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (Dollars in Thousands)


The following is  management's  discussion  and analysis of certain  significant
factors which have affected the  Company's  results of operations  and financial
condition for the periods  included in the accompanying  consolidated  financial
statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The  following  table  sets  forth an  analysis  of  various  components  of the
Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of sales for the three and
six months ended August 3, 1997 and July 28, 1996:


                              August 3,   July 28,    August 3,   July 28,
                                1997        1996        1997        1996
                              ---------   --------    ---------   --------
Sales                            100.0%     100.0%       100.0%     100.0%
Cost of goods sold                74.6%      76.2%        75.7%      76.1%
                              ---------   --------    ---------   --------
Gross profit                      25.4%      23.8%        24.3%      23.9%
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses         20.4%      20.0%        20.9%      21.0%
                              ---------   --------    ---------   --------
Operating income                   5.0%       3.8%         3.4%       2.9%
Interest expense                   4.7%       4.6%         5.0%       5.0%
                              ---------   --------    ---------   --------
Income (loss) before income
  tax provision                    0.3%      -0.8%        -1.6%      -2.1%
Income tax provision                 --         --           --         --
                              ---------   --------    ---------   --------
Net income (loss)                  0.3%      -0.8%        -1.6%      -2.1%
                              =========   ========    =========   ========

SALES - During the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 1998,  sales in
comparable stores increased $5,300 or 3.5% and $13,907 or 5.0%, respectively, as
compared to the second  quarter and first six months last year.  Total sales for
the second  quarter and the first six months of fiscal 1998  increased by $7,400
or 4.8% and $20,179 or 7.0%, respectively,  as compared to the same periods last
year.

The Company  operated 149 stores at the end of the first  quarter of fiscal 1998
as  compared  with 144  stores  at the end of the  first  quarter  last year and
operated 149 stores at the end of the second  quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared
with 146 stores at the end of the second quarter last year.  Since July 28, 1996
the Company has opened  four stores in new  markets,  reopened a store which had
been closed due to storm damage,  relocated one store and closed two stores. The
increase in total sales was primarily  attributable  to  comparable  store sales
increases  and the  effects  of the net  increase  in the  number  of  stores in
operation during the respective periods this year as compared with last year.

The Company  experienced  sales increases in most merchandise  categories during
the second  quarter of fiscal 1998.  The largest  dollar  increases  were in the
pharmacy prescriptions, sporting goods, housewares, men's denim apparel, women's
shoes,  toys,  stationary,  appliances and misses tops  categories.  The Company
experienced  sales  declines  in  only a few  categories,  with  men's  fashions
experiencing the largest decrease.

GROSS PROFIT increased $4,406 or 11.9% and $6,099 or 8.9% for the second quarter
and first six months, respectively,  of fiscal 1998 compared to the same periods
last year. As a percentage of sales,  gross profit increased to 25.4% from 23.8%
and  to  24.3%  from  23.9%  for  the  second  quarter  and  first  six  months,
respectively, of fiscal 1998 compared to the same periods last year. The Company
improved its in-stock positions in most merchandise categories during the second
quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 1997. Sales
improved in most  merchandise  categories  this year,  with a marked increase in
sales of higher margin basic goods which experienced  substantial  out-of-stocks
during the second  quarter last year.  Also,  the Company  realized  substantial
decreases in warehousing and distribution  costs during the first half of fiscal
1998 compared to last year.

SELLING,  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE (SG&A) expense increased $2,013 or 6.4% for
the second  quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 1997
and increased $3,776 or 6.2% for the first six months of fiscal 1997 compared to
the same period last year. As a percentage of sales,  SG&A expense was 20.4% and
20.0%,  respectively,  for the  second  quarter  of fiscal  1998 and 1997.  As a
percentage  of sales,  SG&A expense was 20.9% and 21.0%,  respectively,  for the
first half of fiscal 1998 and 1997.

Most of the total net increase in SG&A expense for the second  quarter of fiscal
1998 as compared to the second  quarter  last year was  attributable  to planned
higher  corporate  general  and  administrative  expenses,  primarily  involving
increases in payroll and incentive  compensation.  As planned,  store  occupancy
costs also increased over last year to  accommodate  the higher sales  activity.
These  increases  were offset  partially  by a $224  increase  in other  income,
primarily  due  to a  gain  on  the  sale  of a  parcel  of  land  and  business
interruption insurance settlements related to two stores.

Most of the total net increase in SG&A expense for the first half of fiscal 1998
as compared to the first half of last year was  attributable  to planned  higher
corporate general and administrative expenses,  primarily involving increases in
payroll,  incentive  compensation  expenses and  professional  fees. As planned,
store controllable, occupancy and payroll costs also increased over last year to
accommodate the higher sales activity.  These increases were offset partially by
a $135 increase in other income.

INTEREST  expense  increased  $536 or 7.5% for the second quarter of fiscal 1998
compared to the same period of fiscal 1997 and increased  $1,183 or 8.3% for the
first  half of fiscal  1998  compared  to the same  period of fiscal  1997.  The
increases were due primarily to increased revolver  borrowings to support higher
investments in basic  inventory and the Company's  seasonal  operating  pattern.
There also was an increase in interest  expense  attributable  to the promissory
notes which require quarterly interest to be paid in kind.

INCOME TAX BENEFIT - No income tax benefit on losses will be recorded  until the
Company can  establish  with a  reasonable  degree of  certainty  the  potential
utilization  of certain  tax loss  carryforwards  from prior year store  closing
charges.

PROPOSED  TRANSACTIONS  - On July 22, 1997,  the Company  announced  that it had
entered  into  an  agreement  with  399  Venture  Partners,   Inc.,  a  Citicorp
subsidiary, providing for the payment of all of the presently outstanding Senior
Promissory  Notes,   Subordinated   Promissory  Notes  and  Junior  Subordinated
Promissory  Notes (the Notes) of the Company with shares of newly issued  common
stock and nonvoting common stock of the Company. 399 Venture Partners, Inc. owns
approximately 82.75% of such Notes.

Shares of the Company's stock will be issued in payment of the Notes at the rate
of one  share  for each  $9.00  of  principal  and  accrued  interest  as of the
effective  date.  399 Venture  Partners,  Inc. will receive  shares of nonvoting
common  stock,  which may be converted  into the same number of shares of common
stock under  certain  conditions;  and the  remaining  note holders will receive
shares of common  stock.  The proposed  transactions  and the  authorization  of
sufficient  shares to accomplish  such  transactions  are subject to stockholder
approval.  The Company presently  anticipates that, if the requisite stockholder
approvals  are  obtained,  the  proposed  transactions  described  above will be
completed during the Company's third fiscal quarter ending November 2, 1997.

The proposed  transactions  described above also are subject to the simultaneous
change and  reclassification of all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock
of the Company  into  shares of common  stock at the rate of one share of common
stock for each $9.00 of preferred stock liquidation value plus accrued dividends
as of the effective  date. Such change and  reclassification  of preferred stock
has been approved by the holders of a majority of the shares of preferred  stock
but is subject  to  approval  by the  holders  of a  majority  of the  presently
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.

The Company currently has outstanding 5,004,942 shares of common stock. Assuming
approval by the  stockholders  of the  Company and a November 2, 1997  effective
date  for  the  proposed  transactions,   a  total  of  approximately  3,989,848
additional  shares of common stock and nonvoting common stock would be issued in
payment of the Notes and in connection with the change and  reclassification  of
the preferred stock.

If the proposed transactions are effected,  the Company would be relieved of the
obligation  to repay  the  Notes  in 2003  and to  redeem  the  preferred  stock
(including the payment of accrued  dividends) in December 2001. The transactions
would also relieve the Company of substantial  amounts of  compounding  non-cash
interest  expense on the Notes and from earnings per share dilution  caused both
by the  preferred  stock  dividends  and by  discount  amortization.  Assuming a
November 2, 1997  effective  date for the proposed  transactions,  approximately
$1,526,000  of  interest   expense,   preferred  stock  dividends  and  discount
amortization  would be eliminated  for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
Scheduled  interest  and  discount  amortization  on the  Notes  is  $5,981,000,
$6,958,000 and  $8,119,000  for the fiscal years ending in 1999,  2000 and 2001,
respectively. The scheduled provision for dividends and discount amortization on
the preferred  stock is $705,000,  $845,000 and  $1,016,000 for the fiscal years
ending in 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.

The  proposed  reclassification  of the  Company's  preferred  stock into common
stock, if  consummated,  will be a tax-free  reorganization  for the Company and
will have no direct  tax impact on the  corporation.  However,  if the  proposed
transaction  involving the issuance of common stock of the Company in payment of
the Company's  Notes is approved by the common  stockholders  of the Company and
consummated,  then some of the Company's tax loss carryforwards may be utilized,
potentially  requiring  tax expense to be recorded  related to  operations.  The
difference,  if any, between the recorded value of the Notes and the fair market
value of the common  stock  issued in  payment of the Notes as of the  effective
date  of  such   transaction   would  result  in  a  taxable  gain  or  loss  on
extinguishment  of indebtedness  for the Company which will be taxed as ordinary
income or loss for  federal  income tax  purposes.  The  amount of income  taxes
attributable   to  the  taxable  income  or  loss  which  may  result  from  the
consummation of such transaction  would be reduced by the existing net operating
loss  and tax  credit  carryforwards.  No  assurances  can be  given  that  such
transactions will be approved by the common  stockholders of the Company or that
the  transactions  will be  consummated.  Similarly,  no assurances can be given
regarding the potential  impact of the tax  consequences of the  transactions if
they are consummated.

For financial statement  purposes,  any gain on extinguishment of the Notes held
by persons other than 399 Venture  Partners  would be reflected on the Company's
Statement  of  Operations  as an  extraordinary  item  (net of  related  taxes),
separate from the operating results of the Corporation.  Any gain related to the
payment of Notes owned by 399 Venture Partners with nonvoting common stock would
be considered to be a capital transaction; accordingly, such gain, net of taxes,
would be  recorded  directly  to  additional  paid-in  capital on the  Company's
financial statements.  The gain on the preferred stock exchange for common stock
will be accounted for as a capital transaction.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's  business is seasonal with first quarter sales  (February  through
April) being lower than sales during the other three  quarters.  Fourth  quarter
sales (November through January) have represented  approximately 30% of the full
year's sales in recent years and normally involve a greater proportion of higher
margin sales.  Funds provided by operating  activities were $13,709 in the first
half of fiscal 1998  compared to $9,937 in the first half of fiscal  1997.  This
$3,772  improvement  in net cash  generated by operating  activities  during the
first half of fiscal 1998  resulted  primarily  from changes in other  operating
liabilities  and the store closing reserve as well as the decreased net loss for
the  period,  offset  somewhat  by changes in  inventory,  accounts  payable and
operating assets.

Effective March 17, 1997, the term of Pamida, Inc.'s (Pamida) committed Loan and
Security  Agreement  (the  Agreement) was extended to March 2000 and the maximum
borrowing  limit of the  facility was  increased to $95,000.  Prior to March 17,
1997,  borrowings under the Agreement bore interest at a rate of 0.75% per annum
greater than the applicable  prime rate.  Effective  March 17, 1997,  borrowings
under the  Agreement  bear  interest at a rate 0.50% per annum  greater than the
applicable  prime rate or a rate which is tied to the London  Interbank  Offered
Rate (LIBOR),  generally at Pamida's discretion. The amounts Pamida is permitted
to borrow are determined by a formula based upon the amount of Pamida's eligible
inventory.  Such  borrowings  are  secured by security  interests  in all of the
current  assets  (including  inventory)  of Pamida and by liens on certain  real
estate interests and other property of Pamida.  The Company and two subsidiaries
of Pamida have  guaranteed the payment and  performance of Pamida's  obligations
under the  Agreement  and have pledged some or all of their  respective  assets,
including the stock of Pamida owned by the Company, to secure such guarantees.

The Agreement contains provisions imposing operating and financial  restrictions
on the Company.  Certain  provisions of the Agreement require the maintenance of
specified  amounts of tangible net worth (as  defined)  and working  capital (as
defined)  and the  achievement  of  specified  minimum  amounts of cash flow (as
defined).  Other  restrictions  in the  Agreement and those  provided  under the
Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes of Pamida will affect, among
other  things,  the  ability  of Pamida to incur  additional  indebtedness,  pay
dividends,  repay indebtedness prior to its stated maturity, create liens, enter
into  leases,  sell assets or engage in mergers or  acquisitions,  make  capital
expenditures  and make  investments.  These covenants  currently have not had an
impact on the Company's  ability to fully utilize the revolving credit facility.
However,  certain of the covenants,  such as those which restrict the ability of
the Company to incur  indebtedness  or  encumber  its  property or which  impose
restrictions  on  or  otherwise  limit  the  Company's   ability  to  engage  in
sale-leaseback  transactions,  may at some future time  prevent the Company from
pursuing its store expansion program at the rate that the Company desires.

Obligations  under the  Agreement  were $47,210 at August 3, 1997 and $32,255 at
July 28, 1996.  As noted above,  this  facility  expires in March 2000,  and the
Company  intends to refinance any outstanding  balance by such date.  Borrowings
under the Agreement are senior to the Senior  Subordinated  Notes of Pamida. The
Company had long-term debt and  obligations  under capital leases of $203,526 at
August 3, 1997 and $201,703 at July 28, 1996.  The Company's  ability to satisfy
scheduled principal and interest payments under such obligations in the ordinary
course of business is dependent  primarily upon the sufficiency of the Company's
operating  cash flow and  continued  access to financial  markets.  At August 3,
1997, the Company was in compliance with all covenants  contained in its various
financing agreements.

On December 18, 1992, the promissory notes of the Company were amended effective
as of December 1, 1992 to provide that,  until the obligations of Pamida and the
Company  under  certain of Pamida's  credit  agreements  have been  repaid,  the
quarterly  interest payments on the promissory notes of the Company will be paid
in kind.  Since the Company  conducts no  operations  of its own,  the only cash
requirement of the Company relates to preferred stock dividends in the aggregate
annual  amount  for  fiscal  1998  totaling  approximately  $503;  and Pamida is
expressly permitted under its existing credit facilities to pay dividends to the
Company to fund such preferred stock dividends. However, the General Corporation
Law  of  the  State  of  Delaware,  under  which  the  Company  and  Pamida  are
incorporated,  generally  allows a corporation to declare or pay a dividend only
from its surplus or from the current or the prior  year's  earnings.  Due to the
accumulated  deficit  resulting  primarily  from  the  store  closings  and  the
write-off  of goodwill  and other  long-lived  assets  recognized  in the fourth
quarter of fiscal  1996,  the Company and Pamida did not declare or pay any cash
dividends  in  fiscal  1997 or the first  half of  fiscal  1998 and may pay cash
dividends  in future  periods  only to the extent  that the  Company  and Pamida
satisfy the applicable  statutory standards which include the Company's having a
net worth equal to at least the aggregate par value of the preferred stock which
amounts to $2. The cumulative  dividend rate on the preferred stock increases by
0.5% per quarter  (with a maximum  aggregate  increase of 5%) on each  quarterly
dividend  payment  date on which  the  preferred  stock  dividends  are not paid
currently  on a  cumulative  basis.  Any  unpaid  dividends  are  added  to  the
liquidation  value  until  paid in cash.  Such  nonpayment  of  preferred  stock
dividends  does  not   accelerate   the  redemption   rights  of  the  preferred
stockholders.

The Company made capital expenditures of $4,833 in the first half of fiscal 1998
compared to $3,148  during the first half of fiscal 1997.  The Company  plans to
open a total of three new stores in fiscal 1998, two of which were opened in the
first half, and will consider  additional  opportunities for new store locations
as they arise.  Total capital  expenditures are expected to total  approximately
$10,000 in fiscal 1998. The Company expects to fund these expenditures from cash
flow  from its  operations.  The  costs  of  buildings  and  land for new  store
locations  are  expected  to be  financed by  operating  or capital  leases with
unaffiliated  landlords.  The  Company's  expansion  program  also will  require
inventory of approximately $1,000 to $1,200 for each new market store, which the
Company expects to finance through trade credit,  borrowings under the Agreement
and cash flow from operations.

The recent changes to the  Agreement,  along with expected  improvements  in the
Company's cash flow from operations,  should provide adequate  resources to meet
the Company's  near- term  liquidity  requirements.  On a long-term  basis,  the
Company's  expansion  will require  continued  investments  in store  locations,
working capital and distribution and  infrastructure  enhancements.  The Company
expects to continue to finance  some of these  investments  through  leases from
unaffiliated  landlords,  trade credit,  borrowings under the Agreement and cash
flow from operations but ultimately will need to explore  additional  sources of
funds which may include capital structure changes. Currently, it is not possible
for the  Company  to  predict  with  any  certainty  either  the  timing  or the
availability of such additional financing.

INFLATION

The  Company  uses the LIFO  method  of  inventory  valuation  in its  financial
statements;  as a result,  the cost of  merchandise  sold  approximates  current
costs.  The Company's  rental expense is generally  fixed and,  except for small
amounts of percentage  rents and rentals  adjusted by  cost-of-living  increases
tied to the Consumer  Price Index or interest  rates,  has not been  affected by
inflation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This  management's  discussion  and analysis  contains  certain  forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (the "1995  Act").  Such  statements  are made in good faith by the Company
pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the 1995 Act. In connection with these
safe-harbor  provisions,  this  management's  discussion  and analysis  contains
certain forward-looking  statements which reflect management's current views and
estimates  of  future  economic  circumstances,   industry  conditions,  company
performance and financial results.  The statements are based on many assumptions
and factors  including sales results,  expense levels,  competition and interest
rates  as well as  other  risks  and  uncertainties  inherent  in the  Company's
business,  capital structure and the retail industry in general.  Any changes in
these factors could result in significantly  different  results for the Company.
The Company  further  cautions that the  forward-looking  information  contained
herein is not exhaustive or exclusive.  The Company does not undertake to update
any  forward-looking  statements  which  may be made  from time to time by or on
behalf of the Company.



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


     ITEMS 1-2:

          None

     ITEM 3:

          The General Corporation Law of Delaware, under which the registrant is
     incorporated,  generally  allows a corporation to declare or pay a dividend
     only from its surplus or from the current or the prior year's earnings. Due
     to the retained  deficit  resulting  primarily  from store closings and the
     write-off of goodwill and other long-lived  assets in the fourth quarter of
     fiscal 1996,  the  registrant  was not permitted to pay dividends in fiscal
     1997 and may pay  dividends  in fiscal 1998 and  ensuing  years only to the
     extent that the registrant  satisfies the applicable  statutory  standards,
     which  include  the  registrant's  having a net worth equal to at least the
     aggregate par value of its outstanding  preferred  stock,  which amounts to
     $2. Accordingly, the registrant was restricted from declaring or paying the
     quarterly  dividends  payable during fiscal 1997 and on February 28 and May
     31,  1997,  with  respect  to  the  outstanding  16.25%  Senior  Cumulative
     Preferred  Stock  and  14.25%  Junior  Cumulative  Preferred  Stock  of the
     registrant and does not  anticipate  paying  dividends on the  registrant's
     preferred stock in the foreseeable  future.  Pursuant to the Certificate of
     Incorporation  of the  registrant,  the dividend  rate on the  registrant's
     preferred stock increases  cumulatively by 0.5% per quarter (with a maximum
     cumulative increase of 5%) on each quarterly dividend payment date on which
     the preferred stock dividends are not paid currently on a cumulative basis.
     As of the date of this report, the total preferred stock dividend arrearage
     was $586,952 representing six quarterly dividend payments at the applicable
     dividend rates. Any unpaid dividends are added to the liquidation  value of
     the preferred  stock until paid in cash. Such nonpayment of preferred stock
     dividends  does not  accelerate  the  redemption  rights  of the  preferred
     stockholders.

     ITEM 4:

     (a)  The 1997 annual meeting (the "Annual  Meeting") of stockholders of the
          registrant was held on May 22, 1997.

     (b)  The following persons were elected as directors at the Annual Meeting:

                             L. David Callaway, III
                             Stuyvesant P. Comfort
                             M. Saleem Muqaddam
                             Steven S. Fishman
                             Peter J. Sodini
                             Frank A. Washburn.

          No other director's term of office continued after the Annual Meeting.

     (c)  Votes were cast or withheld in the election of directors at the Annual
          Meeting as follows:

                Director                 For        Withheld
          ----------------------      ---------     --------
          L. David Callaway, III      4,516,580      20,865
          Stuyvesant P. Comfort       4,517,580      19,865
          M. Saleem Muqaddam          4,517,480      19,965
          Steven S. Fishman           4,517,580      19,865
          Peter J. Sodini             4,517,580      19,865
          Frank A. Washburn           4,517,480      19,965


     ITEM 5:

          None

     ITEM 6:

     (a)  Exhibits.

          - 27.0 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only)

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          A report on Form 8-K was filed  during the quarter for which this Form
     10-Q is filed.  Such  report  had a Date of Report  of July 22,  1997,  and
     related to Item 5, Other Events.  No financial  statements  were filed with
     such report.

                                   SIGNATURES

     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 thereunto duly authorized.


                                        PAMIDA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
                                        ---------------------------
                                               (Registrant)

Date:  September 5, 1997                By:  /s/ Steven S. Fishman
                                             Steven S. Fishman, Chairman of the
                                             Board, President and Chief
                                             Executive Officer

Date:  September 5, 1997                By:  /s/ Todd D. Weyhrich
                                             Todd D. Weyhrich,
                                             Chief Accounting Officer


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