<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF DEPARTMENT 56, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES AS OF SEPTEMBER
30, 2000, AND THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE 39 WEEKS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 114,721
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 29,640
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 157,850
<PP&E> 31,674
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 346,927
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 90,302
<BONDS> 105,000
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 346,927
<SALES> 168,037
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 168,037
<CGS> 72,836
<TOTAL-COSTS> 72,836
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 59,558
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,344
<INCOME-PRETAX> 27,694
<INCOME-TAX> 10,524
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 17,170
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 17,170
<EPS-BASIC> 1.19
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.18
</TABLE>