<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31,
2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-2001
<PERIOD-START> FEB-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 13,889
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 83,386
<ALLOWANCES> 5,317
<INVENTORY> 164,838
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 288,267
<PP&E> 229,706
<DEPRECIATION> 93,112
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 548,883
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 124,685
<BONDS> 434,068
223,010
0
<COMMON> 302
<OTHER-SE> (304,385)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 548,883
<SALES> 388,225
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 388,225
<CGS> 227,010
<TOTAL-COSTS> 227,010
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 551
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 24,554
<INCOME-PRETAX> 5,571
<INCOME-TAX> 6,011
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,830)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,830)<F1>
<EPS-BASIC> (0.90)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.90)
<FN>
<F1>NET INCOME (LOSS) IS SHOWN BEFORE SENIOR REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDENDS AND ACCRETION OF SENIOR REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK DISCOUNT OF
$15,885.
</FN>
</TABLE>