
<TABLE> <S> <C>



<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements of CML Group, Inc. for the tweleve months
ended July 31, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>

<MULTIPLIER> 1

       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1996
<CASH>                                      17,673,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               14,058,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 3,488,000
<INVENTORY>                                 30,434,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           134,923,000
<PP&E>                                      95,438,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              37,279,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             213,351,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       78,760,000
<BONDS>                                     41,593,000
<COMMON>                                     5,262,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                  80,535,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               213,351,000
<SALES>                                    544,905,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           544,905,000
<CGS>                                      256,738,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              256,738,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                             4,652,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           3,088,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                          (131,284,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                              (46,475,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (84,809,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                            (15,615,000)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                             (100,424,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (2.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (2.04)
        


                                      

</TABLE>
