
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements of CML Group, Inc. for the three months ended
November 2, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-02-1996
<CASH>                                      41,928,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               11,609,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 3,527,000
<INVENTORY>                                 37,566,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           117,693,000
<PP&E>                                      93,472,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              37,696,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             193,693,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       72,899,000
<BONDS>                                     41,593,000
<COMMON>                                     5,274,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                  66,739,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               193,693,000
<SALES>                                     66,958,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            66,958,000
<CGS>                                       29,371,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               29,371,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               379,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             461,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (21,497,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                               (7,846,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (13,651,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                              (13,651,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.27)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.27)
        



















</TABLE>
