
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the 
consolidated financial statements of CML Group, Inc. for the six months ended
February 1, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-01-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                      38,434,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               11,362,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 2,888,000
<INVENTORY>                                 43,491,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           114,220,000
<PP&E>                                      94,502,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              41,298,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             193,520,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       77,878,000
<BONDS>                                     41,593,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                     5,279,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  61,597,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               193,520,000
<SALES>                                    182,339,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           182,339,000
<CGS>                                       81,578,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               81,578,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               622,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             756,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (28,539,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                               (9,703,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (18,836,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                              (18,836,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.38)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.38)
        

</TABLE>
