<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OFFICE DEPOT, INC. FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 23,
2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

<MULTIPLIER> 1000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-30-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-26-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-23-2000
<CASH>                                         225,683
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  884,623
<ALLOWANCES>                                    32,529
<INVENTORY>                                  1,390,245
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,596,985
<PP&E>                                       1,854,349
<DEPRECIATION>                                 672,652
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,195,331
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,990,444
<BONDS>                                        603,397
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         3,780
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,768,305
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,195,331
<SALES>                                      8,514,836
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             8,514,836
<CGS>                                        6,197,117
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                7,854,025
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               359,849
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                21,993
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              23,584
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                346,828
<INCOME-TAX>                                   129,233
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            217,595
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   217,595
<EPS-BASIC>                                       0.69
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.67