Exhibit 23.2



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated March 14, 2000
included in Bradlees, Inc.'s 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2000 and to
all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                            /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


New York, New York
June 8, 2000