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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-60201, 33-7079, 33-11340, 33-30983 and 33-50185 on Form S-8 of our report
dated January 31, 2001 (February 27, 2001 as to Note V) (which expresses an
unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs concerning the change
in accounting for recording layaway sales, the Company's filing for
reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and substantial
doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern), appearing in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Service Merchandise Company, Inc. for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
March 15, 2001