JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ----------------------

 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 1

                            JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
                            ----------------------


          This will confirm the agreement by and among all of the undersigned
that the Schedule 13D filed on or about this date with respect to the beneficial
ownership by the undersigned of Common Stock of Pamida Holdings Corporation is
being, and any and all amendments to such Schedule may be, filed on behalf of
each of the undersigned. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Dated: May 14, 1999


                                    399 Venture Partners, Inc.


                                    By:  /s/  Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                              Name:  Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
                                              Title: Vice President


                                    CITIBANK, N.A.


                                    By:  /s/  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                              Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Title: Vice President & Assistant
                                                     Secretary


                                    CITICORP


                                    By:  /s/  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                              Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Title: Assistant Secretary



                                    CITIGROUP INC.


                                    By:  /s/  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                              Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                              Title: Assistant Secretary

                                (Page 17 of 17)