After a failed attempt at selling apparel online three years ago, mass-merch giant Wal-Mart is gearing up to sell clothing via its Web site once again beginning this month.

Apparel will be offered under 15 different brands in regular and special sizes for men, women and children on Walmart.com. The brands include Wal-Mart’s exclusive lines such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, named after the teen TV stars, as well as national brands Faded Glory and Wrangler. School uniforms are available just in time for back-to-school. The site also includes shopping tips on apparel trends and advice on building a wardrobe.

The company initially offered clothing online when it launched its Web site in 2000, but apparel was pulled from the site in April 2001 because of problems related to costs, availability and retail price.

“We removed apparel due to the combination of fulfillment costs and limited product offerings at the time,” said Amy Colella, a spokesperson for Walmart.com. “The site was still in its early stages. We now have a more comprehensive assortment of both basic and fashion-forward styles for all ages and style preferences — women, men, girls, boys and juniors.”

Wal-Mart is rolling out a full scale integrated marketing campaign in support of the new Web site offerings including in-store signage throughout store apparel departments, Wal-Mart in-store 30-second TV spots and a mention in the monthly circular. On the Web site there is a home page announcement and a new apparel department page signaled by a new apparel tab on the home page.

(Promo) After a failed attempt at selling apparel online three years ago, Wal-Mart is gearing up to sell clothing via its Web site once again beginning this month.

Apparel will be offered under 15 different brands in regular and special sizes for men, women and children on Walmart.com. The brands include Wal-Mart’s exclusive lines such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, as well as national brands Faded Glory and Wrangler. The site also includes school uniforms, shopping tips on apparel trends and advice on building a wardrobe.

The company initially offered clothing online when it launched its Web site in 2000, but apparel was pulled in April 2001 because of problems related to costs, availability and retail price.

“We removed apparel due to the combination of fulfillment costs and limited product offerings at the time,” said Amy Colella, a spokesperson for Walmart.com. “The site was still in its early stages. We now have a more comprehensive assortment of both basic and fashion-forward styles for all ages and style preferences.”

Wal-Mart is rolling out a full scale integrated marketing campaign in support of the new Web site offerings including in-store signage, in-store 30-second TV spots and a mention in the monthly circular.