Retail giant has re-introduced WalMart.com clothing sales after having discontinued them in 2001. It expects to overcome earlier weaknesses in its online clothing strategy with a stronger fulfilment network and a more comprehensive offering of clothes for men, women and children, the company says.

WalMart.com, No. 11 in Internet Retailer's Top 300 Guide to online retailers, is offering the same retail assortment as customers find in Wal-Mart stores, but will consider modifying the online offerings after gathering feedback from customers and analyzing their online shopping behaviour, a spokeswoman says. Its line includes three exclusive Wal-Mart brands: White Stag, Faded Glory denim and George, its fashion label. It also offers national brands including Rider and Wrangler denim, and mary-kateandashley for girl's wear.

WalMart.com included apparel when it launched in 2000, but dropped the category in April 2001 due to a combination of fulfilment costs and a limited number of product offerings available in the early days of the web site, the spokeswoman says. "We've used the time since then to better understand the apparel needs of customers," she adds.