Zale Corp. is launching a new web store for its Gordon’s Jewelers chain, according to InternetRetailer.com. The Web store will be launched in 2006, and possibly in time for this year`s holiday season, David Sternblitz, Zale vice president and treasurer, reportedly said. It will become the chain retailer’s third e-commerce site.

Zale launched an e-commerce site for Bailey Banks & Biddle last November.

GordonsJewelers.com will have a shopping cart and other e-commerce functions. Zale reportedly said that it wants to create new ways to sell jewelry to younger buyers, especially newly engaged customers who may already be accustomed to shopping online.

“About 40% of the business at Gordon’s Jewelers is related to weddings,” Sternblitz reportedly said. “By offering customers new ways to shop online or research a product we are building loyalty.”

Zale is launching more e-commerce sites as a way to generate more multi-channel sales opportunities for its 2,300 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the publication reports. Zale expects its online sales to increase about 30% for its 2005 fiscal year, which ends July 31, Sternblitz reportedly said.

JCK