Retail briefs

Gottschalks has strengthened its website's features to improve integration with its stores, visitor navigation and its on-line bridal registry, as well as adding back-end features to reduce order handling costs. In addition, the site has a new back-end order system, which integrates online, mail and telephone orders, that the company expects to reduce order handling costs.

Federated Merchandising Group announced that professional organizer Julie Morgenstern will serve as spokesperson for the partnership between Cotton Inc. and FMG's Charter Club brand, which was announced earlier this year. An aggressive promotional campaign is being planned and executed, using Morgenstern for on-air television appearances and editorial pieces that will educate consumers about the benefits of cotton and the ease of using cotton products.

ShopNBC, a national shopping network and e-tailer, has announced additions to its programming that will include Spiegel and The Museum Store, among others.