Marshall Field's is rejoining the world of Internet commerce with an online shopping cart full of enhanced tools for users. The brick-and-mortar retailer is ending a half-year hiatus from the Web, which was brought on by infrastructure difficulties encountered during merger and acquisition activity.

"Online shopping completely stopped during the summer [of 2004] when Marshall Field's was acquired by the May Department Stores Company," said Jennifer McNamara, a spokeswoman for Marshall Field's. May started selling Marshall Field's gift cards online again in November, and a broader range of Internet sales for home goods resumed on April 5. McNamara said May helped Marshall Field's develop the technology necessary to build its new online shopping site.

One of the new features just introduced one the site is the ability to create and make changes to a gift registry. Previously, customers could only view their registries online, according to the company. Additionally, the Marshall Field's Online Bridal Guide offers organizational advice, and its Internet registry program recommends a quantity for each choice of gift.

Other new developments on fields.com are being able to view transactions online as well as being able to make a payment electronically on a Marshall Field's credit account. When shopping via the Internet, however, Marshall Field's accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover in addition to its own credit card.

Another new aspect of the site, as well as an incentive for Internet shopping, said McNamara, is free shipping being offered to anyone who purchases a Marshall Field's gift card online.

McNamara said the website offers a wide assortment of 15,000 new items from several brands, primarily in the home category. Other recent online additions include an assortment of Frango chocolates and a showcase of new prom dresses, 60 of which are featured online. The site also gives information on store services, locations, and events.

Though the home goods and gift card sites are primarily established, the company plans to extend its online shopping capabilities throughout the year, according to McNamara, to include men's, women's, kids', shoes, and beauty merchandise as well as more home goods.

Marshall Field's President and CEO Frank Guzzetta said his company will continue to develop the online retail channel to help extend its nationwide reach.