Kmart Says It’s Getting With Program

Kmart Corp. said Wednesday it is introducing an electronic catalog at 100 stores this year and expanding its private-label merchandise in an effort to boost sales and offset shrinking profit margins.

The discount retailer is developing a Web site that will be linked to the electronic catalog. It will allow computer users to order merchandise over the Internet, executives said at the annual shareholders meeting.

Kmart plans to roll out the electronic-catalog system, called Kmart Solutions, at 100 stores by year-end. From a counter in the front of the store, customers can buy goods and services not carried in the stores.

The third-largest U.S. retailer has rebounded in the last year by closing or selling weaker stores.