Rue21 adds clicks to its bricks

Welcome to the Web Rue21. The operator of nearly 1,000 stores nationwide has joined the ranks of virtually every other retailer and now sells products via the Internet.

The specialty apparel retailer focused on teens and young adults on Friday announced the launch of their online shopping site Rue21.com.

"The launch of our new e-Commerce site marks a new chapter for our company and will be key to building our brand for the future," said Bob Fisch, Rue21's president and CEO. "We have experienced great success through the growth of our brick and mortar stores, and we look forward to building on that success by providing our customers with the same trendy merchandise at competitive prices right at their fingertips."

The launch of Rue21's online shop will give customers across the United States access to the affordable fashion they crave, according to the company.

"It's no secret that the business landscape is changing," said Mark Chrystal, Rue21’s SVP of ecommerce, planning and allocation. "This is just the first step for Rue21 toward a complete omni-channel experience. We are building the foundation that is required to reposition Rue21 in today's marketplace."

To promote its belated arrival to the Internet, the company is looking to start a social conversation with a contest called, “Shop & Win." Five winners will receive a $50 gift card by talking about their favorite Rue21 items on the internet. Using hashtag #shoprue21.com, fans of the retailer can post pictures or comments on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.