Kohl’s opens 37 locations

Menomonee Falls, Wis. Kohl's Corp. said Wednesday that it is opening 37 new U.S. stores today -- adding more than 5,200 jobs -- as part of its plan to expand in key markets and gain market share.

The company is resonating well with shoppers looking to spend less during the recession. The chain also has forged successful partnerships with celebrities and designers on brands such as Abbey Dawn Girls, designed by singer Avril Lavigne, and Simply Vera Vera Wang. One of its most recent deals is an exclusive partnership with designer and former "The Hills" star Lauren Conrad on LC Lauren Conrad.

Among the 37 stores opening on Wednesday, 35 are former Mervyn’s locations, 30 of which are in California. The company is boosting its California presence by 33% with the addition of the 30 stores, bringing more than 4,200 new jobs. It now has 121 total stores in the state.

Kohl's also opened stores in Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas and Utah on Wednesday. The chain has opened 56 stores this year, and operates a total of 1,059 stores in 49 states.