Kohl's will open 21 stores, create nearly 4,000 jobs

Updated 55m ago

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Retailer Kohl's(KSS) is opening 21 more stores, creating almost 3,000 jobs in 15 states.

The retailer also said Wednesday that it opened a customer service and operations center in San Antonio that will serve credit card and online customers. The center has hired about 200 workers and plans to add more than 1,000 in the next three years.

The openings come at a time when U.S. unemployment is high and shoppers are worried about dismal economic conditions. They have been seeking out the low-priced clothing and home items that stores such as Kohl's offer.

The announcement comes a day after rival J.C. Penney said it would open three stores next year as part of a long-term plan to boost sales and reach more middle-income shoppers.

Kohl's new stores are in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Kohl's other customer service and operations centers in Corsicana, Texas and Menomonee Falls, Wis.

In addition to opening the new stores, Kohl's is remodeling 85 existing locations.

Earlier this month the company, based in Menomonee Falls, reported a key revenue figure climbed 4.5% in August on strong sales of its home and men's merchandise and footwear.

Kohl's now has 1,089 stores in 49 states.

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