Retailer Kohl's opens 37 stores, plans more for 2010

The global recession may turn out to be a boon for Kohl's Corp. (KSS), the nation's fourth-largest department store chain.

Kohl's opened 37 stores Wednesday, mostly in California, bringing its 2009 total to 56 new locations. Expansion might seem like an odd strategy for a retailer right now, with consumer confidence flat and Halloween sales expected to be down. But the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based company, is one of several American corporations fattening up during the downturn.