MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Kohl’s Department Stores Inc. is opening nine stores in seven states, a move it says will create more than 1,200 jobs.

The mid-price department store chain said Wednesday it’s opening stores in Illinois, New York, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The Menomonee Falls company says it also plans to open about 30 more stores this year.

With Wednesday’s openings, Kohl’s will have about 1,100 stores in 49 states.

Kohl’s Corp. said last month that its fourth-quarter net income increased 14 percent as shoppers bought more shoes and men’s clothing. But the chain also expects its customers will remain cautious in 2011.

In the second half of 2011 Kohl’s plans to launch two new exclusive brands: Jennifer Lopez women’s clothing and accessories and a Marc Anthony men’s line.

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