It's not very often these days I get notices about one new store openings, let alone 37. But that's exactly what Kohl's announced this week, taking its annual new store count up to 56.

This is welcome news in today's environment. Even powerhouse retailers like Target scaled back expansion while smaller chains and independent shops have disappeared entirely. And for Californians, it's even more so: 30 of these new stores are former Mervyn's locations there, alleviating the burden on communities facing empty big box stores and the accompanying loss in tax revenue. In all, Kohl's has re-opened 35 locations under its own banner.

Californians also get the benefit of grand opening celebrations at all Kohl's stores in that state. According to Kohl's spokeswoman Jen Johnson, since a majority of the new stores are located in California, the company decided to treat the entire state to grand opening deals. And the introduction of LC Lauren Conrad collection, a line designed by the star of MTV's The Hills reality series. Dubbed "California Chic," the collection is only available at 300 Kohl's stores in California and neighboring states and at kohls.com.