On the same day that Home Depot announced it is closing 15 underperforming stores, clothing retailer Kohl’s boasted about its expansion plans.

None of the Home Depot stores are in California.

The Atlanta-based company has struggled with the housing downturn and announced plans to cut more than 1,000 jobs at the corporate level.

Apparently, kicky tops and cubic zirconia earrings sell better than refrigerators and lumber. At Kohl’s annual shareholders meeting Wednesday, the company outlined plans to open 70 to 75 stores in its current fiscal year. This is on top of opening 112 stores in 2007.

The company’s new Simply Vera Wang line and products from ELLE and Food Network are driving growth.
No word yet on whether any of the new Kohl’s stores will be in the central San Joaquin Valley. I’ll let you know when the company calls me back.