Department store operator Kohl’s achieved net income of $991m (£664.6m) last year compared with $885m (£593.5m) the previous financial year.

Net sales climbed 4.8% to $17.2bn (£11.5bn) and comparable store sales increased 0.4% against the previous year. Kohl’s ended the year with 1,058 stores in 49 states; it opened 56 outlets in 2009 and completed 51 store remodels, compared with 36 the year before.

In the fourth quarter net income surged 28% to $431m (£289m), compared with $336m (£225.3m) the year before. Net sales were $5.7bn (£3.8bn) - an increase of 8.5%. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 4.5%. In its 2010 financial year, the company expects to open about 30 stores and remodel 85 stores.