There were many shoppers who felt great sadness when learning that Mervyn’s would be closing their doors forever. Especially in Rancho Cordova, where Mervyn’s offered a large part of our retail shopping, one has to wonder what this says about our local economy.  However, good news came on Friday; Kohl’s Department Stores will be taking over several Mervyn’s locations in Northern California, including the space in Rancho Cordova.

Kohl’s says it won an auction of leaseholds on Thursday, December 12th in the Mervyn’s bankruptcy case. Kohl’s  and  Forever 21 Inc. of Los Angeles won a bid for 46 locations for approximately $6.25 million. Kohl’s will take over 31 locations and Forever 21 will take over 15. All details are still pending bankruptcy court approval.

In a statement released byKohl’s president and CEO Kevin Mansell,  the company believes the new sites “provide increased presence in under-penetrated markets.” In fiscal 2009, the company continues to expect to open approximately 50 stores, including the 31 former Mervyns’ locations.

Mervyn’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July. In October, Mervyn’s received court approval to hold going-out-of-business sales. If approved by the bankruptcy court, in addition to the Rancho Cordova location these current Northern California Mervyns locations will turn into Kohl’s; Hayward, Lodi, Millbrae, Napa, and San Rafael.