BIDDEFORD – The fast-growing Kohl’s department store chain plans to open its first Maine store in 2004, says an executive of a development company working with the retailer.

Kohl’s, based in Wisconsin, will open an 88,400-square-foot store in 2004 near the Home Depot on Route 111, just west of the Maine Turnpike in Biddeford, said Robert Frazier, vice president of development at WS Development in Newton, Mass.

Kohl’s declined to confirm Frazier’s announcement, saying the company does not announce a store opening until construction is nearly complete and the store is ready to hire.

Kohl’s, which sells name-brand clothing, home goods and small appliances, is a publicly traded company with 457 stores and 50,000 employees in 33 states.

The company plans to open 80 stores in 2003 and is aggressively pushing into New England, spokeswoman Tawn Ernest said.