MARSHALL TWP, Allegheny County — The teen specialty store rue21 plans to create 1,200 to 1,500 new jobs this year.

The company is based in the Thorn Hill Industrial Park in Marshall and Cranberry townships just off Route 19 and Freedom Road.

The retailer has 450 stores in 41 states and will open 100 new stores this year, relocate 30 stores and remodel another 30.

"Our growth will provide an opportunity to create new jobs, while intensifying our brand awareness, as well as increasing market share throughout the country," said Bob Fisch, president and chief executive officer of rue21 in a news release.

Despite the tough economic times, the company reported a healthy year in 2008 and an increase in its fourth quarter numbers. The increases are partly attributed to the addition of etc.!, which is a store within a store concept that was expanded in 200 of the company's stores.

The etc.! store expanded accessories, including shoes, jewelry and handbags. The company also expanded its boy's fashions inspired by current trends.

The company celebrated the 18,000-square-foot expansion of its headquarters, increasing the overall size to 53,000 square feet.