Harbor Freight Tools store coming to Cape

Harbor Freight Tools announced Tuesday its plan to open a store in Cape Girardeau’s Town Plaza this fall.

“We’re thrilled to be opening our 18th Harbor Freight Tools store in Missouri and very pleased by the warm welcome we’ve received in Cape Girardeau,” said Eric Smidt, president of Harbor Freight Tools in a news release.

Demolition has been taking place for several weeks at 2136 William St., Suite 205, which used to house the AMC Town Plaza 5 cinema.

The tentative opening date is set for Oct. 10, company spokesperson Collin Ozar said via email Tuesday.

The development spells good news for the Town Plaza, which saw large tenant Hastings shuttered last year.

Harbor Freight Tools has begun soliciting applications for full-time management positions, and the location expects to hire 35 to 40 employees total, Ozar said.

Harbor Freight Tools is a discount retailer of automotive, air and power tools, shop equipment and hand tools, with existing locations in Poplar Bluff and Farmington, Missouri, and Paducah, Kentucky.

Smidt said his business seeks to deliver “high-quality tools at ridiculously low prices.”

The chain, which was founded in North Hollywood, California, in 1977, is based in Calabasas, California, and has more than 750 stores nationwide.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent Address: 2136 William Street, suite 205, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701