LA GRANDE — Those looking for tools and equipment will be able to shop at a local Harbor Freight Tools later this summer.

The retailer will open in the former location of Rite Aid in the La Grande Town Center, 2212 Island Ave., according to Director of Corporate Communications and Content Craig Hoffman.

“We’re very excited,” Hoffman said.

While the opening date is not yet finalized, Hoffman anticipates the La Grande store will open later this summer.

According to its website, the company was founded in 1977 and remains family owned, with more than 1,500 stores. The La Grande Town Center location will be Harbor Freight’s 27th in Oregon, but the company’s first in Union County.

“It will be much more convenient for our customers in the La Grande community,” Hoffman said.

Currently the closest store to La Grande is in Walla Walla, Washington. This means that Harbor Freight customers have to drive 53 miles — and cross state lines — to shop.

“We’ve been looking to open a location in Union County, and specifically in La Grande for a while now, but we always believe in waiting until we find a location that meets our needs and the needs of our customers,” Hoffman said.

The company was looking for a space with a variety of features, Hoffman explained, including good visibility, easy access, ample parking and the right square footage. The former Rite Aid building met all these criteria.

The 21,000-square-foot building will make it one of Harbor Freight’s larger stores, according to Hoffman. However, it will still be smaller than “so-called big box stores in our category,” which offers the company a competitive advantage.

Professional trades workers typically want to stop in, pick up what they need and then quickly be on their way, Hoffman said, and the store size will make it easy for all customers to browse Harbor Freight’s selection.

“All our customers will find a full selection of quality tools and accessories in categories including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools and more, at lowest prices, which has been our mission since we began more than 45 years ago,” he said.

Hoffman added that Harbor Freight hires locally and aims to bring between 25-30 new jobs to the community.

“We also chose to open in La Grande because we feel there is a wide pool of qualified applicants to join our team,” he said.

The company offers great benefits and highly competitive pay, according to Hoffman, and job listings are posted online. Harbor Freight is searching for a store manager — with a listed salary range between $61,450 and $88,320 — and a retail stocking manager — starting at $28.50 to $31.35 per hour.

Those interested in applying can do so online by going to www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and searching for La Grande.