LA GRANDE — Shoppers looking to purchase tools and equipment have a new option in Union County.

Harbor Freight will hold a grand opening at its new store in the La Grande Town Center, 2212 Island Ave., at 8 a.m. on Aug. 17, according to the press release. The storefront is located in the former home of Rite Aid.

The store is open now. 

“Our team is ready to serve and deliver value to customers in La Grande and all of Union County,” said Store Manager Brigette Kratochvil.

The company hired locally — bringing around 30 new jobs to the surrounding community.

After Aug. 17, regular store hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Harbor Freight serves a wide customer base from professional contractors and technicians to homeowners and hobbyists, according to the press release.

The 15,000-square-foot store sells a full selection of tools, equipment and accessories, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment and hand tools.

“At Harbor Freight, we recognize that now, more than ever, our customers depend on us for the tools they need to get the job done at an affordable price,” Kratochvil said.

The company was founded in 1977 and remains family owned, with more than 1,500 stores across the country. The opening of the La Grande Town Center location marks Harbor Freight’s 27th store in Oregon — and the company’s first in Union County.

Before the opening of this new location the closest store to La Grande has been in Walla Walla, Washington. This means that Harbor Freight customers had to drive 53 miles — and cross state lines — to shop.