ST. JOHNS — Harbor Freight Tools, a California-based retailer that sells tools and equipment, has leased a space in a plaza along South U.S. 27.
The company, which already has more than 1,600 locations worldwide, according to its website, will open a store in a approximately 16,000-square-foot space at 1035 S. U.S. 27, said Shawn O’Brien, senior vice president at Colliers. The real estate company represented the owner in the lease.
The storefront was previously occupied by a movie theater, O’Brien said. Work has already begun to renovate the interior, he said.
“They’re getting rid of the common hallways that used to be a mall that would connect the interior suites, so that’s all being blown out,” O’Brien said.
In an emailed statement, the company confirmed the new location will open later this year.
“At this point, we can confirm that the store is scheduled to open this fall,” said the statement.
READ MORE:
St. Johns mainstay Swany’s Pub & Grub getting new owner
Couple opens ‘smallest wine shop’ in Michigan in downtown Dimondale
Harbor Freight stores typically employ 25 to 30 people, according to the company. The company plans to share “additional information” about the store in the coming months, according to the statement.
The plaza is also occupied by Biggby Coffee, Subway, Mancino’s, H&R Block and Wild Wild West Tobacco. A Michigan Secretary of State office that was near the theater entrance for years has since moved to another building within the mall. The building where Harbor Freight is opening a store is anchored on the north end by the Clinton County Medical Center and on the south end by Clinton County RESA.
Harbor Freight Tools has 55 locations in Michigan, according to its website. Those include two stores in Lansing, one in Owosso, another in Mt. Pleasant, as well as others in Jackson, Battle Creek and Livonia.
Eric Smidt founded the company in 1977 as a mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Today the stores carry “automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools,” according to Harbor Freight Tools’ website.
Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Harbor Freight Tools leases space for new store in St. Johns
Reporting by Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
