harbor freight tools announced This morning, they plan to open a store in Maricopa by the end of the year.

reason? Harbor Freight spokeswoman Donna Walker said Maricopa has exactly what the company is looking for. Inmaricopa This afternoon.

The Calabasas, Calif.-based hardware retailer will begin selling power tools, generators, jacks and more at below-market prices. in December near John Wayne Parkway and Edison Road.

Harbor Freight will take over. Former 99 Cents Only Store15,000 square feet of retail space is half that size. garden center Alone at the hardware store that will open in Maricopa in two weeks.

But bigger isn’t necessarily better, Walker explained. The Edison Road storefront is about the same size as other Harbor Freight locations.

“This size means it’s easy to view,” Walker said. “[People] Find what you need and get there faster. ”

The location had everything the company wanted, she said, including good visibility, ample parking and the right square footage. The closest existing location is Casa Grande, approximately 32 miles away.

In Harbor Freight’s view, Maricopa has a “wide pool of qualified applicants” to join its staff when the store opens. The number of employees will be 25 to 30.

Walker said anyone interested can apply. Harbor Freight website.