BIRMINGHAM, AL--(Marketwire - Jun 22, 2011) - Harbor Freight Tools, the nation's largest discount tool retailer, today announced the opening of its newest Birmingham, Alabama store, located at 9120 Parkway East, Suite A, in the Roebuck Marketplace shopping center.
"We're thrilled to be opening the sixth Harbor Freight Tools store in the state of Alabama, and the second in the Birmingham area. We are honored by the sense of community that has been extended to us," said Eric Smidt, chief executive officer of Harbor Freight Tools. "At Harbor Freight, our customers always find quality tools at ridiculously low prices. In today's economy, we provide a much-needed alternative to the 'big box' retailers that push high-priced brands with minimal attention to customer care."
On Friday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Office of Economic Development will be immediately followed by a donation to United Way of Central Alabama and Hands On Birmingham of more than $5500.00 in much needed tools and supplies. On Saturday, June 25, doors open at 8:00 a.m. for the Harbor Freight Birmingham special Grand Opening Sale, with select merchandise discounted as much as 70 percent.
"I want to welcome Harbor Freight's second location in the city of Birmingham," said Mayor William Bell. "We are pleased to become an even bigger part of the company's nationwide network of stores. Harbor Freight's newest location in the Roebuck Marketplace not only brings new jobs and a new investment to the city, but will generate a huge increase in sales tax revenue, from which the city and our school system will benefit."
Harbor Freight's donation to United Way of Central Alabama and Hands On Birmingham will equip 250 volunteers working on tornado relief debris removal projects across the city with tools that can be used to improve the Birmingham community for many years to come. The donation will also support the Community Tool Shed project in which high-demand items are made accessible to volunteers from different organizations to aide in the recovery effort.
"Hands On Birmingham is excited to welcome Harbor Freight Tools to the Birmingham community," said Tree Davidson, executive director, Hands On Birmingham. "We are so grateful to them for this generous donation to tornado survivors in and around the Birmingham area. These tools will have a significant impact on what Hands On Birmingham can do to help this city and its surrounding areas."
"Harbor Freight Tools is investing in the tornado relief efforts going on in Central Alabama," said Samuetta Nesbitt, senior vice president of communications, United Way of Central Alabama. "With every debris removal and new construction project, this donation from Harbor Freight is helping our community rebuild."
About Harbor Freight Tools
Since 1968, Harbor Freight Tools has been known as the national leader in selling high quality tools at "ridiculously low prices." Harbor Freight Tools stocks over 7,000 items in categories including automotive, shop equipment, air and power tools, outdoor equipment, compressors, welding, and woodworking tools. With a lifetime guarantee on all hand tools and outstanding customer service, Harbor Freight Tools is a favorite with business customers such as contractors, government agencies, schools and manufacturing companies, and with tool enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers who want a top-quality selection while still being value-conscious. The results speak for themselves with over five million new customers in the last 24 months, as thousands of people switch to Harbor Freight Tools every day. Harbor Freight Tools operates 350 stores in 45 states. For more information, visit www.harborfreight.com.
About Hands On Birmingham
Hands On Birmingham, an affiliate of United Way of Central Alabama, Inc., is a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization which supports local service organizations by matching volunteers and service opportunities throughout the community. Established in 1998, Hands On Birmingham is a member of Hands On Network, a national alliance with affiliates in 250 communities. For more information on volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups and corporations in Birmingham, visit www.handsonbirmingham.org.