CALABASAS, CA--(Marketwire - February 11, 2011) - Harbor Freight Tools, the nation's largest discount tool retailer, today announced the opening of two new locations in Danvers, Massachusetts and Downingtown, Pennsylvania, as part of the chain's steady expansion into new U.S. markets.

"We are very excited to be opening new stores in Danvers, our fifth store in Massachusetts, and Downingtown, our 19th store in Pennsylvania, and delighted by the warm welcome we've received in both communities," said Eric Smidt, CEO of Harbor Freight Tools. "Our business model is simple: earn our customers' business every day by offering quality tools at ridiculously low prices, combined with superior customer service. Customers have become especially cost-conscious and appreciate that Harbor Freight provides a much-needed alternative to the 'big box' retailers that push high-priced national brands."

On Friday, February 11, each new store hosted a Grand Opening Sale with select merchandise discounted as much as 70 percent. Crowds gathered waiting for the doors to open at 8:00 a.m., and attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies and presentations of donations to local community and non-profit organizations later that morning.

Danvers, Massachusetts
Harbor Freight Tools' new Massachusetts store is located at 4 Newbury Street, Space B, in the city of Danvers. A 10:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce was immediately followed by a donation to the Plant Science department of Essex Agricultural and Technical High School of more than $1000.00 in much-needed tools and supplies.

Harbor Freight's donation to Essex Agricultural and Technical High School -- also known as "Essex Aggie" -- will help students in the school's Landscape and Arboriculture program, which focuses on landscape design and construction, arboriculture, and small engine repair. Landscape/Arboriculture majors at Essex Aggie concentrate on landscaping skills, developing competencies in turf management, landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Students also develop basic skills in arboriculture and urban forestry.

"On behalf of Essex Agricultural and Technical High School, I would like to thank Harbor Freight Tools for their generous donation to our school," said Roger Bourgeois, superintendent and director at Essex Agricultural and Technical High School. "This donation of equipment will directly benefit our students in the Landscape and Arboriculture program. This equipment is necessary to the vocational skills we are looking to give our students here at the Aggie; business partnerships such as this are vital to the mission of the school and demonstrate a genuine desire on the part of Harbor Freight Tools to be supportive members of the community."

Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Harbor Freight Tools' new Pennsylvania store is located in Brandywine Square Shopping Center at 12 Quarry Road, Unit G2, in the city of Downingtown. An 11:00 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce was immediately followed by a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Chester County of more than $500.00 in tools and building supplies for local homeowners and families.

Harbor Freight's donation to Habitat for Humanity will help finish building six new homes on Community Lane, the first in a 45-home project in Coatesville's Cambria Terrace. The entire neighborhood project will be completed over six years, with the 25 residents of these first six brand new homes moving in this summer.

"Habitat for Humanity of Chester County is thrilled to have Harbor Freight Tools now in our backyard," said Chip Huston, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. "Receiving a donation such as this not only helps out the job site as a whole, but in turn benefits the volunteers, the homeowners and the staff. We are appreciative of Harbor Freight's generosity and look forward to working with them in the future!"

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 4.5 million new customers in the last 18 months, as thousands of people switch to Harbor Freight Tools every day. Harbor Freight Tools operates more than 340 stores in 45 states. For more information, visit www.harborfreight.com.