Harbor Freight to open New Phila store by late winter

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 17, 2022) – A Harbor Freight company representative is explaining why they decided to open a store in New Philadelphia and what the community will gain from the investment.  

Director of Corporate Communications and Content Craig Hoffman says the company has hired local contractors to transform the former Skate Place building on Front Avenue into one of its retail locations which will employ 25 to 30 workers. 

“Also in terms of the materials that we use to build, that’s local. Obviously, we’ll be adding to the tax base, and we tend to be a very involved company. We like to say that we’re a national company but we’re a local business, and we believe in giving back to the community. In fact, it’s one of our core values.”  

The company is accepting applications for those positions online at harborfreightjobs.com/retail. Hoffman says Harbor Freight is a great workplace, offering competitive wages and benefits, although you don’t have to take his word for it.

“We’ve gotten a lot of recognition. Forbes Magazine recognized us as one of the top 20 large employers in all of retail, a top employer in terms of diversity, a top employer for women, and for two years in a row we have been one of the best employers for veterans.”

The New Philadelphia Harbor Freight is expected to open late this winter and will be the company’s 50th location in Ohio. Hoffman says the former skating center is conveniently located near the interstate and offers ample parking, which are things they look for when opening a new store.  

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