PORTSMOUTH � Harbor Freight Tools is planning to open a Portsmouth store at 775 Lafayette Road, with a soft opening on Jan. 28.

That's according to a Harbor Freight Tools spokesperson who said the grand opening will be Feb. 15. The spokesperson, who answered the Portsmouth Herald's call for further details, said no manager or official spokesperson was immediately available.

Meanwhile, the company is advertising for new employees to work at its future Portsmouth store.

According to the Harbor Freight Tools website, the company was founded in 1977 "as a small family-owned business"... to provide working people with great quality tools at the lowest prices."

"And for over 35 years, Harbor Freight Tools has done just that," it reports. "From hand tools and generators, to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools, Harbor Freight offers more than 7,000 tools and accessories at quality levels that match or exceed competing brands, but at prices that are up to 80% less."

The company's current flier lists coupon specials that include a portable garage for $169.99, an electric pole saw for $62.99, a 900-watt generator for $109.99 and a 250-lumen lantern for $4.99.

The Harbor Freight Tools store is expected to open in a retail space vacated in June by Philbrick's Fresh Market.