Harbor Freight, a tool store with more than 1,600 locations nationwide, is locating in Gloucester, with an opening planned for sometime this summer.

The store will be opening at 6571 Market Drive, the former location of Big Lots in the Shoppes at Gloucester, off Route 17 just south of Gloucester Court House.

“The new store will bring convenient access to professional-quality tools and equipment for DIYers and pros alike” in the Middle Peninsula, a release from Harbor Freight stated. A formal announcement will follow with the official grand opening, according to the release.

The store will create approximately 15-20 new jobs in the community and will feature the company’s full lineup of tools and equipment only available at Harbor Freight.

Company’s history

Starting in 1977 as a Southern California based mail order business, family-owned Harbor Freight has become America’s leading tool store, offering value to over 75 million professional and DIY customers, the release said. The company has been certified as a Great Place to Work for three straight years and recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the best companies to work for in retail and one of the best employers for veterans.