The Miami Herald Retail Column.

Byline: Elaine Walker

May 26--HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS TO OPEN MORE STORES IN SOUTH FLORIDA: Die-hard tool junkies who think there's nothing cooler than a great deal on a top-quality circular saw or power drill may find nirvana when Harbor Freight Tools moves to South Florida.

Harbor Freight is known for offering higher-quality items at lower prices than industry giants Home Depot and Lowe's. They back up that claim with a low-price guarantee that promises to beat any competitor's price within one year from the date of purchase.

The privately held company, whose roots date back to 1968, is probably best known for its catalog sales. But Harbor Freight has been actively expanding its retail stores, which include 131 stores in 30 states. The company already has four stores in Florida and now they're moving south.

"They're looking for the semi-educated male who enjoys working on his car and his house, who will spend money to get a good tool because he knows the value," said Jeremy Larkin, whose real estate firm Larkin Schmidt Commercial is representing the company in its search for South Florida store locations.

Harbor Freight will open a 13,000-square-foot store in September at the South Dade Shopping Center, 18401 S. Dixie Hwy. Plans call for opening at least three stores over the next year to serve the tri-county area. Areas where they're looking include North Miami, Miramar, Coconut Creek, Tamarac, Hialeah and Hollywood.

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