Harbor Freight Tools opened its doors for the first time Tuesday morning. 

Sales Manager Daniel Loebs said the first day of business for the store maintained a steady flow of customers, even with it being a ‘soft open.’ The store, 1450 S. Grand Avenue, replaced the old Shopko.

Loebs said Harbor Freight Tools had to open two weeks later than the planned date because of COVID-19 restrictions. Cash registers now have sneeze guards and employees will follow social distancing regulations. 

There are about 30 recently-hired employees, he said. The management staff trained employees by conducting “drills.” One drill included giving trainees coupon books with items that were circled. Then, they had to search the store for products like shoppers would. 

Loebs said the official grand opening ceremony is scheduled for May 30 and will include staff members welcoming shoppers and handing out coupon books.

The store is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, as well as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 

“We want to make sure that everybody is aware that we are open,” Loebs said. “We are here for business.”