Wilco Opens, Harbor Freight Plans To Open In Summer

Far back left is TJ Colson (VP of Store Operations, Wilco), the lady in the blue dress behind FFA is Parkyre Zelinksy-Salcedo (CEO of Tuolumne Chamber of Commerce). Cutting the ribbon with big scissors is Marcus Rodriguez (Store Manager), the man to the right of Marcus holding the ribbon is Wilco CEO Sam Bugarsky. Behind those two in the blue jacket under the balloons is Wilco VP of Merchandise and Marketing Jason Blair. The Mayor, Matt Hawkins is next to him. FFA representation is from Sonora FFA and Sectional FFA Officers from your district. (Not all identified by Wilco photographer)

Sonora, CA — In an event that included City Mayor Matt Hawkins, Wilco has opened their new store in the Sonora Plaza Shopping center. The opening at the vacant Orchard Supply Store was delayed a year due to COVID. Also in attendance at the ribbon-cutting were CEO of Tuolumne Chamber of Commerce, Parkyre Zelinksy-Salcedo, the store manager Marcus Rodriguez, Wilco CEO Sam Bugarsky, and Sonora Future Farmers of American (FFA) and Sectional FFA Officers from the local district.

Wilco Store spokesperson Jake Wilson previously noted that roughly 40% of the positions are full-time and 60% percent are part-time and there may be more than the 35 jobs available at a later date. Some stores have up to 50-60 employees as the store gets busier over time. The January news story with the details is here. 

As reported here in February Harbor Freight is opening next to Wilco at 760 Mono Way. They have announced they will be opening the store this summer. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening. The store is expected to bring between 25-30 new jobs to the local community.

Construction has already begun at the location, using local workers and companies from the surrounding Sonora area. The new jobs at the Harbor Freight store will include Sales and Logistic Supervisors, Senior Associates, Sales Associates, and seasonal opportunities as well. Harbor Freight Tools notes it offers a competitive starting wage along with a best-in-class retail benefits package that includes robust health coverage, and Thanksgiving and Christmas off.

Trey Feiler, Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Construction for Harbor Freight Tools says, “We’ve been looking to open a location in Sonora for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community.” Interested applicants can apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search “Sonora, CA”.

Harbor Freights states it is a family-owned business that began in 1977, they have 1,100 stores across the country and 23,000 associates. Harbor Freight works to constantly improve the quality of its products and this year will introduce more than 600 new tools and accessories. Harbor Freight is one of the nation’s fastest-growing retailers, opening two new stores every week.