I've worked in hardware retail for 1 year and 6 months. During this time I worked around customers on a daily basis and assisted happily with any hardware related questions. Along with this I also ran the cash register, took calls, and aided in moving heavy products to customers cars. The most basic function I provided was to keep the store/department clean and stalked which I always did my best to accomplish. Throughout this time I've been trained with a basic understanding of hardware (namely plumbing).