Retail Sales - Plumbing

About Us:

Hardware Sales Inc is a local family owned company operating since 1962 and headquartered in Bellingham, WA. In addition to sales of hardware, tools, and all of the usual hardware store products, we are proud to provide our community with access to an extensive fleet of equipment rentals for both homeowners and contractors. Our Lawn Equipment Service Center is a certified repair center and offers a one-stop shop for purchasing, servicing and maintaining your lawn equipment.

Hardware Sales has worked hard to become one of the Pacific Northwest's premier hardware suppliers. Whether it's plumbing or electrical materials, automotive or garden supplies, housewares or hand trucks, hand or power tools, fasteners or fencing, padlocks or paint, cable or chain - we have them all, and much, much more! Hardware Sales is an award-winning business that fills several city blocks in Bellingham and offers over 68,000+ items for sale to everyone from do-it-yourself homeowners to major contractors. What started in 1962 with three people, now has over 140 employees and covers a total of 37,000 square feet of retail and 50,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse In Bellingham, a 32,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse in Ferndale, WA, and a 55,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse in Greenwood, IN.

We are extremely proud of the customer service priority that has won us Cascadia Daily News Best Customer Service in 2022, in addition to winning Best Hardware Store more than once. Our reputation for having courteous and knowledgeable employees, the hundreds of years of hardware experience that our employees represent, and the extensive selection of tools, materials and supplies we carry make us one of a kind.

Job Summary:

Hardware Sales is seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Retail Sales Associate to join our Plumbing Department. In this role, you will assist customers with a wide range of plumbing needs—from basic home repairs to complex plumbing projects. The ideal candidate will bring prior hands-on plumbing experience and a strong understanding of plumbing systems, tools, and materials. Your ability to educate and guide customers will help ensure their projects are completed successfully and safely.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Service:

• Greet customers warmly and identify their plumbing needs.

• Offer knowledgeable assistance and expert advice on plumbing products, fittings, tools, and repair techniques.

• Demonstrate product functionality and guide customers toward effective solutions.

• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally to ensure satisfaction.

Sales:

• Engage customers to understand their plumbing projects and recommend suitable solutions.

• Upsell and cross-sell complementary products (e.g., pipe insulation, fasteners, valves, or water heaters).

Product Knowledge:

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of plumbing systems, including residential water supply and drainage, fixtures, and specialty tools.

• Stay current on product offerings, new technologies, and industry trends.

• Attend ongoing training to enhance skills and product knowledge.

Merchandising:

• Ensure plumbing displays are organized, clean, and well-stocked.

• Assist in inventory management, including restocking shelves and monitoring inventory levels.

• Set up promotional signage and displays as directed by management.

Store Operations:

• Support opening and closing duties as needed.

• Participate in regular inventory counts and assist in loss prevention efforts.

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in the Plumbing Department.

Team Collaboration:

• Work cooperatively with coworkers and department managers to meet sales goals.

• Offer support to other departments when needed to ensure a smooth customer experience.

Technology Use:

• Use computer systems for inventory lookups, pricing, order placement, and research.

• Use a mobile scanning device for inventory counts, scanning outs, and assisting with general duties.

• Perform independent product research using vendor sites or internal databases.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan with 2% company match (after 1 year).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Medical FSA (flexible spending account).
• Dependent Care FSA
• Two weeks of PTO annually.
• Homebuyer program.
• Legal services

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in retail, particularly in plumbing or hardware sales, is required.

• Prior plumbing knowledge and/or hands-on plumbing experience is required.

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional and approachable demeanor.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Comfortable with computer systems and retail software.

Physical Requirements:

This position involves frequent physical activity throughout the workday. Essential functions include:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.

• Regular bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and navigating stairs.

• Lifting and moving items up to 50 pounds from floor level to overhead.

• Stocking shelves and handling large or bulky merchandise.

Accommodations may be available for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law.

This role is regular full-time, non-exempt, hourly position.

Hardware Sales is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age (40 and older), race (including traits historically associated or perceived to be associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability (including obesity), genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hardware Sales is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.