Hardware store buys (5)
I believe the answer is:
tools
'hardware store buys' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for tools that I've seen before include "workman's implements" , "Devices or implements, as of the trade" , "Implements used in one's job" , "'A bad workman blames his . . . . .'" , "Hand implements" .)