Passing trade at hardware stores (5)
I believe the answer is:
death
'passing' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'trade at hardware stores' is the wordplay.
'stores' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'DEATH' is hidden in the letters of 'trade at hardware'.
(Other definitions for death that I've seen before include "Demise" , "Fatality" , "Loss of life" , "Distribute; wood" , "Hated (anag) -- expiry" .)