a real hardware store

I had to return something to a store around the area I work in. As I was checking out, I asked the man at the register if he knew of a hardware around the area. 

Now, in case you're wondering. The city I work in is literally the city I work in. I don't really spend any time hanging out there. I try and avoid situations where I might come face to face with my students outside of school. So, of course I literally go to work and home; unless I have to make a pit stop at the fabric store(s) or the mall. 

This was his reply, "Oh, I know there's a Restoration Hardware right down the street." and I responded with, "No, a real hardware store." What a dummy!