Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 11/02) - Chances are most of the items customers spot on any of the shelves at Home Hardware have been handled by Stephen Robertson.

For the last 10 months Robertson has done general maintenance at the store, doing odd jobs, handling the till at times, and stocking the shelves, as well as helping unload trucks.

He explained a good portion of a typical shift involves lugging items from the storage warehouse to the store.

"On cold days that's tough work," said Robertson, 16.

He explained he helps customers find stuff, and offers basic advice.

"I won't tell them how to install a patio door, but I can tell someone what they need for the job, and how they can get it done."

Robertson said the store has loyal customers.

"They're usually all really good. It's really a select crowd of people that shop there."

He works after school and puts in a full day on Saturdays. Robertson said he might go further with this line of work.

"I'd go further because it interests me, like you know, doing the hammers and just informing people, as little as I know. The more I work there the more I learn," he said.

"It's really a learning experience every day. I'm interested in it. I'm interested in tools and making stuff, so it's a good job for me."

This is the longest Robertson has ever been doing one particular job. He said it's nice working at Home Hardware, in part because there's only four employees.

"I like the atmosphere there. It's really kind of relaxed."