Tinker's is closing after 34 amazing years...

We are very sad to announce that Tinker’s will be closing down the retail shop starting this Monday April 4th with an ongoing 15% off sale.

I opened this business in 1988 with my husband, Tony, and it brought me so much happiness (and frustration, wink) to work and live with him on a daily basis. Seeing his car parked out front and randomly hearing his laugh made work fulfilling, but ever since he passed away in February, I have lost my joy and it doesn’t feel right to keep the business going without him.

I have watched my kids, and my customer’s kids, grow up. I have seen them buy their first toy, their first piece of furniture for their apartment and now, their first toys for their own children. It warms my heart and I never could have imagined that my life story would be so rewarding. I’m going to miss it, but I am trying to embrace this new period of my life.

Over the past three decades, both my shop and my taste has changed so much. It is hard to believe that when I first started out, I mainly sold folk art, nautical accessories, weathervanes and antiques. As the years passed, my style evolved and I started to find merchandise lines and local artists that helped me create my signature “traditional with a twist” niche. Our mantra soon became “why shop the ordinary?”

To be honest, the climate of the whole customer shopping experience has changed and it is tough being a small business in a world where you can get anything you want online within a few hours. During the holidays, we shine, but throughout the year, it is a challenge, especially since 2020. It has been tough to get merchandise because of manufacturing and shipping issues, but it has also been more stressful because of the world in general.

We survived a massive fire in 1998, recessions, blizzards, a world wide shutdown, but thanks to your continued support, we have been named one of the best home and gift stores in Virginia for 5 years in a row. It seems like a good way to go out.

I always knew that I didn’t want to be the 80 year old shop owner looking for the coolest new thing. I also knew that I one day wanted to actually celebrate the holiday season instead of worrying about merchandise. This year, I will be able to do that, which will be very different. I won’t have to start decorating in October for once, ha.

What can I say? I am extremely grateful for this store. It has given me a sense of fulfillment and I have been able to create an environment that makes people escape their lives for bit when they shop. I have been able to decorate people’s homes and to give to charities that have helped children in need. I have been able to see my children grow up and become entrepreneurs from using skills that they learned here. I have had meaningful conversations with customers who have become some of my most cherished friends.

And to my staff, especially to my manager, Sue: I love you and thank you for all of your hard work. We are a team and I couldn’t have survived all of these years without your patience, your skills, your heart, your desire to help people, and your strengths. I look forward to so many more years of friendship.

It has been a true honor to have touched so many people’s lives and we hope that you will stop by, pick up some Tinker keepsakes and have one last photo at our angel wing mural. New furniture, fixtures, window displays, antiques, and miscellaneous items will be brought out each week as we discover them in our warehouses. Thank you for understanding and for 34 years of love, inspiration, creativity, and kindness to both me, my staff, and my family.

Thank you for not shopping the ordinary all of these days.

Love,

Sharon, The Coleman Family and the Tinker Family.

PS: Follow our Facebook page for more current updates and sale items....