The Village Tinker

The Village Tinker was a dream long before the doors first opened in 2009. The joy of entrepreneurship and creativity runs deep within the Tinker family. As we pieced together our collective dreams and ideas, the store truly came to life. 

When we first welcomed customers to the store, the selection consisted of local art like wooden bowls, carvings, pottery, and other unique gifts. Over the years, the selection has grown to include over 50 local and regional artisans, as well as unique gifts for all ages and occasions. 

We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone - the items found within these walls are ever-changing and feature a variety of price ranges and genres. With all of the goodness inside, it is almost impossible to see everything we carry in just one visit! 

As a family, the Tinkers set out to make visiting the store an experience that is both pleasurable and relaxing. With a family atmosphere where all are welcome, the goal has always been to have the store feel like a safe haven. 

Over the years, one of the store's greatest joys has been the relationships built along the way. When you visit the store, you are likely to see several different Tinker family members, young and old. You might even see a four-legged friend or two from time to time. In fact, we often joke that the store feels like a second home to us because of all the time spent here. Time spent raising our children and meeting new friends here are memories made within these walls to cherish.

The Village Tinker is one of four Tinker family stores. The first is Pokey’s & Sports, which has been in the Tinker family since the mid-1990s. Pokey’s is a family operated sporting goods store focusing on screen printing, embroidery, letter jackets, custom tees, decals, and so much more. In 2010, Pokey’s Engraving Shop opened next door to expand the laser engraving, awards, and custom work that had previously been housed within Pokey’s & Sports. Fast forward a few more years, and The Boutique on Broadway opened adjacent to The Village Tinker to complete our entrepreneurial vision.

Together, the Tinker family of stores is happy to offer excellent customer service and quality goods to our beautiful Blount County community for years to come.