There's always at least 8 or 9 trucks in the parking lot when I go by, but that doesn't seem like nearly enough to support the size store and number of employees they have. I'm not sure who owns it but someone tried to tell me at one time they thought the family that owned it was also in the construction business. Again, no idea if that is even remotely true.

I have bought a couple items from them but no major purchases.

I like Campbells Hardware in Robertsdale for local shopping

That part is true/was true. I don’t know of the family selling out to anyone but could have. The family that you mention of definitely has the money to keep it propped up for sure. Most likely that’s the case. Gander Mt was cheaper than WNW and they closed.

I didn’t know that. I’ll have to check that out on eBay.

I’ve always had pretty good service in Marks. I’ve bought a good many new and used shotguns, rifles, handguns, and scopes in there…never had a problem. They have an endless stream of folks in and out just due to their location.

The only time I’ve had a discrepancy, I was looking for a Browning 525 Sporting Clays 20g to go with my 12 in the same model. When they told me they had a 425 20g for a great price, I got there only to find it was actually a 12 gauge Browning 425 sporting clays, that looked and performed like it had just had a fresh rebuild. I was pissed. Went ahead and bought it anyway because it was $1500 and in GREAT shape. When they were running my info, they discovered they had made an error…it had an original Browning felt lined hard case, and two sets of brand new unused Brileys down gauge tubes in 20 & 28g (worth about $500 per set). Dude said, “Deal is a deal!” and I got about $1k worth of extras for being a pretty faithful customer. That’s old school cool right there.

Normally Simmon’s is cheaper on exact items when buying new, and I visit Simmon’s about once a month or more…just to check their reloading inventory, and catch a deal when I can.
Just my 2¢ worth.

I’ve never had a problem in Marks. Simmons either for that matter. Someone said something about putting a Sporting good store in Ensley. There was a Damn fine store over there back in the day. Some of you probably remember Keith’s Hardware. Pretty sure they had a store over in Irondale as well. That was probably considered Fairfield, but depending where you was coming from, you come right through Ensley.

Lots of self conscious consumers I guess.

Never had a problem with Mark's.

Like Nichols too.

Simmons is fine, just don't like the area.

I haven’t been able to read this thread due to all the bad grammar.

Yep, Keith's was a great store. Rode my bike over there when I was kid. Jeff at Simmons worked at Keith's until it closed.

So, what are you saying? You swing both ways? lol! sorry I thought it was too funny to pass up. Too much negative in the world and Aldeer you know.

Keith's was great! I've had many pellets,bb's and throwing stars out of that front counter as a kid.
I still have some reloading supplies from there handed down to me and a few old boxes of bullets.
Yeah one side of interstate Fairfield and other side Ensley I believe

I'm just a regular guy. Successful but not rolling in money. I also don't spend a lot on guns and gear. Never had any service issues in Mark's for over the 25 years I've been shopping there. Nobody behind the counters knows my name either. If you need some help you'll get help...might take a few minutes when they are busy. Longer if slammed.

Mark's is ideally located for their business model: regular stuff and higher quality items in a highly populated area with above average income...on a main highway that is just a couple minutes off of I-65. Lots of people from places other than Mountain Brook and Vestavia visit Marks. Their selection and location draw from all over.

Love Simmons too.

Marks employees always seem to be stuck up to me. Take it for what it’s worth but that’s been my experience over the years

The guy that owned Keith's purchased a place in Chelsea years ago. It might have been in operation for 2 months. He was a prick ! He even fired ole robby Yates.

Truth!! You don’t want to interrupt the employees conversations with your frivolous need to buy anything. 🙄 I gave Marks 3 tries. Simmons will always have my business.

I would say 95% of the time i have shopped at Marks this was my experience, only time i haven't been able to get help in Simmons is because they were swamped with customers.

If I want good service from Marks I just borrow a friends medical scrubs and wear them in. Instant service😁

What did Yogi Berra say?
"That place is so crowded; nobody goes there anymore?"

This. I used to work construction and went in with my construction clothes on…no one batted an eye. 2 months later I walked in with scrubs on as I was in Med school at this time and had to run to lab that am…had about 4/5 guys greet me immediately. I haven’t bought anything since.

What a joke.


Basically - if you threw a cotton candy machine in Mark's you'd have the equivalent of the Birmingham Deer Show.

No need to wait on July to roll around. Y'all love it. Ask if they sell Truck Nuts next time you are in there.