Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Outdoor Gear Destination in Alabama
Founded in January 1980, Marks Outdoors has been a trusted provider of premium outdoor gear and exceptional customer service to the Birmingham area for over four decades. What began as a modest fishing shop has evolved into one of the nation's premier outdoor retail destinations, offering a comprehensive selection of hunting, fishing, and outdoor equipment. Our family-owned business, now led by Dana and Mark Whitlock Jr., continues to prioritize quality products, competitive pricing, and personalized service that makes every customer feel at home. With deep industry expertise and a commitment to innovation, we serve both seasoned outdoorsmen and newcomers seeking reliable gear for their adventures.Our inventory includes top brands like Browning, Liberty Safes, and Chris Reeve Knives, alongside specialized equipment for archery, firearms, and wilderness survival. Through decades of industry leadership, we've maintained Mark Whitlock's original vision of combining merchandising excellence with genuine customer care. Today, we remain dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts find the perfect equipment while upholding the integrity and community focus that have defined our business since its inception.
Services
Hunting Gear
Fishing Equipment
Firearms Sales
Knife Retail
Gun Safes
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1980 with deep industry expertise
- Curated selection of premium outdoor brands and equipment
- Expert staff with specialized knowledge in hunting and fishing
- Competitive pricing with exclusive product offerings
- Personalized service prioritizing customer satisfaction
What people say
Extensive inventory
Expert staff knowledge
Family-friendly atmosphere
Premium product selection
Legacy reputation
Services
Firearms Sales
We offer a comprehensive selection of new and used firearms for hunting, sport shooting, and personal protection. Our inventory includes rifles, shotguns, handguns, and specialty weapons from top manufacturers. Expert staff provide guidance on product selection, safety features, and compliance with local regulations.
Hunting Gear
Our store carries complete hunting systems including bows, crossbows, trail cameras, and scent elimination products. We stock premium brands like Pnuma and GameKeeper for camouflage clothing, along with optics, targets, and archery accessories. Knowledgeable staff help customers select gear suited to specific hunting environments and game types.
Knife Retail
We specialize in premium knives from renowned brands including Chris Reeve, Benchmade, and Hinderer. Our selection features fixed blades, folding knives, and tactical models in various steel compositions. We offer expert advice on blade materials, handle ergonomics, and proper knife maintenance techniques.
Gun Safes
We provide residential and commercial gun safes from Liberty, Browning, and Hornady. Our inventory includes pistol safes, closet safes, and large capacity models with fire protection features. Staff assist customers in selecting appropriate security levels based on firearm collection size and protection requirements.
Fishing Equipment
Our fishing department offers rods, reels, tackle, and accessories for freshwater and saltwater fishing. We carry specialized gear from brands like Abu Garcia and Rapala, along with soft plastics, hard baits, and fishing line. Staff provide recommendations on equipment matching specific fishing techniques and target species.
People
Mark Whitlock
Founder
Founded Marks Outdoors in 1980 as a fishing shop, transforming it into a top 10 outdoor retail destination through exceptional customer service and merchandising expertise. Known industry-wide for his generosity and business acumen.
Dana Whitlock
Owner
Co-owner with Mark Jr., continuing the family legacy since Mark's passing in 2012. Maintains the business's commitment to quality products and personalized service while navigating modern retail challenges.
Mark Whitlock Jr.
Co-Owner
Second-generation owner preserving his father's vision while adapting to evolving outdoor retail trends. Focuses on maintaining the store's reputation for expertise and customer-centric approach.
Questions
What types of outdoor products do you carry?
We offer hunting gear, fishing equipment, firearms, knives, gun safes, archery supplies, and outdoor apparel from top brands like Browning and Chris Reeve.
Do you have expert staff for product recommendations?
Yes, our experienced team provides personalized guidance on equipment selection, safety features, and proper usage for all outdoor activities.
Are special orders available for specific items?
Yes, we can special order products not currently in stock. Contact us at 205-822-2010 for details about specific item availability.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept credit cards, PayPal, and offer financing through Synchrony for qualified purchases with 12 months at 0% interest.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm. The service department is closed on Mondays but available Tuesday-Saturday same hours.
Do you offer online shopping options?
Yes, our website features online ordering with free shipping to the lower 48 states and in-store pickup options for local customers.