Mark’s Outdoors, the family-owned hunting, fishing and outdoor retailer operating in Vestavia Hills, AL, in the greater Birmingham area since 1980, announced that it has officially changed hands.
Day 21, LLC, led by CEO Russell Watts, has acquired the store on Highway 31 from the founding Whitlock family.
The location, based out of a 15,656-square-foot building at 1400 Montgomery Highway, specializes in new and used firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing gear, and hunting accessories.
Watts said, “For over 45 years, Mark’s Outdoors has been more than a store; it’s been a family tradition for so many in our community, built on passion for the outdoors, unwavering customer care and a welcoming spirit that feels like home. We are deeply honored to step in as the next stewards of this legacy.
“This isn’t about change, continued Watts, it’s about carrying forward a true Alabama family business into our family, investing in its future so that the same expertise, warmth and outdoor camaraderie continue to bring people together for generations to come.”
The store was founded by Mark Whitlock, Sr., and his father, Mo. After Mark Whitlock, Sr., passed in 2012, Mark’s Outdoors was operated by his wife, Dana, and their son, Mark Jr.
The Whitlock family stated, “Mark’s Outdoors began as a lifelong dream of Mark Whitlock, Sr., who built it from a small shop focused on customer service to the thriving business you see today. Mark Sr. passed away in 2012, leaving the store under the care of his wife, Dana. Dana, along with their children Mark Whitlock Jr. and Shelly Whitlock Smith, and their spouses Lindsey and Ron, continued that legacy for years to come. The Whitlock family thanks all our loyal customers and employees for their support over these 45+ years. We wish the Watts family all the best, and we look forward to their continued success for many years!”
Image courtesy Bham Now/Russell Watts, CEO
