Join The Ark’s Vending Family!

Our approach to marketing and promotion sets us apart from others in the Midwest. With a billboards on the interstate and throughout neighboring towns, regular radio programs and on-the-hour radio clips, substantial investments in Facebook , an impressive presence on TikTok, and sponsorship of local programs, we are experts in promotions and advertising.

In addition, we advertise each edition in Discover Vintage America, KS Travel & Tourism website, Best of KS mailers, Kansas! Magazine, and others.

Approximately 52% of customers are new customers. McPherson is centrally located on 56 HWY and I-135 thoroughfares. McPherson is home to two residential colleges, and families and students often are in the store. There are many local attractions that bring new guests to town on a regular basis.

We have a popular customer loyalty program where customers earn points for discounts in the store. These discounts do not affect a vendor’s bottom line—the store absorbs this cost. We also text all registered customers once monthly with a coupon. The store covers this cost, too.

Because we earn a commission on all sales, we are highly incentivized to sell your items! If we didn’t collect a commission, we could just sit back and let life happen. Instead, we work hard to earn this income!

Our social media team works hard to boost your sales both routinely and on demand. Contact a member of the team to learn more.

We quickly form a family atmosphere and enjoy getting to know you, your family, and your dreams. We host vendor dinners and you’ll get to know your fellow vendors, too!

Yes! This is one of the best things about vending at The Ark! We have routine optional worktimes that many vendors attend, and you get to know those around the store. We also have optional monthly vendor training to learn new skills! In addition, we have a closed Facebook group for current vendors only. Lots of vendors sell items to other vendors, start good discussions, etc.

We have optional monthly training sessions, and we have a private vendors-only Facebook group where we post tips and tricks!

In short, we only work with skilled professionals. We have multiple clerks who each have been or currently are vendors, so they understand the concerns vendors may have. The Coffey family continues to run daily operations at the store. We also have a social media coordinator, an online sales manager, a technology coordinator and loss prevention professional, and a merchandiser who can help vendors learn to stage their booths.

This is an important question! We do rent out space in locked cases for added security. We offer vendors the opportunity to purchase security tags to conceal in items—if it isn’t deactivated by the sales clerk, it will sound the door’s loud alarm. The number and quality of cameras we have is unmatched. We do have a superior alarm system, too. We work, at a minimum, in 2-person teams so that one clerk can help on the sales floor to keep eyes and ears out.

We average 100k people through the store each year. Much of this can be attributed to the special events and promotions we have.

Our calendar of events can be found here.

We have private parking for vendors and employees. You won’t have trouble finding a spot close to the door. Inside, we have all of the tools you’ll need to service your booth (cleaning supplies, push carts to move heavy/bulk items, etc).

We close for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Other than that, we’re generally here. Our general hours may vary seasonally. Generally, we’re open 10-6 M-F (except Thursdays we stay until 7pm). Saturdays are 12-5 and closed on Sundays. You are welcome to work your booth anytime the store is open. We are often here early most days—you can text or call Ben and we’ll get you in to work your areas!

No. We don’t want to force anyone into working the store unless they have a passion and skillset to apply for a job and be hired.

The Ark is proud to sponsor multiple events throughout the year. Ben, the owner, is President-Elect for the McPherson Main Street Board.

We are especially involved with standing up for equality and do not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, and other items of the like.

We also donate gift certificates to medical fundraisers, senior center bingo games, school fundraising, supporting athletics and performing arts, etc. We donate toys to the local police department to give to children.

Only 6% of our vendors don’t sell enough items each month to not collect a check. Bigger malls in the midwest have rates in the 40-60% not making rent.

We will never require this. That is your decision. We will offer you the opportunity at high-sales, high-traffic events, but the choice is yours.