Join The Ark’s Vending Family!
What Questions Should You Be Asking When Deciding Which Market is Right for You?
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Our approach to marketing and promotion sets us apart from others in the Midwest. With a billboard on the interstate, weekly radio programs and on-the-hour radio clips, substantial investments in Facebook and Instagram advertising, an impressive presence on TikTok, and sponsorship of local programs, we are experts in promotions and advertising.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Our social media team works hard to boost your sales both routinely and on demand. Learn more here as to what special offers we have for vendors.
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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!
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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.
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We have optional monthly training sessions, and we have a private vendors-only Facebook group where we post tips and tricks!
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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.
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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.
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We are located in downtown McPherson and we get a lot of foot traffic! In 2021, we had 63k people, 78k in 2022, and 96k in 2023.
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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).
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We close only for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Other than that, we’re here. Our general hours may vary seasonally. Generally, we’re open 10-6 M-F (except Thursdays we stay until 8pm). Saturdays are 9-6 and Sundays are 12-5. 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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Sign Up For More Information
Fill out this quick form to have an owner contact you. There are no obligations—this will simply start the conversation.
Hear What Our Current Vendors Are Saying!
“Look around and experience the feeling! The staff is ready to help find the right size space of booth for you. They can help with pricing and staging. They make it very easy and able to be profitable for even the first month!”
— Linda #9
“Come down to the store and look it over! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! You may be able to turn your passion into a profitable side business. It’s affordable and you don’t have to keep setting up and tearing down a booth at weekend shows.”
— Rhonda, #1965
“If you’re on the fence, it’s worth giving it a try! So far, this has been one of my favorite experiences, I love being able to check my sales when I get out of school. I wasn’t sure how well my booth would do, but even on days I don’t sell anything, it’s still a great experience!”
— Grayson, #7210 (6th grade student!)
“I would advise anyone to open a booth at The Ark! Ben and his family are great people to do business with. They are hardworking and go the extra mile to help vendors sell their products. At the same time, they have a lot of fun and make you feel like part of the family!
— Elizabeth, #EAB
“If you’re unsure or a bit hesitant, start small like I did. You can grow and expand later!”
— Susan #200
“I am so glad that I joined The Ark’s family! Everyone has been incredibly helpful and you won’t find nicer people to work with. They do a fantastic job promoting their vendors. All of the guidelines and rules are clearly laid out, and it rents on a month-by-month basis. Plus, it’s just FUN! You don’t have anything to lose!”
— Jennifer, #2882
“As the owners for advice—they’re always to give it. You won’t find a better team more dedicated to your success!”
— Melissa, #421
“It’s worked well for me! I’ve learned the skills necessary and am having a blast!”
— Jan #52
“Go for it and give it your own special touch! Think outside the box! We are all there—Ben and his family, and the vendors—are ready to help you through the process of having a fun and profitable booth!”
— Lynnae, #650
“Just try it out! It’s super easy to get started and to get things sold! Looking around, you’ll see a gigantic variety of items. It is really exciting and fun to check at the end of each day to see what you have sold!”
— Mike, #0692
“Be flexible! The Ark is great about helping find what works for you. Sometimes that is changing the size of booths, helping to show you what is selling, or working on pricing. They want you to succeed!”
— Linda #210
“If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, I encourage you to give a booth at The Ark a try!”
— Johni, #99
“Keep it fun, promote repeat customers, and it helps your own business grow!”