Store of the Month – February 2018
Mark’s Ark, Inc.
4875 S Redwood Rd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
(801) 261-0466
| Monday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Wednesday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Thursday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Friday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Saturday: | 11:00am – 7:00pm |
| Sunday: | 12:00pm – 5:00pm |
When asked what makes Mark’s Ark unique; Matt mentioned that besides being the oldest operating family ran pet store in all of Utah, “We heavily stock big reptiles; like snakes, tortoises, Iguanas and Monitors. We have a huge variety of reptiles such as different varieties of lizards, geckos, water turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, water dragons, and tons of baby snakes of all kinds: from corn snakes and king snakes; to pythons and boas. People come from miles away just to see what new and exciting things we get in. We also do our best to keep a huge variety of other animals for a full-line pet store experience.”
Some of the other animals you can find at the store include puppies, kittens, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, guinea pigs, chinchillas, frogs, tarantulas and scorpions. The second largest department in the store, after reptiles, is their aquatics department. They have a large variety of fresh and marine fish, but they specialize in exotic fish; specifically African Cichlids.
Mark’s Ark is also a huge Zoo Med supporter and when asked why they like Zoo Med products; Matt said, “We love Zoo Med products because they specialize in providing the proper care and necessities for your reptiles. Zoo Med is a great company because they do extensive research on reptiles and their care, they also share the same passion for reptiles that Mark and Mark’s Ark has! Another great thing about Zoo Med is that they are always coming out with new and innovative products like their Creatures line and new Crested Gecko foods; just to name a few. Also, they are the only company in the industry that can satisfy all your reptile needs. Their staff is always going above and beyond for us; and always educating us, and our staff, on their awesome products. We learn something new every time we meet with them!”
It’s also important to note that Mark’s Ark is always updating and changing their business in order to be competitive in today’s ever changing retail world. One aspect of the business that they stay up to date on is the addition of new products. When asked what new items have recently been added to the store, Matt mentioned, “Zoo Med reptichips, reptisoil and the PowerSun Metal Halide H.I.D UVB lamp and fixture.” In addition to adding new products; Matt is constantly updating the store with either new fixtures and/or new layouts in terms of presenting their products and animals for sale to the customers. One of the fixtures that he recently added was Zoo Med’s new SU-5 ReptiResort. Matt also wanted to mention that in regards to puppies and kittens, “we no longer buy puppies or kittens from wholesalers. All puppies and kittens that are sold in the store now come from the occasional local family that need to find homes for them.” This has allowed Matt to spend more time and resources on his reptile and fish department.
Zoo Med and Mark’s Ark has had a great partnership over the years and when asked for some final thoughts on how he feels about Zoo Med; Matt states, “Mark’s Ark wouldn’t be what it is today without Zoo Med in our corner!!” So, if you live in the Salt Lake City area or are visiting from out of town and want something fun and exciting to do, a trip to Mark’s Ark is time well spent. There is definitely a lot to see!
