Car-Mart closes 13 additional dealerships, including 5 in Arkansas
Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart Inc. announced Tuesday (Jan. 13) that it closed 13 dealerships in its second phase of closures, including five in Arkansas. A total of 18 dealerships have been closed as part of a multiphase cost control strategy.
The buy here, pay here used car dealer previously closed five dealerships in the first phase of closures, which was completed in November. The company also laid off about 10% of its workforce, including corporate employees, in November. The company had 154 dealerships at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended Oct. 31, 2025. Including the recent closures, the number has fallen to 136.
In the second-quarter earnings call Dec. 4, CEO Doug Campbell discussed the company’s multiphase plan to “optimize our footprint, cost structure and strengthen capital efficiency.” He said the second phase will be completed in the company’s third quarter, which started Nov. 1, 2025. Combined, the first and second phases of the plan will contribute to $20 million in annual savings.
The Arkansas dealerships that have closed include Hope, Malvern, Russellville South, Springdale East, and Van Buren. Other locations that closed include Decatur, Ala.; Miami, Ada, and Tulsa North, Okla.; Hixson, Tenn.; Gadsden and Montgomery, Ala.; Macon, Ga.; Henderson, Hopkinsville, and Winchester, Ky.; and Nacogdoches and Paris, Texas.
According to Car-Mart, the locations were consolidated into nearby higher-performing dealerships. The company will continue to evaluate opportunities to improve its dealership network to support long-term profitability and growth.
“Our footprint optimization strategy reflects our commitment to operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation,” Campbell said. “By concentrating resources in our highest-performing markets, we are positioning Car-Mart to deliver improved returns while maintaining the exceptional customer experience that defines our brand. The flexibility provided by our new capital structure enables us to make these strategic decisions with confidence.
“These decisions are never easy, and we approach them with deep respect for our associates, our customers and the communities we serve. By realigning our footprint, we can operate more efficiently while continuing to provide the high level of service our customers expect.”
Shares of Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT) closed Tuesday at $27.61, down 7 cents or 0.25%. In the past 52 weeks, the stock has ranged between $17.78 and $62.72.