Bass Pro targets 2026 opening for new northwest Arkansas store

Springfield-based outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops is growing its footprint in Missouri's southern neighbor.

A new northwest Arkansas store in Fort Smith is expected to open in early 2026, according to a news release.

“We are honored to open our newest location in the Natural State and are grateful for the opportunity to serve the many passionate sportsmen and women in this beautiful region," Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said in the release.

The 70,000-square-foot Outpost store would be located on Rogers Avenue in central Fort Smith, with accessibility from Highway 22 and Interstate 540, officials say. The store would have over 100 employees.

The Westphal Group is serving as developer of the new store, a Bass Pro spokesperson said via email. Officials additionally noted that Bass Pro has a longtime friendship with Pradco Outdoor Brands, which has a manufacturing facility in Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith store would be Bass Pro's third location in Arkansas, according to the release. The company's website lists existing Arkansas stores in Little Rock and Rogers.

Bass Pro, which has 175 stores in the U.S. and Canada, also recently announced plans for a new location in Jackson County, Mississippi, according to past reporting.