America’s Car-Mart to close dozens of dealerships; Bryant location affected

America’s Car-Mart plans to close 42 dealerships across its network within the next week as the company responds to financial challenges and shifting market conditions, according to a recent federal filing.

The Rogers-based company said the closures will reduce its total number of locations to about 94 across 12 states, down significantly from recent years. Company leaders cited delays in securing a key lending facility and broader economic factors as reasons for the move.

While the company has not released a full list of affected stores, its website indicates that the Bryant location will be consolidated with the Benton dealership, effectively combining operations in Saline County. It had been operating at that location for approximately 7 years, after renovating the property that was formerly Smuggler’s Bay, a liquor store, and before that, it was Taste of D-Light, an Asian restaurant that was there for decades. (See a list of related articles below.)

CEO Doug Campbell stated in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission that the closures represent about 31% of the company’s stores but serve only 18% of its customers. He described the decision as necessary to stabilize the business and protect long-term operations.

Customers with accounts at closing locations will be transferred to nearby dealerships or handled through the company’s centralized system, with most payments continuing through its digital platform.

The company has already reported significant financial losses in recent quarters and indicated it may take additional steps to restructure operations as it works to secure new financing and improve performance.