Bass Pro Shops to Open Location in Fort Smith

(Shutterstock)

Outdoor recreation retailer Bass Pro Shops of Springfield, Missouri, announced plans today for a new retail location in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The 70,000-SF store on Rogers Avenue will be the company’s third in Arkansas. It’s expected to open in early 2026 and employ about 100 people.

“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,” Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, said in a statement. “We’re proud to become neighbors with our longtime friends from Pradco Outdoor Brands and want to give a special thanks to Bennie Westphal from the Westphal Companies development group for his support in welcoming us to the region.”

Fort Smith leaders in 2023 approved more than $7 million in incentives to recruit Bass Pro Shops to the city, Arkansas Business content partner KFSM reported. At the time, the economic development effort was known only as “Project X,” and the incentives raised legal concerns. Fort Smith was said to be one of 12 locations competing for the project.

Privately held Bass Pro Shops has 93 locations across the U.S., including stores in Little Rock and Rogers.