CarMax is putting San Marcos on its map this fall, with plans to open its first local store along I-35 in the Chuck Nash Loop retail corridor. The national used-car retailer is expected to offer in-person sales and appraisal lanes alongside web-to-store services, so shoppers can start online and finish the deal on site. City records and construction updates indicate the property has been under development for more than a year, with crews now wrapping up exterior and interior work ahead of a planned September opening. Drivers near the outlet centers can expect more on-lot inventory and a bump in service traffic once the doors open.
Project details and timeline
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the project is registered as “Carmax the Auto Superstore” at the I-35 frontage and Chuck Nash Loop. State filings list the facility at 45,604 square feet with an estimated construction cost of about $19,930,000 and show a May 5, 2025, start date. As reported by Community Impact, CarMax is targeting a September opening and identifies the site address as 302 Chuck Nash Loop.
Construction progress and company model
Updates from contractor Bergman show the San Marcos campus’ sales, service and auction buildings moving into interior finishes and site paving in recent months, with construction photos and milestone notes posted on the firm’s project page. On its own CarMax’s corporate site, the company describes itself as the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and highlights a model where customers can buy or sell vehicles online or in person, a setup the San Marcos location is expected to follow.
Where this fits locally
The CarMax development lands in a stretch of auto-oriented retail and outlet destinations that already draws shoppers off I-35, continuing the area’s role as a regional stop for drivers looking to pull over and spend money. City planning records from the City of San Marcos show the parcel at 302 Chuck Nash Loop went through a public variance request during 2023 hearings, reflecting earlier local review of the lot layout and parking. The store is likely to add service-job openings and bring more vehicle traffic to an already busy frontage road.
CarMax typically runs express pickup, onsite appraisal lanes and a large display inventory, services the company features prominently on its site. Residents should see a formal store page and local job postings appear as CarMax finalizes hiring ahead of the opening, and we will update this story when CarMax or city officials announce a confirmed grand-opening date.
