Amazon plans first big-box retail store in Chicago suburb

In a bold step into the world of physical retail, Amazon has announced its intention to establish a large-format store in Orland Park, Illinois, situated near Chicago. This new venture is set to exceed the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter, marking a significant experiment for the tech giant in the brick-and-mortar space. The proposed one-story building will span an impressive 229,000 square feet and will feature a diverse range of products, including groceries, household necessities, and various general merchandise. To put this into perspective, Walmart's Supercenters in the U.S. generally average around 179,000 square feet. Additionally, Amazon's facility will incorporate a limited warehouse component to facilitate on-site operations and provide space for delivery drivers to collect orders. An Amazon spokesperson commented on the initiative, stating, "We regularly test new experiences designed to make customers' lives better and easier every day, including physical stores. The site in question is our planned location for a new concept that we think customers will be excited about." This development reflects Amazon's ongoing strategy to enhance its presence in the physical retail market, particularly after gaining market share from traditional retailers. The company's acquisition of Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion in 2017 marked its largest investment to date in the grocery sector. Furthermore, Amazon has previously ventured into various retail formats, including bookstores, apparel shops, and convenience stores, though many of these concepts have been scaled back or discontinued. The Orland Park plan commission has already approved the proposal, which will now proceed to a vote by the village board scheduled for January 19. The planned store is set to take the place of Petey's II, a local restaurant that recently closed its doors in January 2024. Situated at a prime location at the intersection of two major highways, the new store will be conveniently located near other national retailers like Target, Costco, and Trader Joe's. However, not all residents are on board with Amazon's plans. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential traffic impact the new store could have on the surrounding area, as reported by NBC 5 Chicago.