Amazon Eyes Massive New Physical Retail Store in Chicago’s Suburbs

 Amazon is preparing to take another step into brick-and-mortar retail, unveiling plans for a large-format store in a Chicago suburb that would exceed the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter. The proposal highlights the company’s continued efforts to blend its online dominance with a physical retail presence.

A New Retail Experiment

According to plans submitted to local authorities, Amazon intends to build a single-story retail facility spanning roughly 229,000 square feet in Orland Park, Illinois. The store would carry a broad assortment of products, including groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise, positioning it as a one-stop shopping destination.

In addition to traditional retail space, the proposed building would feature a limited warehouse area designed to support in-store operations and allow delivery drivers to collect orders directly from the site. This hybrid approach reflects Amazon’s broader strategy of integrating logistics with customer-facing retail.

Part of a Broader Strategy

The move marks Amazon’s latest experiment in physical retail, following years of trial and adjustment. Since acquiring Whole Foods Market in 2017, the company has launched — and in some cases scaled back — a variety of store concepts, including bookstores, convenience outlets, fashion-focused shops, and its own grocery formats.

Company representatives say the Orland Park location is intended to test a new retail concept aimed at improving customer convenience, underscoring Amazon’s willingness to experiment even after shelving earlier initiatives.

Local Approval and Community Response

The proposal has already cleared an initial hurdle, receiving approval from the Orland Park Plan Commission. A final decision now rests with the village board, which is scheduled to vote later this month. If approved, the development would replace a former local restaurant at a busy intersection near other major national retailers.

While the project could bring new retail options and jobs to the area, it has also drawn concern from some residents, particularly over potential traffic congestion around the site.

What It Signals

If built, the Orland Park store would rank among Amazon’s largest physical retail locations, signaling that the company remains committed to exploring how large-scale stores can complement its online business. The outcome of this project may help shape Amazon’s future approach to brick-and-mortar retail in the United States.

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