Amazon plans first big-box retail store in Chicago suburb
An Amazon warehouse in Warrington, England.
Nathan Stirk | Getty Images
Amazon He submitted plans for a large-format store near Chicago that would be larger than the one. Walmart Supercenter marks the latest experiment in physical retail for the tech company.
As part of the plans, Amazon has proposed building a one-story, 229,000-square-foot building in Orland Park, Illinois, that will offer a variety of products such as groceries, household needs and general merchandise. he said on saturday. By comparison, Walmart’s U.S. Supercenters typically average 179,000 square feet.
The Amazon facility will also include a “limited warehouse component” to support on-site operations and space for delivery drivers to pick up orders, according to planning documents.
“We regularly test new experiences designed to make customers’ lives better and easier every day, including in physical stores,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. he said. “The site in question is where we are planning a new concept that we think customers will be excited about.”
The e-commerce company is determined to have a bigger presence in physical retail after stealing market share from incumbents. In 2017, Amazon acquired luxury grocer Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion, making it the largest deal in its history.
Amazon also opened bookstores, mall kiosks, clothing stores, convenience stores and its own supermarket chain. Many of these concepts have since been scrapped or the rollout of new locations has slowed.
Orland Park’s plan commission approved Amazon’s proposal Tuesday, and it will now go to the full village board for a vote. This meeting is planned to be held on January 19.
The proposed facility would replace Petey’s II, a local restaurant that closed in January 2024. The site is located at the corner of two major highways running through Orland Park and will be located down one street. Aim, costco and Trader Joe’s, among other major national chains.
Some residents have pushed back against Amazon’s planned development, expressing concerns about how it would affect traffic in the surrounding area. NBC 5 Chicago reported.
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