Key Facts
- ✓ Amazon plans to build a 225,000-square-foot store in Orland Park, Illinois.
- ✓ The store will offer in-store shopping and act as a fulfillment center for online orders.
- ✓ The proposed development will include groceries, general merchandise, and potentially dining locations.
- ✓ Amazon closed most of its physical bookstores and gift shops in 2022.
- ✓ The project requires approval from the Orland Park Village Board.
Quick Summary
Amazon is making a return to physical retail with plans to build a big-box store in the Chicago suburbs. The proposed location is in Orland Park, Illinois, featuring a massive 225,000-square-foot retail space.
This new venture aims to sell more than just groceries, offering a wide selection of products. The store will function as both a physical shopping destination and a fulfillment center for online orders, mirroring strategies used by competitors like Target and Walmart.
While Amazon has experimented with various physical retail concepts in the past, this new development represents a significant expansion of its current grocery footprint. The project is currently pending approval from the local Village Board.
The Orland Park Development 📍
Amazon is set to establish a significant physical presence in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago. The company plans to open a 225,000-square-foot retail space designed to serve multiple functions.
The facility is intended to bridge the gap between traditional shopping and e-commerce logistics. By acting as a fulfillment center, the store will allow Amazon to process online orders while simultaneously welcoming customers for in-person shopping.
According to a planning document viewed for the report, the proposed development will offer:
- A wide selection of products
- Groceries and general merchandise
- Accessory services
- Potentially dining locations for prepared food sold onsite
This expansion comes after Amazon closed most of its physical bookstores and gift shops in 2022, signaling a pivot in its physical retail strategy.
"The proposed development will offer a wide selection of products, including groceries and general merchandise, with accessory services and potentially dining locations for prepared food sold onsite."
— Amazon Planning Document
A Shift in Physical Retail Strategy 🛒
While best known as an online marketplace, Amazon has a history of experimenting with brick-and-mortar locations. The company previously operated several distinct retail concepts.
These past experiments included:
- Amazon Books: Sold books based on trending data from the website.
- Amazon 4-star: Featured products rated four stars or higher in Amazon reviews.
- Amazon Go: Utilized "Just Walk Out" technology for cashier-less shopping of pre-made food and select groceries.
However, Amazon has largely abandoned these specific concepts. The company is now focusing its physical retail efforts on the grocery sector, specifically its Whole Foods brand (acquired in 2017) and the newer Amazon Fresh banner. The Orland Park project could represent an evolution of the Amazon Fresh concept or an entirely new hybrid model.
Regulatory Approval and Future Outlook ⚖️
The path forward for the Orland Park store depends on local government approval. The project must be reviewed and approved by the Orland Park Village Board before construction can begin.
As the details of the planning document circulate, the development highlights Amazon's continued effort to integrate logistics with consumer-facing retail. By utilizing these large spaces as dual-purpose facilities, the company aims to increase efficiency and customer convenience.
Until the Village Board renders a decision, the timeline for the store's opening remains uncertain. However, the proposal indicates a renewed commitment to physical retail spaces that serve a broader purpose than simple sales floors.
