Amazon Proposes Largest Retail Store in Orland Park, Illinois

Amazon is making headlines with its ambitious plan to establish a massive retail store in Orland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Covering approximately 229,000 square feet, this proposed big-box store would surpass a typical Walmart Supercenter in size, marking a significant step in the company’s physical retail strategy.

Approval Process Underway

The Orland Park Plan Commission voted 6-1 in favor of the project on January 13, 2023, advancing it to the village board for final approval. A vote is scheduled for January 19, and if approved, construction could commence as early as this spring, with a projected opening in late 2027.

Store Features and Offerings

According to details released by the village, the new store will feature a full range of grocery items, household essentials, and general merchandise. This array of offerings positions Amazon to directly compete with traditional big-box retailers like Walmart.

Community Impact and Local Economy

In a statement, Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized the significance of Amazon’s investment in Orland Park. He noted, “When a global retailer of this scale is considering investment in Orland Park, it sends a strong signal about the vitality of our community and the strategic importance of this corridor. This type of investment supports not only our local economy but also well-paying jobs during construction and beyond.”

A New Retail Concept

Amazon representatives have described the upcoming store as an innovative blend of features from Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh, leveraging the company’s strengths in digital shopping. The official name of this retail format has yet to be disclosed.

Challenges and Community Concerns

Despite the positive outlook from local officials, there are concerns among residents regarding the potential impact on traffic and the community’s character. Some attendees at a recent community meeting voiced their worries about added congestion and how the large retail presence might alter the quality of life in Orland Park.

Traffic assessments are currently underway by village and state transportation officials, which include proposals for new turn lanes and signal upgrades to facilitate better flow around the busy intersection.

Future of Big-Box Retailing

If the village board approves the plan on January 19, the Orland Park store will represent Amazon’s most significant challenge yet to Walmart’s longstanding dominance in the big-box retail sector. This move might also redefine how Amazon approaches large-format retailing in the future.