Amazon to Open First Large Retail Store in Chicago Suburb

• The proposed store at 229,000 square feet would exceed Walmart's typical Supercenter size of 179,000 square feet
• Orland Park's plan commission approved the proposal on Tuesday, with a full village board vote scheduled for January 19
• Some local residents have expressed concerns about potential traffic impacts in the surrounding area

Amazon Plans First Big-Box Store in Chicago Suburb

Key Development:

Amazon has proposed opening a 229,000-square-foot retail store in Orland Park, Illinois, marking its largest physical retail format to date. The facility would exceed the typical Walmart Supercenter, which averages 179,000 square feet.

Store Details:

The single-story location will offer groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise, along with a limited warehouse component for on-site operations and pickup space for delivery drivers. Orland Park's plan commission approved the proposal on Tuesday, with a final village board vote scheduled for January 19, 2026.

Strategic Context:

This represents Amazon's latest physical retail experiment following its $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods Market in 2017—the company's largest deal ever. Amazon has previously tested various brick-and-mortar concepts including bookstores, mall kiosks, apparel stores, convenience marts, and supermarket chains, though it has scaled back or closed many of these formats.

Location and Competition:

The proposed site would replace Petey's II restaurant, which closed in January 2024, and sits at a major highway intersection. The area already hosts competitors including Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe's.

Market Implications:

Amazon's move signals continued commitment to omnichannel retail despite mixed results from previous physical store experiments. The large format suggests a potential shift toward big-box retail dominance, directly challenging traditional retailers like Walmart and Target. Some local residents have raised traffic concerns about the development.

The new concept could provide valuable data on integrating e-commerce infrastructure with traditional retail at scale, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape if successful.