Amazon is signaling a bold new chapter in its physical retail strategy with plans to construct a massive big-box store in Orland Park, Illinois, a move that places the e-commerce titan in direct competition with traditional retail powerhouses like Walmart and Target. The proposed development, which was recently reviewed by the Orland Park Plan Commission, envisions a sprawling 229,000-square-foot facility situated at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road. This 35-acre site, formerly home to the local landmark Petey’s II restaurant, is set to be transformed into a high-tech retail hub that combines expansive floor space for groceries and general merchandise with a streamlined logistics component designed to support rapid in-store operations and customer pickups.
Unlike Amazon’s previous experimental forays into physical retail such as the now-shuttered Amazon Books and the eclectic Amazon 4-star outlets this new concept in Orland Park appears to be a definitive shift toward a large-format, all-in-one shopping experience. Documents submitted to village officials describe a "first-of-its-kind" retail model for the company, offering everything from fresh produce and household essentials to apparel and electronics. The inclusion of a limited warehouse component within the single-story building suggests that Amazon aims to merge the convenience of its online marketplace with the immediate gratification of a physical superstore, potentially serving as a prototype for a nationwide rollout of “Amazon Supercenters.”
The local economic implications are substantial, as Mayor Jim Dodge has already expressed strong support for the project, noting its potential to revitalize a prominent commercial corridor and generate significant sales tax revenue for the community. Beyond the sheer scale of the building, the project is expected to involve major infrastructure improvements, including the extension of Ravinia Avenue to better manage the anticipated increase in traffic at one of the suburb's busiest intersections. Public sentiment has been a mixture of excitement over new job opportunities and local investment, alongside typical concerns regarding congestion, but the Plan Commission has already moved the proposal forward for a final vote by the Village Board scheduled for later this month.
Technological integration is also expected to play a central role in this new retail environment. Following Amazon’s recent showcase at CES 2026, industry analysts speculate that the Orland Park location could serve as a testing ground for the company’s new "Bee" ambient AI wearables and advanced "Just Walk Out" shopping systems adapted for a large-scale format. By offering prepared foods and potential on-site dining options, Amazon is clearly looking to capture a larger share of the daily consumer routine, bridging the gap between a traditional supermarket and a modern lifestyle destination. If construction begins as planned later this year, the Chicagoland area will become the epicenter of Amazon’s most ambitious attempt yet to dominate the brick-and-mortar landscape.
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