Amazon Plans to Open Its Biggest Retail Store in Chicago Suburbs

E-commerce giant Amazon is making significant strides to outpace its big-box competitors by planning to open its largest retail store to date. This ambitious project is set to take place on a 35-acre site in the Chicago suburbs.

The proposed store in Orland Park will span an impressive 230,000 square feet and could potentially open as early as next year, pending necessary approvals. This innovative retail space will be divided into two main sections: one half dedicated to selling a mix of groceries, general merchandise, and prepared foods, while the other half will focus on fulfilling both online and in-store orders.

The Amazon headquarters in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 28, 2025. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Notably, the store’s fulfillment section will be distinct from the retail area. Customers picking up online orders and third-party delivery drivers will have separate entrances, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. Additionally, online grocery orders will be prepared in a back-of-house area, minimizing interaction with in-store shoppers, as explained by Katie Jahnke Dale, a lawyer representing Amazon, during a public meeting with Orland Park officials, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Despite Amazon’s dominance in the e-commerce sector, the company is keen to capture a larger share of in-store shoppers. Recent data from the Census Bureau indicates that over 80% of U.S. retail sales still occur in physical stores.

Half of the store would sell a combination of groceries, general merchandise and prepared food, while the other half would be used for fulfillment of online and in-store orders. (Wolf von Dewitz/Picture Alliance)

In January, town officials announced the proposed project, with Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge stating that Amazon’s interest in the area “demonstrates that Orland Park continues to be viewed as a premier destination for major commercial investment.”

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Mayor Dodge emphasized that the arrival of a global retailer of Amazon’s scale sends a strong message about the vitality of the community and the strategic importance of the corridor. He noted that projects like this could generate “substantial sales tax revenue,” directly benefiting local residents.

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Recently, Orland Park’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the project, with the village not providing any financial incentives to Amazon as part of the agreement, according to a news release.

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Orland Park’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the project this week. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Currently, Amazon is in the process of applying for permits to demolish a closed restaurant on the site, paving the way for construction to begin on this exciting new retail venture.

E-commerce giant Amazon is making significant strides to outpace its big-box competitors by planning to open its largest retail store to date. This ambitious project is set to take place on a 35-acre site in the Chicago suburbs.

The proposed store in Orland Park will span an impressive 230,000 square feet and could potentially open as early as next year, pending necessary approvals. This innovative retail space will be divided into two main sections: one half dedicated to selling a mix of groceries, general merchandise, and prepared foods, while the other half will focus on fulfilling both online and in-store orders.

The Amazon headquarters in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 28, 2025. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

COSTCO BORROWS TECH UPGRADE FROM COMPETITOR TO BOOST MEMBER EXPERIENCE

Notably, the store’s fulfillment section will be distinct from the retail area. Customers picking up online orders and third-party delivery drivers will have separate entrances, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. Additionally, online grocery orders will be prepared in a back-of-house area, minimizing interaction with in-store shoppers, as explained by Katie Jahnke Dale, a lawyer representing Amazon, during a public meeting with Orland Park officials, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Despite Amazon’s dominance in the e-commerce sector, the company is keen to capture a larger share of in-store shoppers. Recent data from the Census Bureau indicates that over 80% of U.S. retail sales still occur in physical stores.

Half of the store would sell a combination of groceries, general merchandise and prepared food, while the other half would be used for fulfillment of online and in-store orders. (Wolf von Dewitz/Picture Alliance)

In January, town officials announced the proposed project, with Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge stating that Amazon’s interest in the area “demonstrates that Orland Park continues to be viewed as a premier destination for major commercial investment.”

COSTCO QUIETLY BOOSTS GAS REWARDS FOR BRANDED CREDIT CARD HOLDERS TO 5% CASH BACK

Mayor Dodge emphasized that the arrival of a global retailer of Amazon’s scale sends a strong message about the vitality of the community and the strategic importance of the corridor. He noted that projects like this could generate “substantial sales tax revenue,” directly benefiting local residents.

COSTCO TO OPEN NEW WAREHOUSE UNDER AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES

Recently, Orland Park’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the project, with the village not providing any financial incentives to Amazon as part of the agreement, according to a news release.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Orland Park’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the project this week. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Currently, Amazon is in the process of applying for permits to demolish a closed restaurant on the site, paving the way for construction to begin on this exciting new retail venture.