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With its new big-box store concept, Amazon is taking another crack at brick-and-mortar retail, with groceries as one of the draws for consumers.

The “first-of-its-kind” retail store will be located at 9600 1569th St. and sit right next to a Costco, according to Orland Park. Plans for the 35-acre parcel include parking dedicated for pickup orders and multiple commercial outlets for smaller businesses. The site plans, which were approved by Orland Park’s Planning Commission last week, still need approval from the village’s board that meets later this month, Patch reported.

The Amazon spokesperson noted that the e-tail giant regularly tests new shopping experiences. Last year, a Whole Foods Market in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, started piloting a new concept that lets shoppers scan in-aisle QR codes to order an expanded selection of groceries from an in-store microfulfillment center. Whole Foods Market has also been expanding its small-format Daily Shop concept, which it launched in September 2024, and has operated its Amazon Go convenience store chain for the past several years.

Amazon has struggled to gain traction with its physical retail locations. The company’s attempts at running apparel stores, bookstores and 4-star — a format that only sold items with a 4-star rating or better — have fizzled. The Amazon Fresh chain has seen stop-and-go growth since the first store debuted in 2020.

The new big-box store concept further blends groceries with general merchandise — a strategy that Amazon has been pushing lately and one that Walmart has been doing for decades. Last year, Amazon rolled out same-day delivery of perishable groceries, which lets customers order groceries alongside millions of products from Amazon.com, to roughly 2,300 cities and towns.

Amazon noted that over 150 million people in the U.S. turn to the company for grocery shopping and said that its grocery business rang up more than $100 billion in gross sales in 2024. Rival Walmart, which has told investors for several consecutive quarters that its grocery sales continue to improve in the U.S., brought in $276 billion in net sales of food and beverage items during its 2025 fiscal year.

A fired-up crowd spoke against plans for Amazon to build a retail facility on a 35-acre site in a suburb of Chicago Tuesday.

During a Village of Orland Park Plan Commission meeting Tuesday evening, residents urged Amazon representatives to not "rush" the planning process for a new retail facility proposed to open to the area and pressed them on how the development would enhance the community and their lives.

"How is my life going to be better?" one resident asked at the meeting. Another said, "a development of this magnitude must enhance community, not detract from it."

Attorneys for Amazon and its Seattle-based architects presented during the meeting and gave a clear summary about their goals for the new endeavor that would be located at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road.

Many residents overwhelmingly said they did not want the development because of conservation and transportation issues it would bring to the area.

One resident said adding the facility would "bottleneck" traffic in the area, and another stressed how Orland Park could be left with costly challenges if it needs to repurpose and reforest the area in the future.

The 225,000-square-foot facility would have 800 parking spaces and seven truck docks, with truck access only allowed in off-peak hours.

A traffic study submitted by Amazon was reviewed by the village and Illinois Department of Transportation. They hope a right turn in and out of the parking lot will manage truck traffic flow to 159th outside of peak hours, in addition to several other driveways out of the parking lot onto surrounding roads.

With a Costco facility already located to the south and a proposed five-lane Ravinia Road extension in the works, residents at the meeting wanted to know why Amazon picked the location.

"It's a valuable corner," an Amazon representative said, adding they chose a location that would be "high caliber" for the village and Amazon.

A nearby resident said roughly a dozen condo associations in the area should be entitled to a hearing outside of the public meetings where the facility will be discussed.

Amazon spokespeople also reiterated several times during the meeting that they are not proposing a warehouse, instead it is a retail store that would offer merchandise and groceries.

"This is a new retail and likely first of its kind," one Amazon representative said at the meeting.

The new store could provide 500 permanent jobs for Orland Park and the area, according to Amazon.

Amazon confirmed the building is under contract and they're hoping to break ground in 2027.

ORLAND PARK - Amazon has its sights set on a large piece of land in Orland Park and on Tuesday night, the retailer will pitch its concept to the village's Plan Commission.

If approved, construction could start as early as this spring in one of the area’s busiest shopping corridors.

What we know:

During a village Plan Commission meeting on Tuesday night, Amazon officials outlined their proposal for a 35-acre parcel at the corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road.

The Plan Commission voted to advance the measure 6-1 a little before 10 p.m.

The retailer is eyeing Orland Park as the home of its next big box development, which will feature a 225,000-square-foot store. The project would replace the vacant Petey's II restaurant and surrounding land.

A description of the proposal states that the retail store will sell "groceries and general merchandise." It will be supported by 837 parking spaces and a "limited warehouse component" for on-site operations, according to village officials.

"It's definitely not a warehouse and it's definitely not a distribution center. I think that's one of the things that's happened, is when people say, 'Amazon is going to build something big,' people immediately assume lots of trucks and a distribution center. It's not that," Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge said. "It is a store, it's a fairly new concept for Amazon, which they'll be talking about this evening to tell everybody what they're thinking, and I think it's a pretty exciting concept for them and it brings a new retailer to Orland Park, which we're excited about."

Amazon is seeking a special use permit to proceed with the phased development. If approved, the proposal would still get the green light from the full village board.

Dig deeper:

The development would join a long list of other major retailers in the area, including Costco.

Dodge said the project would create hundreds of jobs — both during the construction phase and once the development is complete — and is calling the land a prime retail location.

"The size of the property and the location. Orland Park is known as the go-to shopping center in the southwest suburbs. We're a pretty big economic impact for Cook County and the state, quite frankly, in terms of the sales tax, so the fact that it's on LaGrange and 159th in terms of access is important for them, and important for us," Dodge explained. "We're very mindful that we do have to address the fact that right now, there is not a lot of traffic going to a corn or a bean field. You put a big store there, you're going to have more traffic, how do you deal with that thoughtfully."

Traffic studies have already been conducted, according to village officials, and the development's traffic impact will continue to be reviewed.

In an effort to improve traffic flow to the area, Orland Park officials are exploring the possibility of re-engineering Ravinia Avenue south to 161st Street.

The Source: The information in this article was reported by FOX 32's Kasey Chronis.

The Orland Park Plan Commission on Tuesday voted 6-1 in approval of Amazon's plans to develop 35 acres at 159th and LaGrange Road.

ORLAND PARK, IL — Amazon's plan for a massive development on 35 acres in Orland Park cleared its first hurdle Tuesday, with the approval of the Plan Commission.

The plan designed for the site of the shuttered Petey's II at 159th Street and LaGrange Road includes a one story, 229,000-square-foot building housing mostly retail, with a warehouse component to support on-site operations, officials said last week.

Touted by Amazon representatives as "the first of its kind," the pitched development would function as a large-format retail location offering a wide range of products, including groceries and general merchandise, with accessory services and potential prepared-food options. Plans also include multiple commercial outlots, officials said.

The commission voted 6-1 Tuesday night in approval of the plans, sending it on to the committee of the whole at 6 p.m. Jan. If approved then, it'll advance to the village board the same day at 7 p.m.

Residents in the at-capacity crowd at the meeting expressed concerns about the size and scale of the development, potential impacts on smaller businesses, and the need for the village to carefully consider the long-term implications.

Commissioners methodically asked questions and aired concerns about the development, with Amazon officials and representatives also presenting to lay out the plans.

Attorney Katie Jahnke Dale of DLA Piper represented Amazon at the meeting.

"We like to explain it as: 'It's the best that Amazon has to offer under Whole Foods, Fresh and their online offerings,'" Jahnke Dale said. "So what does that look like? It's a grocery store. But it's purpose-built for what we're seeing: retail customers demand today to provide a very safer experience for customers. As well as a more pleasant customer experience."

Jahnke Dale described shopping experiences that enable customers to shop in-person, enhanced by using their phone or an in-store kiosk to purchase items not easily located.

"Nothing that we're doing here, though, is different than what we all are experiencing in retail stores that exist today," Jahnke Dale said. "It's just done in a more purpose-built and thoughtful way.

"I want to reiterate, maybe for the fifth or sixth time since I started my presentation, that this is a retail concept, a retail store, albeit with perhaps a larger storeroom in the back, which will allow us to enhance the customer experience."

Commissioner John Paul spoke to the size and nature of the development.

"This is a retail community," said Commissioner John Paul. "This location, is prime retail location. There's not going to be another Petey's there. You're not going to see a gift shop and a bike store there, OK? This is going to be big. Whatever goes there.

"We could kill this. We could tell Amazon, 'go away and never come back.' And the village board can do the same thing. But guess what? Couple months later, somebody else is going to be here, pretty much offering the same. This is going to be big."

Paul went on to say that the area has grown to attract mostly larger, big box-type stores, rather than smaller retailers.

"This is going to be a big box, big type of retail center because that's what this area has become," he said. "Retail attracts traffic—good retail does. .... This is a well-thought-out project. I think this is probably one of the best options."

Resident Jim Savage said he feared Amazon's presence will impact local businesses.

"... Amazon is a great company," Savage said, acknowledging that he has investments in Amazon. "But one of the concerns I have, it's destroying the retail base of America. ...

"It's going to cannibalize all these other businesses in Orland Park. And that's something you guys really need to think about. Do I hate Amazon? No. Obviously, I have lots of money in Amazon. You know, it's a great business model. It'll be around a long time."

Commissioner Kathy Fenton said she approved of the plan and would welcome Amazon, with the hope that the main building's appearance sets it apart from other big box stores.

"I don't want to use the word 'pretty,' but architecturally pleasing to bring people to it— that it's just not another box," Fenton said, addressing Amazon officials present at the meeting. "And I think that's what your company wants to do. You want to bring something unique. This is your first one. So if you're going to do that, take the opportunity to also make your facade look extremely appealing."

Commissioner Paul noted that with retail, comes traffic.

"Traffic is always going to be a concern," Paul said, "but it's when there's no traffic and there's no buildings that have things going on in them—that's the bigger problem."

Amazon's plans include six acres for open and landscaped space, as well as stormwater detention.

Like businesses seeking to operate in Orland Park, Amazon approached them, Paul stressed, and customer support makes or breaks a business.

"That's for you, the customers, to figure out," Paul said. "You guys pick the winners and losers. If you don't want to shop at Amazon, don't shop there. If you don't want to shop at Costco, don't shop there.

"... We, as a village, facilitate businesses. We encourage businesses. We regulate them and we tax them. But we don't create them. People come to us. Amazon came to Orland Park."

Longtime Orland Park resident Christine Lang voiced her support for the plan.

“I’m all for development and growth and generating new tax revenues.”

Commissioner Daniel Sanchez cast the one vote against the plan.

"Overall, I think it’s an honor to be selected by Amazon to want to come to our town,” Sanchez said. "But I really have some concerns about the traffic volume this development will bring to an area that is already dealing with heavy traffic counts."

As part of the village’s ongoing planning for the 159th Street and LaGrange Road area, officials continue to evaluate the extension of Ravinia Avenue south to 161st Street, creating a direct connection to LaGrange Road while improving circulation throughout the corridor.

Village officials last week said projected sales tax revenue from the proposed commercial development would "more than cover" the costs associated with the Ravinia Avenue expansion. Mayor Jim Dodge said extending Ravinia Avenue could ultimately divert a significant portion of eastbound and northbound turning traffic away from 159th Street and LaGrange Road.

Orland Park will work with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Cook County on other necessary traffic improvements, including traffic signal replacement at 159th Street and 94th Avenue, and the addition of right- and left-turn lanes.

"This is well-thought-out," Paul said. "Extending Ravinia. Creating a bypass essentially around what's already a really difficult intersection. ... IDOT runs about five, 10 years behind. That's what they do. The stuff we control—Ravinia—we're controlling that."

Fenton encouraged residents to view the development tax revenue where there hasn't been any since Petey's II closing.

"If you want retail, you're going to have traffic," Fenton said. "If you don't have retail, you're not going to have your tax dollars coming in. And right now that property sitting there ... is not generating very much money."

Dodge last week said Amazon's eyeing Orland Park for this development is a "strong signal about the vitality of our community and the strategic importance of this corridor.

“This is about smart commercial growth that pays for itself, improves traffic movement, and positions this corridor for long-term success,” Dodge said last week. “Our focus remains on what is best for Orland Park and the community we serve.”

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WGN) — Southwest suburban residents voiced their concerns at a Village of Orland Park Plan Commission meeting on Tuesday after village officials announced plans to explore the construction of a massive Amazon facility.

“We just have questions—What is it?” said Carol McGury, an Orland Park resident, before the meeting. “And yes, there’s great revenue that’s going to come with it, but at what cost? Do we want to be branded as the mega center of the southwest suburbs? Of Illinois?”

According to Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge, a 229,000-square-foot Amazon retail center featuring a mix of groceries, merchandise and an attached warehouse to support on-site operations would be built on a 35-acre parcel of land near the intersection of LaGrange Road and 159th Street, if the project clears the necessary hurdles and is approved by the village.

“It’s a retail store. Amazon is bringing in a new concept,” Dodge said. “They would have at that corner, not a warehouse or distribution center, but a one-story retail center.”

Concerns expressed by residents included how the proposed project would affect traffic congestion in the area. Present day, only the now-closed Petey’s Restaurant sits at the intersection of LaGrange and 159th.

“Costco is adding a gas station. There are going to be hundreds of new parking spots there with this new development,” McGury said. “It’s going to be a bit of a mess.”

A traffic study was proposed during the plan commission meeting on Tuesday, with recommended added turn lanes at the LaGrange and 159th intersection, as well as a bypass added from Ravinia Avenue to LaGrange road to help with traffic congestion.

The proposal is subject to public review and village board approval. Dodge said he feels the project aligns with long-standing goals for the intersection and the surrounding area, on top of generating substantial tax revenue and construction jobs for the village.

“It’ll benefit our schools, the township, fire district, and from a sales tax perspective, it’s a nice impact on the budget,” Dodge said. “It allows us to cut other taxes at some point in the future or expand services of some combination.

“This is a desirable use. Now, we have to work through the issues and the public has a right to be heard, which is why we’re holding a planning commission meeting.”

The next step for the Amazon project proposal will be a vote from the full village board on whether or not to approve it. The next village board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19.