Amazon plans to open its largest store yet, a 229,000-square-foot superstore, in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago. This store will provide both groceries and general merchandise, along with options for customers to place and collect online orders on-site.
Store Details and Features
According to attorney Katie Jahnke Dale, the store will combine offerings from Whole Foods and Fresh to create a retail space that meets modern customer needs for safety and convenience. While it’s unclear if Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will be used, customers will likely have mobile payment options and kiosks to assist with locating items.
Jahnke Dale emphasized that this is a retail store, not a warehouse, addressing community concerns about increased traffic. She reassured residents that the facility will enhance customer experience, despite having a larger storage area in the back.
Amazon’s Grocery Strategy and Challenges
Amazon has faced criticism for its struggles in physical retail, closing various concepts over the past few years including Amazon Books and some grocery locations. Currently, Amazon operates 58 Fresh stores and over 500 Whole Foods Markets.
During the first quarter of 2025, CEO Andy Jassy expressed confidence in the grocery sector despite acknowledging the need for improvement in Amazon Fresh. He highlighted that Whole Foods is performing well and sees potential in expanding same-day delivery of perishables.
Future Expansion Plans
In December, Amazon announced it would increase its perishable delivery service to over 2,300 cities, a move aimed at enhancing grocery shopping convenience. Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, noted that this approach improves the grocery shopping experience for families across the country.
The Orland Park Plan Commission has approved the development plans for the store, though final approval is still required from the village board.
