Amazon plans to open their first box store near Chicago. Business Insider reported Orland Park, Illinois officials voted to approve the mega store on Tuesday.
According to the city, the plan will redevelop approximately 35 acres with a building more than 225,000 square feet. The store will offer groceries, prepared foods and other services.
“This is a prime location, and we are encouraged to see it being considered for full commercial redevelopment,” said Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge. “Projects like this have the potential to generate substantial sales tax revenue that directly benefits residents while strengthening one of our most important corridors.”
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
“We like to explain it as: ‘It’s the best that Amazon has to offer under Whole Foods, Fresh and their online offerings,’” Amazon’s attorney, Katie 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.”
At a village meeting, Plan Commissioner John Paul told residents allowing Amazon to build is good for the community.
“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.”
However, NBC 5 Chicago reported that residents “overwhelmingly” spoke out against the development because of what they said are looming conservation and transportation issues.
“How is my life going to be better?” one resident was quoted by NBC 5 as saying at the meeting. Added another: “a development of this magnitude must enhance community, not detract from it.”
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy plans to expand the company’s grocery footprint.
“I think that the way people buy groceries is going to continue to evolve over time. So I continue to be very, very bullish on our grocery business,” he said. “It’s large today and has a chance to be much larger in the future.”
