Amazon is making a significant return to physical retail with plans for a 225,000-square-foot big-box store in Orland Park, Illinois, according to The Information. This strategic move follows the company's 2022 closure of most physical bookstores and gift shops, signaling a pivot towards a more versatile retail model. The proposed Orland Park location will serve a dual purpose: facilitating in-store shopping while also acting as a fulfillment center for online orders.

This hybrid approach mirrors strategies used by competitors like Target and Walmart, blending e-commerce logistics with traditional retail. The store is expected to offer a wide selection, including groceries, general merchandise, and potentially dining options. This development represents a potential evolution of the Amazon Fresh concept and indicates a renewed commitment to physical storefronts after previous experimental formats like Amazon Books and Amazon Go were largely abandoned.

The project currently requires approval from the Orland Park Village Board to proceed.