A massive new Amazon retail concept could soon be coming to Oak Brook — and it may completely reshape how suburban shoppers experience retail in Chicagoland.

Plans are currently moving forward for a proposed 225,000-square-foot Amazon development at the southeast corner of Butterfield and Meyers Roads in Oak Brook. The project recently cleared a major first hurdle after receiving a recommendation for approval from Oak Brook’s Planning and Zoning Commission. 

But this isn’t just another Amazon warehouse.

According to representatives involved in the proposal, the company is planning what could become one of the first retail concepts of its kind in the country — combining groceries, general merchandise, online pickup, and fulfillment technology into one massive suburban retail destination.

And if approved, it could become one of the biggest retail developments happening anywhere in Chicago’s western suburbs.

What Is Amazon Actually Building in Oak Brook?

The proposed Oak Brook location would sit on roughly 27 acres and include a one-story retail building spanning approximately 225,000 square feet.

The front of the store would function like a traditional retail experience featuring:

• groceries

• household essentials

• general merchandise

• seasonal items

• potential prepared foods

Meanwhile, the back portion of the building would support online ordering, pickup, and inventory operations designed to blend in-person shopping with Amazon’s digital ecosystem.

Amazon representatives described the concept as “purpose-built for how today’s retail customers experience retail.”

The company says customers could:

• browse products in-store

• order larger items digitally

• pick up purchases onsite

• access expanded inventory through kiosks

• combine grocery shopping with online fulfillment convenience

In many ways, the concept appears to blend elements of:

• Costco

• Walmart Supercenters

• Whole Foods

• Amazon Fresh

• traditional department stores

• online fulfillment centers

…all into a single suburban destination.

Why Oak Brook?

Oak Brook may actually be the perfect testing ground for this kind of project.

The western suburb already serves as one of Chicagoland’s strongest retail corridors thanks to:

• Oakbrook Center

• major highway access

• affluent demographics

• regional shopping traffic

• nearby office and business districts

Amazon representatives specifically cited the site’s visibility near Interstate 88 and its position within Oak Brook’s retail corridor as major reasons for choosing the location.

The proposal would replace seven aging office buildings totaling roughly 600,000 square feet — a sign of how suburban development trends continue shifting away from traditional office space and toward mixed retail, entertainment, and lifestyle-focused projects. 

A Bigger Shift Happening Across the Suburbs

This project reflects a much larger trend happening throughout Chicago’s suburbs right now.

Many suburban communities are actively evolving from purely commuter-focused areas into lifestyle-driven destinations centered around:

• shopping

• dining

• entertainment

• convenience

• walkability

• mixed-use development

Retail is changing quickly, and companies like Amazon are adapting alongside consumer behavior.

While Amazon originally disrupted brick-and-mortar retail through e-commerce, the company now appears to be investing heavily back into physical shopping experiences — particularly large-format suburban concepts.

And Oak Brook isn’t the only suburb seeing this type of investment.

Amazon is already planning a similar large-scale retail concept in Orland Park that could open as early as 2027. 

Not Everyone Is Excited

As expected, the proposal has also generated concerns among some residents and community members.

During public hearings, critics raised questions about:

• traffic congestion

• noise

• increased delivery activity

• light pollution

• Amazon’s previous brick-and-mortar struggles

Online reactions across local Chicago-area discussions have been mixed as well. Some residents view the project as an exciting evolution of suburban retail, while others worry about congestion and Amazon’s growing dominance in local commerce. 

Several commenters compared the concept to a modern version of Sears or Walmart — while others questioned whether shoppers still want large-format retail experiences in the age of online shopping.

Still, supporters argue the project could:

• generate new tax revenue

• create jobs

• modernize underutilized office properties

• strengthen Oak Brook’s retail economy

• attract additional development nearby

What Happens Next?

The proposal now heads to the Oak Brook Village Board for final consideration in June.

If approved:

• existing office buildings on the site would be demolished

• construction would begin afterward

• completion is currently targeted for 2028

The project would also increase green space on the property by approximately 25% and include new pond areas and landscaping improvements. 

FAQ

How big is the proposed Amazon store in Oak Brook?

The proposed development would total approximately 225,000 square feet on a 27-acre site near Butterfield and Meyers Roads in Oak Brook.

Is this an Amazon warehouse?

No — Amazon representatives stated the project is designed primarily as a retail store, not a warehouse or distribution center. The concept combines groceries, merchandise, and online order pickup into one location.

When could the Oak Brook Amazon store open?

If approved, the project is expected to be completed around late 2028.

Why is Amazon building a physical retail store?

Amazon appears to be expanding into larger brick-and-mortar retail concepts as consumer demand continues balancing between online convenience and in-person shopping experiences.

Could this impact Oak Brook real estate and development?

Potentially, yes. Large-scale commercial investments often attract additional restaurants, retail, and infrastructure improvements nearby while increasing long-term interest in surrounding communities.

Final Thoughts

Whether residents love it or hate it, one thing is clear: suburban retail is changing rapidly.

Amazon’s proposed Oak Brook development represents much more than just another store. It reflects a broader transformation happening throughout Chicago’s suburbs as communities continue evolving around convenience, lifestyle, entertainment, and modern retail experiences.

And if this project moves forward, Oak Brook could become home to one of the most closely watched retail experiments in the country.