Amazon is basically trying to out-Walmart Walmart right now. Honestly, if you walked into their newest proposed store, you might actually get confused about where you are.
We just got word that the retail giant is planning a massive 229,000-square-foot facility in Orland Park, Illinois. That is huge. To put it in perspective, your average Walmart Supercenter is about 180,000 square feet. Amazon isn't just dipping a toe into physical retail anymore; they’re jumping in with a cannonball. This is the Amazon news today that actually matters for your wallet and your weekend errands.
For years, we've seen them experiment. Remember those bookstores? Gone. The "4-Star" shops? Also gone. But this new concept is different because it blends a full-scale grocery store with general merchandise and a high-tech "backroom" fulfillment center. It’s like a hybrid of a warehouse and a supermarket.
The Big-Box Gamble in Orland Park
The Orland Park project is a signal. It’s sitting right next to a Costco, which is a bold move. They aren't hiding. The plans show a one-story building that’s primarily retail but has a small warehouse component. This isn't just for people walking the aisles. It's designed to handle those "click and collect" orders that have become a staple of post-pandemic life.
You've probably noticed that Amazon Fresh has been a bit hit-or-miss lately. Some stores opened, some stalled. But this new 229,000-square-foot beast suggests they’ve found a new gear. They’re betting that people want to buy their bananas, a new pair of jeans, and a toaster all in the same 20-minute trip.
Alexa+ and the AI Pivot
While the physical stores are getting bigger, the digital side is getting "smarter"—or at least more expensive. If you follow Amazon news today, you likely saw the official launch of Alexa+ on the web.
It’s no longer just a puck on your kitchen counter. You can now access a ChatGPT-style interface at Alexa.com.
- The Cost: It’s $19.99 a month if you aren't a Prime member.
- The Perk: If you pay for Prime, it’s currently included for free (for now).
- The Tech: It uses their new "Nova" models and Anthropic’s Claude to actually hold a conversation.
Kinda wild when you think about it. Alexa used to struggle with "set a timer for ten minutes." Now, it’s supposed to be an "agentic" assistant. That’s a fancy way of saying it can actually book a plumber through Thumbtack or plan a whole vacation itinerary without you clicking through ten different tabs.
Peter DeSantis and the AGI Push
Behind the scenes, there’s a big leadership shift. Peter DeSantis, an Amazon veteran of 27 years, is now leading a new group focused on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), custom chips, and quantum computing.
This matters because Amazon is tired of paying the "Nvidia tax." They are pouring billions into their own chips, like Trainium and Inferentia. If they can run their AI on their own silicon, the service gets faster and, hopefully, cheaper for them to operate. It’s a long game, but DeSantis is the guy they trust to build the foundation.
Dash Carts are Actually Taking Over
If you hate standing in line, this part is for you. Amazon is rolling out their "Dash Carts" to dozens of Whole Foods locations by the end of 2026.
These aren't the clunky first-gen versions. The new ones are 25% lighter and hold 40% more groceries. They have built-in scales, so when you put a bag of apples in the cart, the screen just knows what it is and how much it costs. You just walk out through a special lane. No checkout. No awkward small talk.
Is it perfect? Not yet. Some people find the cameras a bit "Big Brother," and occasionally the computer vision glitches if you're moving too fast. But compared to the traditional checkout gauntlet on a Sunday afternoon? It’s a dream.
What’s Happening with the Stock and Sellers?
Wall Street is finally starting to smile at Amazon again. After a rocky end to 2025 where the stock basically went nowhere, AMZN has been on a tear this January. Shares are hovering around $247.
Why? Because AWS (their cloud division) is growing at 20% again. Everyone thought the cloud was slowing down, but the AI boom saved it. Companies need massive computing power to run their own AI models, and AWS is the biggest landlord in town.
But it’s not all sunshine. If you’re a third-party seller, things are getting complicated.
"Amazon is currently in talks with suppliers to adjust pricing because of the recent changes in Chinese import tariffs. They're basically trying to claw back some of the concessions they made when tariffs were higher."
Basically, Amazon wants lower prices from vendors now that some costs have dropped. For the average shopper, this might mean prices stay stable or drop slightly. For the person selling on Amazon? It’s another squeeze on their margins.
✨ Don't miss: Elon Musk Flexes Influence Over Congress: What Really Happened Behind Closed Doors
The Reality of Layoffs in 2026
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. There are confirmed reports of layoffs hitting AWS this month.
It’s a weird contrast. The company is investing $35 billion in India and $15 billion in Indiana for data centers, yet they are trimming staff in other areas. It seems to be a "re-balancing." They are hiring like crazy for AI and silicon engineering while cutting back on legacy projects that aren't making money. If you're in a "hub" city, you're likely safe. If you're remote or on a low-priority team, the vibes are definitely a bit tense right now.
Actionable Steps for You
So, what do you actually do with all this Amazon news today?
- Check your Prime benefits: If you haven't tried Alexa+ on the web yet, go to Alexa.com. Since it's currently free for Prime members, you might as well see if it's actually better than the free version of ChatGPT.
- Watch your local zoning: If you live in a suburban area, keep an eye on planning commission meetings. The Orland Park model is likely the first of many. These stores bring jobs, but they also bring a ton of traffic.
- Update your shopping habits: If your local Whole Foods gets the new Dash Carts, give them a shot. Just make sure your Amazon app is updated so the "Just Walk Out" tech links to your account correctly.
- Seller caution: If you run an FBA business, watch the new fee structures coming in Q1. Amazon is moving toward a more automated, regional distribution model, and if your inventory isn't spread out correctly, they're going to charge you for it.
The company is clearly moving away from being "just a website." They want to be the infrastructure of your life—the place where you buy your milk, the brain that plans your schedule, and the cloud that runs the apps you use at work. It’s a massive play, and 2026 is the year we see if these big-box stores can actually survive where their smaller shops failed.
Everything is becoming integrated. Your Alexa list shows up on your Dash Cart screen, and your Prime Video history influences what the AI assistant suggests you buy. It's convenient, sure, but it's also a closed loop that's getting harder and harder to leave.
📖 Related: JPMorgan Pacific: What Most People Get Wrong About Investing in Asia
Check your subscriptions this week. Between the new Alexa+ tiers and the ever-changing Prime Video ad settings, it’s easy to end up paying for things you don't use. Stay sharp.
Next Steps for You: You can head over to your Amazon account settings to see if the Alexa+ Early Access has been toggled on for your profile, or check the "Find a Store" page on Amazon's retail site to see if a Dash Cart-enabled location is opening near you this quarter.