Economic development in the village of Matteson would make a compelling case study about changes in consumer shopping behavior.
Matteson offers several examples of how buyers are shifting more toward e-commerce and away from visits to big-box retail stores. Target, Sam’s Club and Toys R Us stores in the village closed in recent years. The once-mighty Lincoln Mall retail center was demolished.
But now Sam’s Club employs 400 people at an online fulfillment center in Matteson. Amazon is building a fulfillment center that will create about 1,000 new jobs. Two trucking companies that transport goods are building Chicago-area hubs in Matteson.
“Buyers no longer go to retail outlets like they used to,” Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Martin said. “We have to think differently…” Please click here to read Ted Slowik’s column in the Tribune/Daily Southtown.
Related (submitted by the Village of Matteson):
Village of Matteson Approves Streetscape Improvement Plan The Village of Matteson approved a Streetscape Plan developed by the RATIO Design firm for the Lincoln Highway & Cicero Corridors. The goal of the Streetscape Plan is to increase the safety for motorists and pedestrians as well as beautify the community’s main roadways. A grant was awarded to the Village by CMAP through their Local Technical Assistance program to conduct the plan. Visit www.villageofmatteson.org for a full view of the streetscape plan. The plan will be executed in phases over three to four years.
Sam’s E-Fulfillment Center Sees Growth One Year Later The Sam’s E-commerce Fulfilment Center has completed expansion from their existing 120,000 sq. ft. space to 250,000 square feet into the former Walmart building. “Sam’s Club has experienced tremendous growth of our ecommerce business since opening our fulfillment center in Matteson about 18 months ago,” said Will Macleod, General Manager. “We’ve gone from about two dozen associates to more than 200 and have doubled our square footage, so we can serve more members. I’m proud of our fantastic associates who do a great job serving our Sam’s Club members.”