Former Retail Space to Transform into E-Commerce Fulfillment Center

The conversion of the 150,000 square-foot building is part of a broader strategy by Sam's Club to optimize its real estate assets and expand its e-commerce infrastructure. That conversion took four months to complete and covers 135,000 square feet. The facility will serve customers within several hundred miles and is expected to employ 70 to 140 local residents.

On December 17, 2025, the former Sam's Club location in Matteson, Illinois, will embark on a new chapter as it is converted into an e-commerce fulfillment center. This development marks a significant step in the company's strategic shift towards enhancing its online sales capabilities.

Transformation into a Fulfillment Hub

The facility in Matteson is set to become the second fulfillment hub for Sam's Club, serving as a regional center for online sales deliveries. It will cater to customers located within several hundred miles of the site, thereby improving the efficiency and speed of order fulfillment in the region. The retrofit work is scheduled to commence next month, with the center expected to be operational by the end of the year.

The conversion of the 150,000 square-foot building is part of a broader strategy by Sam's Club to optimize its real estate assets and expand its e-commerce infrastructure. The move follows the successful opening of a similar fulfillment center in Memphis, which occupies another former Sam’s Club space. That conversion took four months to complete and covers 135,000 square feet.

Employment and Local Impact

Once operational, the Matteson fulfillment center is projected to employ between 70 and 140 people. In alignment with Sam's Club's commitment to community engagement, there is a strong emphasis on hiring local residents. This initiative not only aims to boost the local economy but also provides employment opportunities within the region.

Sam's Club's expansion plans are not limited to Matteson. The company is also considering additional distribution centers in strategic locations including Chicago, Texas, central Florida, and southern California. These efforts are part of a larger trend in the retail industry, where companies are increasingly repurposing existing spaces to support e-commerce operations.

Cangso Global's Strategic Relocation

In a related development, Cangso Global, a company specializing in logistics solutions for e-commerce, is moving its headquarters to a more strategic location in New Jersey. The new headquarters will be situated at 240 Mill Road, Edison, marking a relocation from their previous base in Essex County.

The new facility is equipped with modern logistics infrastructure, featuring four loading doors, 32-foot clear ceiling heights, and column spacing measuring 42 feet by 42 feet. Additionally, it includes an Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) system, underscoring the company's commitment to safety and operational efficiency.

Future Prospects and Industry Trends

The transformation of retail spaces into fulfillment centers is indicative of a broader industry trend, where traditional brick-and-mortar locations are being reimagined to meet the growing demands of e-commerce. This shift is driven by the increasing consumer preference for online shopping, which has been further accelerated by global events in recent years.

As companies like Sam's Club and Cangso Global continue to adapt to these changing dynamics, it is likely that more retail spaces across the country will follow suit. The focus on regional hubs not only enhances logistics efficiency but also helps in reducing delivery times, thereby improving customer satisfaction. With plans for further expansion, the landscape of retail and logistics is set to undergo significant transformations in the coming years.