By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Oprah Winfrey is a serious force of nature.

Not only is she a symbol of empowerment for her loyal television audience but the billionaire media mogul is a force to be reckoned with in the consumer marketplace.

Ask the folks over at Hearst Publishing -- who partnered with her to bring forth her best-selling eponymous magazine, which was recognized as the biggest launch of a title.

Or maybe the power wielders on The Great White Way -- who are experiencing a non-stop renaissance of blacks and the box-office with the Winfrey-blessed Broadway musical 'The Color Purple.'

And her foray into satellite radio (with XM) has proven to be equally fruitful too.

Now comes news that the Mississippi native and empowerment idol has designs to get into the retail game.

And I'm not referring to her doing a line of housewares, or bedding or throwing her name on anyone else's brand, either -- like everyone else seems to do.

I'm referring to her plans to open a store that will sell Oprah-branded merchandise in Chicago near her Harpo Studios compound.

Something in the fashion of The Oprah Store, or maybe Oprah Republic or simply Oprah will see the light of day, possibly as early as this fall -- as she embarks on her 22nd consecutive season on daily television.

Although details are not finalized, a Winfrey spokesperson did confirm to news outlets that construction on the 4500 square feet space started earlier this week.

Fans of the talk show maven and audience members will get to purchase items featured currently in the Boutique section of her Web site, like apparel and DVDs, as well as African-designed baskets and bead art.

Maybe even some of that hoitsy toitsy merch she features her magazine every month will be available ... or on those "Free For The Entire Audience" shows.

So to hell with Hermes (the luxe French boutique who unceremoniously shut out Oprah & Friends during a controversial shopping spree a few years ago).

Oprah is off on her own -- as always.