Amazon is set to close all 19 of its Fresh supermarkets in the U.K., marking another adjustment to its grocery strategy. The company said the decision follows a review of operations and the strong growth potential it sees in online delivery. Of the 19 locations, five will be converted into Whole Foods stores.
Amazon launched its first U.K. Fresh store in London in 2021, shortly after introducing the concept in Los Angeles. Fresh stores were designed to offer lower prices and mass-market items compared to Whole Foods, which Amazon acquired in 2017. Many locations also featured the company’s “Just Walk Out” cashierless technology.
This move reflects Amazon’s broader recalibration of its grocery business. In the U.S., the company has also slowed the rollout of Fresh and Go stores, while continuing to operate around 500 Whole Foods locations. Recently, Amazon has also introduced smaller Whole Foods “daily shop” outlets in New York City.
Despite these closures, Amazon continues to view grocery as an important sector. CEO Andy Jassy has highlighted strong sales of everyday essentials like canned goods, snacks, and cleaning supplies through its online grocery service. Beginning next year, Amazon plans to launch same-day grocery delivery in the U.K., including fresh and perishable products.
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