Amazon will shut all 19 of its Fresh stores in the UK, with five converted into Whole Foods outlets. The closures mark the end of its checkout-free shopping experiment, launched in 2021 in west London.
The concept, which allowed customers to leave without scanning items, struggled after the pandemic as demand for contactless shopping declined. Amazon failed to compete with established supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
The company did not confirm how many staff will be affected but said it would offer roles in other parts of the business. The move comes as Amazon shifts focus to its Whole Foods Market chain, which it acquired in 2017.
Amazon plans to expand its UK grocery options through partnerships with Morrisons, Co-op, Iceland and Gopuff. From next year, shoppers will also be able to buy fresh groceries directly on Amazon’s website.
The firm’s grocery operations face scrutiny from the UK regulator after an investigation was launched into late payments to suppliers. Amazon said it remains committed to offering convenience and low prices while integrating Whole Foods more closely into its global business.
