Amazon is shutting down all 19 of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the UK, putting around 250 jobs at risk as the company pivots towards online sales and expands its Whole Foods brand.
The US retail giant confirmed it has launched a consultation process with employees, warning that while some staff may be redeployed elsewhere in the business, many roles are likely to be affected.
Amazon Fresh first launched in 2021 with its “just walk out” technology, which allowed shoppers to leave stores without visiting a till. Customers used an app to enter and were automatically billed for items taken, tracked by cameras and sensors. Despite initial fanfare, growth ambitions slowed as demand waned after the pandemic.
Of the 19 stores, five are earmarked for conversion into Whole Foods outlets, bringing the organic-focused chain to 12 sites nationwide by the end of next year. Two additional Whole Foods locations are also planned.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey insisted the company remains “deeply invested” in British grocery retail, he added: “Since 2008, we’ve worked hard to innovate to help our customers save time and money when shopping for groceries and household essentials,” he said. “We continue to invent and invest to bring more choice and convenience to UK customers, enabling them to shop for a wide range of everyday essentials and groceries with low prices and fast delivery through Amazon.co.uk, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market stores, alongside our third-party grocery partners, including Morrisons, Co-op, Iceland, and Gopuff.”
As part of the overhaul, Amazon plans to double the number of Prime members with access to at least three of its grocery options. It will also launch fresh groceries, including dairy, meat and seafood, on Amazon.co.uk from next year.
The closures mark the latest retrenchment by Amazon in physical retail, following previous cutbacks in the US.
Where are the 19 UK Amazon Fresh stores?
Aldgate
Angel
Chingford
East Croydon
Euston
Holborn
Hounslow
Hoxton
Kensington
Liverpool Street
Moorgate
Monument
Notting Hill Gate
Southwark
Sevenoaks
Wembley
West Hampstead
White City
Wood Wharf