Amazon has announced plans to close its Fresh supermarkets in the UK.
The proposal to shut the 19 outlets follows a “thorough evaluation of business operations and the very substantial growth opportunities in online delivery”, Amazon said in a statement.
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The company has initiated a consultation process with employees regarding the closures but did not disclose the number of staff affected.
Describing the decision as “difficult”, Amazon said it aims to offer redeployment to as many affected staff as possible.
Five of the Fresh sites are to be converted into Whole Foods stores. Amazon acquired US grocer Whole Foods Market in 2017 for $13.7bn.
If the Whole Foods expansion proceeds, Amazon expects to operate 12 Whole Foods stores in the UK by the end of 2026.
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By GlobalDataAmazon opened its first Fresh store in Ealing, west London, in 2021.
Alongside the announcement, Amazon outlined further changes to its online grocery business in the UK.
The company aims to more than double the number of UK Prime members with access to three or more online grocery delivery options through UK grocers Morrisons, Iceland and The Co-op, plus delivery firm Gopuff, by early 2026.
The company also plans to introduce same-day perishable grocery delivery in the UK from next year, following its US launch in August.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey said: “We’re deeply invested in the UK’s economic growth and creating opportunities for both customers and employees.”
