Wednesday, January 28, 2026-Amazon has announced that it will close all of its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, a major retreat from its decade‑long effort to build its own grocery and convenience store footprint across the United States.
The closures will affect roughly 72 locations, including 57 Amazon Fresh supermarkets and 15 Amazon Go convenience outlets, with most set to close by February 1, 2026, although California stores will stay open longer to comply with state labor rules. This move marks a significant shift in Amazon’s retail strategy as the company focuses more on online grocery delivery and expansion of its Whole Foods Market brand.
Amazon explained that despite positive signals from its grocery stores, it “hasn’t yet created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for large‑scale expansion,” leading to the decision to shutter these formats.
Some former Amazon Go and Fresh locations are expected to be converted into Whole Foods Market stores, while Amazon continues to strengthen its same‑day delivery service now available in thousands of U.S. cities and roll out new store concepts such as smaller Whole Foods Market Daily Shops.
The closures come as Amazon doubles down on areas where it sees stronger growth potential. The company plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market stores in the coming years and expand grocery delivery services to meet rising customer demand.
Amazon said it will also support affected employees by helping them find alternative roles within the company where possible. The decision signals a broader recalibration of Amazon’s physical retail ambitions toward formats with clearer economic viability and stronger customer traction.
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