Amazon has announced that it plans to close all 19 of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the United Kingdom (UK).
Of the 19 stores, five will be rebranded as Whole Foods Markets after being on the market for less than five years.
Amazon Fresh has introduced ‘walk-out’ technology in Britain, allowing customers to skip the checkout counter when picking up groceries, including Amazon-branded items.
Amazon said yesterday that the decision to close all stores was made after assessing the business and the huge opportunity that exists in online delivery.
The company also reported high demand for home and grocery items through amazon.co.uk, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Markets and online delivery services Morrisons, Iceland, Co-op and Gopuff.
Next year, Amazon plans to offer perishable groceries, everyday items and other products on amazon.co.uk with same-day delivery.
