Amazon Proposes 14 Closures, 5 Whole Foods Conversions

Amazon has launched a consultation proposing to close 14 of its 19 UK Amazon Fresh high‑street stores and convert five into Whole Foods Market locations. The Fresh estate, launched in 2021 using “Just Walk Out” till‑free technology, struggled to sustain post‑pandemic footfall after wider expansion plans were pared back. Around 250 employees work across the Fresh stores and Amazon says it will seek to offer redeployment where possible, though it has not confirmed exact job losses. The proposal is part of a broader UK grocery overhaul as Amazon shifts emphasis to online delivery, same‑day perishables and expanded partnerships with Morrisons, Co‑op, Iceland and Gopuff, while planning to grow Whole Foods’ UK footprint to roughly 12 stores. Amazon said the move resulted from a business evaluation and “substantial growth opportunities in online delivery,” and it follows earlier Fresh closures in the U.S.