Amazon Proposes Closing 19 UK Fresh Stores

Amazon has launched a consultation proposing the closure of all 19 Amazon Fresh stores in the UK, a move that could put around 250 employees at risk though the company says it will seek to offer redeployment where possible. Five of the sites are proposed for conversion into Whole Foods Market outlets as part of a wider reshaping of its UK grocery operations and a renewed focus on online delivery. Amazon says it plans to expand its online grocery services — including same‑day delivery for perishables and broader Prime grocery access via retail partners — and to add fresh groceries to Amazon.co.uk. The Fresh format, launched in 2021 using "Just Walk Out" till‑less technology, struggled to scale after pandemic demand waned and Amazon pared earlier expansion plans. The company has already closed some U.S. Fresh locations this year, and the move signals Amazon is emphasizing delivery and Whole Foods while winding down the till‑free high‑street experiment in the UK.