In a significant shift in its grocery strategy, Amazon has announced the closure of all 57 of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores and 15 Amazon Go convenience stores by February 1, 2026. This move signals a strategic pivot, with Amazon focusing more on its Whole Foods Market expansion and speeding up grocery delivery services.
The decision, announced on January 27, 2026, underscores Amazon's evolving approach to the grocery market. The company, which has seen its grocery business generate over $150 billion in annual sales, is consolidating its physical presence under the Whole Foods banner. The closure of the Amazon Fresh and Go stores reflects a shift in strategy aimed at refining how it delivers groceries to customers.
Amazon Fresh, launched in 2007, started as an online grocery delivery service but later expanded into physical stores. These stores offered fresh groceries and a convenient, tech-driven shopping experience. However, the company acknowledged that these physical locations did not offer a "truly distinctive customer experience".
In addition to the closures, some Amazon Fresh locations are expected to eventually reopen as Whole Foods Market stores, further integrating the company's grocery offerings under a single brand. California stores, however, will remain open for an additional 45 days, extending their operational period until mid-March 2026, due to operational considerations.
Amazon's decision to shut down its automated Amazon Go convenience stores also highlights its ongoing effort to refine its physical retail strategy. The Go stores, known for their cashierless technology, were once seen as a futuristic retail concept, offering a seamless shopping experience without the need for traditional checkout processes. Nevertheless, the company has decided to pivot away from this format.
The announcement comes as Amazon doubles down on its commitment to Whole Foods Market and same-day grocery delivery services. Amazon's strategy now focuses on leveraging its extensive logistics network to provide faster and more efficient grocery delivery options, catering to the evolving needs of its customers.
Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores will cease operations by February 1, 2026. This date marks a significant milestone in Amazon's retail journey, as it transitions away from brick-and-mortar grocery stores to prioritize an enhanced online and delivery-focused model.
Amazon's shift from physical grocery stores to a focus on delivery and Whole Foods Market indicates a broader trend in the retail industry, where e-commerce giants are increasingly integrating their services to streamline the customer experience. The move away from physical stores also underscores a strategic focus on efficiency and scalability in the grocery market.
