Link: Amazon shutters all of its physical Go and Fresh stores

Amazon is closing most of its Amazon Go and Fresh stores, converting some into Whole Foods Market locations. Physical Amazon Fresh stores will disappear, but online shopping and delivery will continue and expand.

Despite closures, Amazon commits to significant expansion, with over 100 new Whole Foods stores and five Whole Foods Market Daily Shop locations set for the near future. This expansion indicates a strategic refocus on their established grocery brand.

An internal memo highlights the launch of Amazon Grocery, a new private label brand featuring over 1,000 products, slated for a major expansion in 2026. This move is part of Amazon's broader strategy to unify and enhance its grocery offerings.

Amazon is not completely stepping away from experimenting with physical retail locations. New tests include a unique Amazon Grocery store in Chicago and a Whole Foods concept store in Pennsylvania.

The recent approval of a large Amazon supercenter in Orland Park, Illinois, suggests ongoing plans for more diverse and larger-scale physical stores. Amazon continues to adapt and experiment with its physical store strategy despite recent closures.

In staffing changes, John Farrell, former chief merchant for Amazon Fresh Grocery, announced his departure from the company to pursue new opportunities.

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