Amazon is pivoting its grocery store plan. The company announced Tuesday that it will close all Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores. It says it will convert various locations to Whole Foods Market stores.
Current NoVA Amazon Fresh locations include Fairfax, Alexandria, Bailey’s Crossroads, Franconia, and Lorton.
In a news release, Amazon said that it’s found it challenging to operate the Fresh and Go physical grocery stores: “We haven’t yet created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for large-scale expansion.” Amazon noted that customers can continue to shop at Amazon Fresh online in available areas.
Amid the closure news, Amazon said it plans to open more than 100 Whole Foods Markets over the next few years. It also announced plans to open an additional five Whole Foods Market Daily Shops by the end of 2026. The smaller store format — with a NoVA location in Crystal City — offers a selection of “grab-and-go meals, coffee, and everyday essentials.”
Amazon also said it plans to eventually introduce other physical stores, including “a new supercenter physical retail concept.” It says this store will be “designed for customers to conveniently shop Amazon’s broad selection and low prices across fresh groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise.”
Feature image, Refrina/stock.adobe.com
