Amazon to close physical 'Go' and 'Fresh' grocery stores, expand Whole Foods Market

Amazon to close physical 'Go' and 'Fresh' grocery stores

Amazon is making a major shift in its grocery business, announcing plans to close its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar stores while doubling down on Whole Foods Market and grocery delivery.

CHICAGO - Amazon is making a major shift in its grocery business, announcing plans to close its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar stores while doubling down on Whole Foods Market and grocery delivery.

What we know:

In a statement released by the company, Amazon said it will shut down its physical Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh locations to prioritize expansion in other areas. A company spokesperson shared that all locations, with the exception of stores in California, will cease operations on Sunday, Feb. 1. 

However, on Tuesday, customers across the Chicago suburbs were stunned to find locations shuttered — including North Riverside, Oak Lawn, and Schaumburg. 

Signs on the doors read, "We are closed for the remainder of the day," encouraging shoppers to return the following day.

Amazon launched the cashier-less Amazon Go stores in 2018 and later expanded Amazon Fresh grocery stores as part of its effort to rethink in-store shopping. Its first brick-and-mortar Amazon Fresh location opened to the public in 2020. 

Amazon Go, New York City, New York, USA. (Photo by: Spencer Jones/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Amazon said that while those formats showed promise, they did not deliver the consistent customer experience or economic performance needed for long-term expansion.

Why Amazon is shifting strategy

Amazon said it will instead focus on Whole Foods Market, which it acquired in 2017, calling it a stronger foundation for its physical grocery business. The company plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market locations in the coming years, including smaller formats like Whole Foods Market Daily Shop.

A company representative said Amazon is evaluating each Fresh location to determine where Whole Foods Market stores would perform well. Locations that make the transition will be renovated ahead of the rebranding.

The company also emphasized continued investment in online grocery delivery, which is now available in thousands of U.S. cities and towns through Amazon Fresh.

What this means for shoppers

Amazon said customers will still be able to shop Amazon Fresh online in areas where delivery is available, even as physical locations close. Whole Foods Market will remain Amazon’s primary physical grocery brand moving forward.

Amazon said the last day of operations at all 'Fresh' and 'Go' locations will be Sunday, Feb. 1 — except in California, where stores will remain open longer to comply with state requirements.

An Amazon Fresh grocery store is shown in the Canary Wharf business district in London, England, United Kingdom, on December 26, 2025. The retailer, a subsidiary of Amazon, utilizes ''Just Walk Out'' technology to allow customers to purchase grocerie

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What this means for employees and locations

A company representative explained that they are working to place affected employees in other roles throughout the company. Those who choose not to remain with Amazon will receive a severance package. 

The retailer did not specify how many Amazon Go or Amazon Fresh locations would be converted into Whole Foods Market stores — or how long the transition will take. Amazon said it will share more details and a timeline as plans are finalized.

What they're saying:

The City of Naperville, which has two Amazon Fresh locations, released the following statement after the announcement was made:

"Naperville’s vibrancy is driven by residents who care about quality, variety, and supporting the businesses that serve our community well - and we’re also a grocery destination for shoppers well beyond our city limits. That’s why we continue to attract great new businesses, even as Amazon announced today it will close its Fresh grocery stores.

"For the past several years, Naperville has consistently led the Chicago suburbs in grocery sales, and we’ve welcomed at least one new grocer to our market within the last year - with another on the way. While we don’t yet know what Amazon’s next step will be for these locations - or whether any could transition to Whole Foods as Amazon has suggested for some markets - I’m confident in what we do know: Naperville remains a highly desirable place to do business.  We’re a community that supports great options and that’s why great options keep coming."

What's next:

Amazon said it will continue evaluating its grocery strategy as customer habits evolve, with a focus on delivery, convenience and Whole Foods’ in-store experience.

This comes as Amazon is planning to build a new 'supercenter concept' in Orland Park, which would sell groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise.

By the numbers:

Fast facts about Amazon's grocery venture:

• The company acquired Whole Foods Market in 2017.
• Amazon launched Amazon Go stores in 2018.
• Amazon opened its first public brick-and-mortar Amazon Fresh store in California in 2020, later expanding to dozens of locations nationwide.
• Amazon plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market stores in the coming years.
• Amazon Fresh delivery is available in thousands of U.S. cities and towns.