Amazon Bets Big on Whole Foods, Expands Same-Day Delivery While Shutting Go & Fresh Stores

Amazon is reshaping its grocery strategy with a dual focus on faster delivery and Whole Foods expansion. The company confirmed it will shut down all Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, citing challenges in achieving a distinctive customer experience and sustainable economics. Instead, Amazon will convert some of these outlets into Whole Foods Market stores and invest in opening over 100 new Whole Foods locations in the coming years.

The move underscores Amazon’s ambition to dominate online grocery delivery, leveraging its logistics network to offer same-day delivery of fresh groceries in thousands of U.S. towns and cities. The company is also testing 30-minute deliveries under the “Amazon Now” banner, aiming to meet rising consumer demand for speed and convenience.

Key Highlights:

• Same-Day Delivery Expansion: Service to reach more U.S. cities in 2026.
• Store Closures: All Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh outlets to be shut.
• Conversions: Select locations will be repurposed as Whole Foods Market stores.
• New Stores: Over 100 Whole Foods outlets planned in the next few years.
• Competitive Push: Strategy designed to counter Walmart, Kroger, and Instacart in grocery retail.

Amazon’s pivot reflects a clear prioritization of customer traction and sustainable growth, positioning Whole Foods and rapid delivery as the cornerstones of its grocery business.

Sources: Reuters, The Hindu BusinessLine, Amazon Blog, CNBC.