After months of store closures around the world due to COVID-related shutdowns, it finally seemed as though things were finally looking up for the retail industry. Unfortunately, even more casualties are coming—and this time, it's a retail giant that's closing up shop. Read on to discover which grocery chain is shutting its doors for good.
RELATED: Target Just Banned the Purchase of This One Thing at All Its Stores.
Amazon Go Grocery is shutting down.
Amazon Go Grocery, Amazon's larger cashier-free, checkout-line-free grocery chain, is closing some locations and rebranding others, GeekWire reports.
The retail giant has already closed its Amazon Go Grocery location in Redmond, Washington. Despite Amazon's massive customer base, Amazon Go Grocery lasted for a brief period of time—the chain only launched in Feb. 2020.
For the latest store closure news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Remaining Amazon Go Grocery stores will become Amazon Fresh.
Amazon has already shuttered at least one of its Amazon Go Grocery stores, but has not yet announced additional closures. Instead, Amazon has announced plans to rebrand its Amazon Go Grocery stores under the company's Amazon Fresh label, starting with its Amazon Go Grocery store in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
In doing so, the Jeff Bezos-owned mega-retailer hopes to "simplify the experience for our customers," spokesperson Carly Golden told The Seattle Times.
Amazon has plans to expand its Amazon Fresh empire significantly in 2021.
Amazon currently operates just 12 Amazon Fresh stores in the U.S.—located in California and Illinois—and four in the U.K., but the brand is quickly expanding its reach. Bloomberg reports that Amazon has plans to open another 28 stores in the U.S. in the near future, each equipped with Dash shopping carts that calculate purchases as customers shop.
"We know customers care about low prices, convenience, and great selection in their grocer, and we believe we offer that as well as a seamless online to in-store grocery shopping experience," Jeff Helbling, vice president of Amazon Fresh, explained in a statement.
RELATED: These 3 Beloved Clothing Brands Just Filed for Bankruptcy.
Amazon has not announced plans to close its Amazon Go stores.
While Amazon Go Grocery may be folding, the company has not yet announced what will become of Amazon Go, its convenience store brand, which sells primarily prepared food and drinks. What is clear, however, is that the brand hasn't grown as quickly as Amazon had initially hoped.
In 2018, Amazon announced that it had plans to open up to 3,000 Amazon Go stores in the U.S. by 2021. The company currently operates just 22 Amazon Go stores in the U.S.—located in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle—a number that falls far short of Amazon's early projections for the shopping experience.
Sarah Crow Sarah Crow is a senior editor at Eat This, Not That!, where she focuses on celebrity news and health coverage. Read moreFiled UnderFood • News • ShoppingRead This NextThis Cult Favorite Chain Is Closing Stores
Following the closure of its flagship store in 2020, the chain has been shuttering other locations. May 11, 2021This Iconic Store Is Closing Even More Locations
The most recent round of shutterings will close all of the brand's locations in Canada.April 29, 202110 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017
