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Earlier this week Amazon announced the closure of its first checkout store in the UK, two years after it debuted.
The site, based in Ealing Broadway, first opened up in March 2021 becoming the ecommerce giant’s first “Just Walk Out” grocery store outside the US.
Commenting on the closures, Amazon said like any physical retailer, it periodically assess its portfolio of stores and make optimisation decisions along the way.”
The company added that it was “committed to our investment in grocery and, as we grow, we’ll continue to learn which locations and features resonate most with customers”.
However, it is not the first U-turn the ecommerce giant has made when it came to its bricks-and-mortar establishments. InternetRetailing takes a look.
Amazon Fresh
The Ealing Broadway branch was not the only store Amazon shut this week , however, it also pulled down the shutter on its Amazon Fresh stores in Wandsworth and East Sheen.
The East Sheen branch opened in November 2021, and Wandsworth the following month. However, the three Fresh stores shutting are not the first Amazon has closed.
In January this year, the ecommerce giant closed its Dalston Fresh store, less than 18 months after it launched. At the time, the company said: “Just like other retailers, we regularly review our business and from time to time adjust to ensure we are able to best serve our customers.”
However, now Amazon claims deciding to close three stores “doesn’t mean we won’t grow – this year, we will open new Amazon Fresh stores to better serve customers in the greater London area.”
Book stores
In March last year, Amazon confirmed the closures of all its bookstores across the UK and US.
Amazon first launched its bricks-and-mortar bookstore in 2015, before expanding to 24 locations in the US.
At the time, Amazon said it remains “committed to building great, long-term physical retail experiences and technologies” and is working closely with its affected employees to help them find new roles within the company.
Earlier this year Amazon also revealed it was closing its UK-based retailer Book Depository, 12 years after acquiring the company which was launched in 2007.
4-star shops
Also in March last year, Amazons 4-star shop, which first debuted in 2018, carrying a limited selection of best-selling products from top categories that Amazon.com closed its doors.
The retailer, which sold devices, consumer electronics, kitchen, home, toys, books, and games, was launched in Soho, New York allowing customers to purchase trending items.
At the time of closure, the company said the closure will allow it to focus on expanding its physical retail technology.
