Amazon has announced plans to close all 19 of its UK stores.

The e-commerce giant announced this week that it is proposing the permanent closure of 14 locations, whilst the remaining five will be converted to Whole Foods stores.

Amazon said that it has made the decision to launch a consultation with employees regarding the proposed closure after an "evaluation of business operations" and "substantial growth opportunities" in online delivery.

The move comes after the business closed three of its Amazon Fresh 'just walk out' stores located in Ealing Broadway, Wandsworth, and East Sheen in 2023.

Amazon opened its first till-free store in Ealing Broadway in 2021.

With the proposed addition of five new Whole Foods stores, the opening of a Whole Foods Market in Chelsea earlier this year, and an additional store in Greater London expected for the end of 2026, the company would have 12 Whole Foods Market stores in the UK.

The company said that its goal is to offer jobs elsewhere in the business for employees impacted by the planned closures.

"We're deeply invested in the UK's economic growth and creating opportunities for both customers and employees," said John Boumphrey, country manager, Amazon UK. “We’ll be working hard to support any potentially impacted teams throughout these planned changes and are deeply grateful for their dedication."

The announcement follows significant growth in the grocery category for Amazon, which is outpacing the rest of its UK business.

According to the company, same and next day delivery saw an increase of 20 per cent last year.

Amazon said that a greater focus on online delivery is part of its wider commitment to the UK, with the company announcing in June an investment of £40 billion over the next three years.

The investment is set to create thousands of full-time jobs and fund four new fulfilment centres.

To meet strong customer demand, it is also planning to add more to its grocery selection online and expand its delivery services to new areas.

It has a target of more than doubling the number of Amazon UK Prime members who have access to three or more online grocery delivery options through its partners Morrisons, Iceland, Co-op, and Gopuff.

With the expansion, more than 80 per cent of UK Prime members will be able to shop at least one these grocery partners.

Amazon also plans to mirror its US business by introducing perishable groceries on Amazon.co.uk with same day delivery in 2026.

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