Amazon to Close Dozens of Go and Fresh Stores Across US

Locations in Roseville, Citrus Heights, and Elk Grove to be shuttered due to profitability challenges.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Amazon is closing around 70 of its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh grocery stores across the United States, including several locations in the Sacramento area, due to difficulties in achieving profitability on a large scale. The company cited the customer experience not being unique enough to be profitable long-term.

Why it matters

The closures mark a setback for Amazon's ambitious plans to expand its physical retail footprint and disrupt the grocery industry. It also raises questions about the viability of the company's cashier-less store model and its ability to compete with traditional grocery chains.

The details

In a blog post, Amazon said the decision to shutter the stores was made after evaluating multiple factors at each location. Some of the closed stores will be converted into Whole Foods Markets, although Amazon has not specified which ones. The company stated that many workers will have opportunities to continue within the company, while others will receive severance packages.

  • Amazon announced the store closures on January 28, 2026.

The players

Amazon

An American multinational technology company that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

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What’s next

Amazon said it plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods stores over the next few years, indicating a shift in the company's physical retail strategy.

The takeaway

The closure of Amazon's Go and Fresh stores highlights the challenges of scaling a cashier-less retail model and the company's need to reevaluate its approach to physical grocery stores as it continues to invest in its Whole Foods brand.