Amazon Fresh is set to close four grocery stores in Southern California by mid-November 2025 as part of a strategic reassessment. This decision comes after a careful review of store performance. After these closures, Amazon will maintain 19 Fresh locations across the region, which is a fraction of its 62 stores spread across nine states.
Amazon Fresh Store Closures in Orange County
The affected stores are located in the following cities:
- La Habra: 1610 W. Imperial Highway
- La Verne: 2229 Foothill Blvd.
- Mission Viejo: 26940 Crown Valley Parkway
- Whittier: 15225 Whittier Blvd.
Amazon spokesperson Griffin Buch confirmed the closures on October 3, 2025, explaining that not all locations meet performance expectations. “Certain locations work better than others,” Buch stated. The planned closure date for these stores is November 16, 2025.
Impact on Employees and Customers
Although the company is facilitating job placements for affected employees, Buch did not disclose how many employees would be impacted. Customer reactions have been mixed. Local shopper Silvia Garcia expressed dismay, stating, “I’m so sad and disappointed. Where am I going to pick up my groceries for lunch?” Meanwhile, Jessica Montes, also a La Verne resident, expressed surprise about the store’s closing due to the generally low foot traffic.
Expansion Amid Closures
Despite these closures, Amazon Fresh recently opened six new stores in California since October 2024, generating more than 600 jobs. Furthermore, Amazon has been expanding its reach in Southern California, adding additional operations sites in the past year.
Online Shopping Availability
Customers in the affected areas can continue shopping online even after the physical stores close. This move aligns with broader trends in consumer shopping behavior, which have increasingly shifted toward online services.
Shifts in Amazon’s Grocery Strategy
Beyond the closures in Southern California, Amazon is also modifying its grocery strategy in the United Kingdom. Recently, the company announced plans to close 14 Fresh stores there and convert five locations to Whole Foods Market. Up to 250 jobs could be lost as part of this realignment.
This shift comes after Amazon’s recent launch of a private label grocery brand, aiming to cater to budget-conscious consumers with lower-priced items. The company’s Fresh grocery concept, introduced in 2020, sought to rival traditional grocery stores with competitive pricing and innovative technology.
As Amazon navigates these changes, the future of its grocery operations remains a focal point for the company’s strategic plans.
