Supermarkets operate on razor-thin margins that make it very challenging to make a profit."The average net profit for food retailers in 2024 is 1.7%," according to data from the Food Industry Association (FIA).To make that small margin, operators stock an average of 31,795 items in stores that average over 42,000 square feet, the FIA shared.In addition to low margins and expensive stores, traditional supermarkets and grocery stores have to compete with digital rivals. An online-only chain can keep its cost ...

Core Insights - Amazon is contemplating the closure of its U.K. Fresh stores due to a significant shift towards online grocery shopping, indicating a strategic pivot towards enhancing its online delivery services [2][4] - The company reported a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the delivery of everyday essentials in the U.K., highlighting the growing demand for online grocery services [3] - Amazon aims to double the number of Prime members in the U.K. by 2026, expanding access to multiple online grocery delivery options through partnerships with various retailers [4] Company Strategy - The proposed closure of Fresh locations is part of Amazon's evaluation of its operations, focusing on substantial growth opportunities in online grocery delivery [2] - Amazon plans to convert five Fresh locations into Whole Foods Markets, indicating a shift in strategy to leverage the Whole Foods brand [4] - The company is working to expand its online grocery selection and delivery services to new areas, aiming to enhance its competitive position in the grocery market [3] Market Context - Despite significant investments in Whole Foods and Fresh, Amazon's grocery market share has only modestly increased to 2.7%, reflecting challenges in competing with established players like Walmart [6] - Walmart maintains a dominant position in the grocery market with a 21% share, supported by its extensive physical store network, which provides convenience and immediate fulfillment for shoppers [5][8] - Research indicates that 88% of U.S. grocery shoppers prefer in-store shopping over online options, emphasizing the importance of the physical shopping experience in the grocery sector [7]