Amazon.com is doing an about-face on its move into brick and mortar to supplement its massive online presence by closing 68 brick and mortar stores.
The Seattle-based retailer said it will close all its bookstores (Remember, Amazon got its start as an online bookstore) – plus Amazon 4-star stores that sell home goods and toys, as well as pop-up stores that have appeared in malls and other locations.
The move comes on the heels of Amazon raising its yearly subscription rate for Amazon Prime to $139, from $119.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Amazon said it will instead concentrate on its core grocery stores (including Amazon Fresh locations and the Whole Foods Chain), plus Amazon Style, a new, high-tech, high-fashion brick-and-mortar store from Amazon. The first Amazon Style store, which will feature clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women, will open in Los Angeles later this year. You can check out the concept on this video from Amazon.
Disappearing along with Amazon bookstores are Amazon 4-Star stores, a concept that sold home goods, electronics, toys and other goods that got top customer reviews – hence, 4-star.
Reuters was first to report news of Amazon shuttering its stores. The company said the store closing will occur on various dates. Physical stores account for only 3% of Amazon’s recent quarterly sales of $137 billion, and the majority of that 3% was from Amazon’s Whole Foods supermarkets, according to Reuters.
-
Fed's Rate Cuts Could Have Impacts You Might Not AnticipateUnderstanding how lower interest rates could impact your wallet can help you determine the right financial moves to make.
-
Past Performance Is Not Indicative of Your Adviser's ExpertiseMany people find a financial adviser by searching online or asking for referrals from friends or family. This can actually end up costing you big-time.
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
I Found the Best Gifts Under $50 and None of Them Feel CheapAmazon October Prime Day is the perfect chance to nab some under-$50 gifts that feel more expensive than they are (because normally they would be).
-
Amazon AI on Prime Day: Deal Helper or Upsell Machine?Amazon’s Rufus chatbot, Alexa voice deals and Amazon Lens can change how you shop on Prime Day. Here’s how to use them wisely — and avoid being upsold.
-
How to Safely Get Your Amazon Packages This SeasonWorried about porch pirates? From Amazon lockers to secure lock boxes, here’s how to protect your holiday deliveries.
-
Last Chance to Shop These Under-$100 Prime Day Deals for a Smarter, Safer Home: Ring Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, Leak Detectors and MoreThese under-$100 Prime Day deals on Ring, Blink, Nest and other top smart home brands are disappearing after today.
-
Sam's Club Takes On Amazon Prime With Big Summer Savings — But Is It Worth Joining?With longer sales and seasonal deals, Sam's Club is making a strong case for summer value. Here's how to save.
-
FSA or HSA-Eligible Amazon Prime Deals You Can Shop NowDouble down on savings by taking advantage of these FSA or HSA-eligible early Prime deals. Save on the smart rings, air purifiers, baby gear and more.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
How Amazon Will Deliver Your Prime Day 2025 Orders — From Vans to DronesAmazon Prime Day returns July 8–11 with 96 hours of deals, and a wide range of high-tech and flexible delivery options to match the shopping surge.
