Right time to pause and reflect as all Amazon Fresh grocery stores close doors in the UK

In September, we reported that Amazon was binning its ambitious Just Walk Out technology powered Amazon Fresh experiment in the UK, just four years after the US online giant launched its first grocery store in London.

As all stores closed their doors for the final time, Casey Walker, Store Manager and In-Store Trainer at Amazon, took to social media to discuss an eventful journey.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: "End of an era. With the closure of Amazon Fresh stores, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect. What I will value most from this chapter are the people. I was fortunate to work alongside, collaborate with, and be mentored by individuals who consistently chose to see the person behind the role."

"In an environment where it’s easy to become a number, a headcount, or a name on a spreadsheet, you made the effort to recognise people as individuals - with potential, ambition, and something meaningful to contribute."

She added: "That mindset created opportunities I never thought I’d have: stepping into projects, responsibilities, and roles I didn’t believe were possible or even available to me at the time. Having leaders and peers who genuinely invested in people made all the difference."

"Together, we navigated uncertainty, change, and challenge, while building something new and learning along the way. The skills, confidence, and perspective gained from this experience will stay with me far beyond this role.”

“While this chapter closes, the impact of the people I worked with does not. Thank you to everyone who treated others with respect, belief, and humanity - it truly mattered, and it won’t be forgotten."

University campus stores

A new Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered store has gone live at Loyola University New Orleans in the US.

In a LinkedIn post, Madison DeFranco, Senior Technical Business Development, Just Walk Out Technology at Amazon Web Services, said: “2025 was a milestone year for AWS Just Walk Out technology, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished in higher education.”

She added: “Just a little over three years ago, we launched our first collegiate store at Texas A&M University. Today, we're opening our 71st store at Loyola University New Orleans. This year alone, we added 19 new stores across 12 campuses, bringing our total to 49 campuses nationwide where students, staff, and fans experience frictionless shopping powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology.”

“None of this would be possible without our amazing customers, partners, and colleagues who've worked tirelessly to make this growth a reality. Their dedication has truly transformed the campus retail experience. Looking ahead to 2026, I'm excited about the momentum we're building. Buckle up - it's going to be a great year!”