Amazon to Expand Brick-and-Mortar Presence Thanks to New Store Leases
LOS ANGELES, CA - Mere months after the industry was sent abuzz with rumors of a possible new Amazon-backed grocery chain, the e-tail behemoth is reminding the industry that it’s not just all talk and no game. The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon could be kicking off its new grocery chain as early as the end of 2019 thanks to the addition of more than a dozen Los Angeles-based store leases to its brick-and-mortar portfolio.
The news source cites people familiar with the matter, who claim that leases in Woodland Hills, Studio City, Irvine, and Orange County have all been acquired by Amazon for its new grocery chain. The company is also looking to add locations in New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia soon.
The Wall Street Journal’s sources also confirmed that Amazon has been granted permission to change the facades of its new leases and begin electrical work and installation of kitchen equipment—leading many to believe that Amazon’s new chain will offer prepared foods of some kind.
Amazon’s latest venture is another ploy to attract more consumers to its burgeoning platforms. One way Amazon is accomplishing this goal via the new grocery chain is by planting outposts outside urban cores in order to meet the needs of middle-income shoppers, according to The Wall Street Journal.
While Amazon has remained tight-lipped on any additional details regarding the new chain, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its nose to the grindstone and follow all leads as they pertain to the fresh produce industry.
