Tesco accelerates expansion with purchase of five Amazon Fresh stores
The purchase follows Amazon’s continued retreat from its UK physical grocery experiment.
Tesco is set to accelerate its bricks‑and‑mortar expansion in 2026 after acquiring five former Amazon Fresh locations in London.
The sites, in Kensington High Street, Hounslow, Moorgate, Aldgate East and Wembley, will be converted into Tesco Express stores and are expected to reopen before the summer. The purchase follows Amazon’s continued retreat from its UK physical grocery experiment, offering Tesco an opportunity to deepen its foothold in densely populated urban areas.
The retailer opened 60 Express stores in 2025 and says it remains on track to deliver more than 70 new sites by March 2027. The newly acquired London stores are set to form a significant part of that growth, giving Tesco immediate access to high‑footfall neighbourhoods without the delays associated with new-build planning.
Alongside convenience expansion, the supermarket is increasing its large‑format estate. The Harrogate superstore, built with low‑carbon materials and on‑site renewable energy, has created around 120 jobs and is being positioned as a model for future developments.
Nick Johnson, Tesco’s Group Property Director, said the retailer is “hugely excited about the year ahead” as it seeks to serve more customers “with great quality and exceptional value.”
