In a recent letter to shareholders, Andy Jassy CEO of Amazon.com, confirmed the Company commitment to grocery, noting a substantial involvement in products that are thermo-tolerant, including boxed and canned foods, pet care, paper products and personal health and care items.  Amazon is, however, second-ranked on the Progressive Grocer 100 List after Walmart.

Amazon recognizes the need for brick-and-mortar stores as consumers return to in-store shopping and pickup in favor of more expensive delivery. In recent years, Amazon has flip-flopped over store formats with Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go receiving variable support and investment.

At issue is the Amazon strategy and the banners that will be used to expand sales of grocery items.  Observers consider that Whole Foods Market will serve as a prestige, high-value chain appealing to affluent urban consumers.  Amazon, according to Jassy, is “experimenting with selection, check-out formats, assortment, price points, with several that are promising”.