Amazon Grocery opens first store in Chicago
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Amazon has opened a new store below the Whole Foods in the One Chicago building at Chicago and State, hoping to attract customers looking for items the more upscale market doesn't offer.
Why it matters: Rather than go to a different supermarket or convenience store for national brands like Coca-Cola or Little Debbie snack cakes, Amazon is appealing to customers who want to be able to get everything they need in one building, albeit at different stores.
Between the lines: Amazon is testing the concept in the wake of 7-11's parent company announcing this month that it's closing more than 400 of its convenience stores across North America.
State of play: The 3,800-square-foot Amazon Grocery mirrors the set-up and products of other quick stop markets, with a fountain drink station, slushy machine, and rows of candy and potato chips next to essentials like milk, bread and eggs.
Zoom in: Prices are similar to a grocery store but probably a little cheaper than a Whole Foods.
- A bag of Sargento cheese was $3.99, Skippy peanut butter was $3.29, and a loaf of bread was about $4, depending on the brand.
- An 8-ounce cup of soft serve ice cream is $4.99.
What they're saying: "With this new concept, customers can shop their favorite natural and organic products at Whole Foods Market and get a broader product assortment from Amazon all in one trip, saving them time and money," Amazon spokesperson Jessica Martin told Axios.