Amazon Fresh grocery stores slated for Plymouth, Dearborn

An Amazon Fresh grocery store appears to be slated for a long-standing retail development at the corner of Ann Arbor and Haggerty roads in Plymouth Township, according to a township official.

Earlier this month, Hometown Life first reported that plans were underway for the Plymouth Township Amazon Fresh grocery store. Another store is slated for Dearborn in a former Kroger space on Michigan Avenue near Outer Drive, according to a Monday report by Crain's Detroit Business. The Kroger store space, on the north side of Michigan Avenue, closed in May 2019. A Kroger remains on the south side of Outer Drive.

These two locations join others slated for Michigan, according to Crain’s, including Grand Blanc, Livonia, Rochester Hills, Roseville, Shelby Township and St. Clair Shores.

“People are excited about the future of economic development in Dearborn, and we welcome business to our city that energizes our economy while providing lasting value to our residents," said Bilal Baydoun, director of communications for the City of Dearborn. However, the Dearborn communications department said it could not comment on the specifics of the development at that former Kroger location.

Kurt Heise, Plymouth Township supervisor, confirmed that an Amazon Fresh store is under construction in a retail area near the recently opened $90-million Henry Ford Hospital facility on Ann Arbor Road near Haggerty. Heise, along with the township planner and the township engineer, approved the plans.

"We are hoping that Amazon Fresh is going to tap into this professional and affluent clientele that are going to be working and living in the Ann Arbor Road and Haggerty corridor," Heise said.

The overall retail development, which stems from 2004-05, has an LA Fitness as its anchor. Amazon Fresh is a new build, he said, and construction began in the fall.

"The walls are up, the roof is up and they are starting to finish the front facade area," Heise said.  "They are already working on the inside and I am thinking the building will be complete sometime next spring."

As for an opening date, Heise said his understanding is that Amazon will likely open all their metro Detroit stores at once.

"It's very exciting for folks; it may not be for everybody," he said. "I think this is just another choice for consumers who want the convenience of Amazon Fresh. It will fill a very good niche within our community."

Proposed plans submitted, Heise said, came from “Mendel Grocery." That is the code name that Amazon is known to use for its grocery stores.

Also, on nearby Haggerty Road in Plymouth is an Amazon distribution center.

"Amazon works very fast and very efficiently," Heise said. "When they commit, they are all in and get it done quickly."

Amazon, according to its website,  lists more than 40 Amazon Fresh stores in cities across the U.S.

In an email to the Free Press, an Amazon spokesperson wrote that "we do not comment on our future roadmap" and did not have any more details to share.

Here are 10 things to know about Amazon Fresh grocery stores.

What is Amazon Fresh?

You can think of it as an extension of Amazon's online grocery store, only this is a physical store that's extremely high-tech. It's nearly the opposite of your traditional type of grocery store (though a lot has changed with those models, too) where you walk in, grab what you need, get in line and check out. Its main concept is to be able to walk in and walk out with the items you just picked up.

What do stores typically stock?

Stores have a wide assortment of goods including national brands. They also offer a deli, produce, meats and seafood. Stores also have prepared foods that, according to Amazon, are made in-store daily.

How does it work?

Amazon Fresh stores offer several ways to shop and buy groceries and other items.  You will need the Amazon app to shop. But the whole idea is for the shopping experience to be "seamless."

• Use a cart: Shop using carts provided and check out with a traditional cashier, using your own bags or bags provided.

• Use an in-store Amazon Dash Cart: Grabbing a Dash Cart and a QR code on the Amazon app will allow you to sign in and use the cart. The cart has sensors that track items you put into it and take out. The cart has a built-in scale and screen where you can review what's in your cart. Once you’ve finished shopping, exit through the store's Amazon Dash Cart Lane and the card linked to your Amazon account is charged and receipts are emailed.

• Just Walk Out technology: This is the main thrust of Amazon Fresh stores for seamless shopping. Shoppers enter the store by scanning a QR code on the Amazon App using your phone. You can also connect your Amazon account or credit card which also allows you to start shopping and skip the checkout line.

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Can I pay cash?

Yes. In most states, you will also be able to use Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program benefits without a Prime membership.

Do they have specials or sales?

Yes. Online, you can click on each store's individual weekly ad for specials and sale items.

Are these stores only for Amazon Prime members?

No. Anyone can shop at these stores. Stores, according to Amazon, do have staffed checkouts. If you want to use their Just Walk Out shopping or the store's Dash Cart you will need an Amazon account with a credit or debit card.

How else do these stores make it easier to shop?

With the Order Ahead option, you can place orders for deli, meat, pizza and seafood to be ready when you arrive or shop while it's being prepared. While shopping you can ask Alexa to help you find items in the store.

Does it cost more to shop at Amazon Fresh?

Amazon says it offers low prices across a "wide assortment" of national brands and high-quality produce, meat and seafood. It also has an "in-store" mode on the app that has extra savings for Amazon Prime members, free offers, digital coupons and weekly savings. You can also earn 5% back with a Prime-eligible membership.

What else can I do at these stores?

You can order through Amazon Fresh online and pick up at the store. You can pick up and return packages at participating stores.

How many Amazon Fresh stores are operating?

The first brick-and-mortar store opened in the Woodland Hills suburb of Los Angeles in 2020. There are now more than 40 stores in several cities and states across the U.S.

Source: Amazon.com

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Amazon Fresh grocery stores slated for Plymouth, Dearborn