Philadelphia-area Amazon "zombie stores" show signs of life

Amazon is inching closer to opening several supermarkets in Philadelphia and the suburbs, per reports.

Why it matters: The so-called "zombie stores" have sat vacant for years.

Driving the news: The retail giant is opening a store in Northern Liberties, but has been coy about whether it'll be an Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market.

• A liquor license notice only identifies Amazon Retail LLC as the applicant, per the Inquirer.
• An Amazon Fresh store originally slated to open in 2022 appears closer to greeting customers in neighboring Bensalem after the company recently completed a round of hiring .

What they're saying: An Amazon spokesperson told Axios the company will "continue to open new Whole Foods Market stores, and will do so selectively with Amazon Fresh as we see results we like."

Zoom in: There are Amazon Fresh stores in Warrington, Bucks County, and Broomall, Delaware County.

• Amazon obtained a liquor license for another Bucks County location in Middletown Township but hasn't shared details about that store's opening.