Amazon Fresh allows shoppers to walk out with items and have the charge go straight to their Amazon accounts.

Amazon says it's putting a pause on the expansion of its Amazon Fresh stores as the company examines their economic value.

There is now an uncertain future for two nearly completed locations in East Setauket and Plainview.

Amazon Fresh allows shop to walk right out with items and have the charge go straight to their Amazon accounts.

The Plainview store was painted and was apparently just ready to open before Amazon's decision to halt the supermarkets.

There had previously been a Fairway Supermarket at the location and residents were hoping the new store would open soon.

"I think that's very sad for the community and for the shopping center," says Carol Singer. "We thought it was going to be here a couple of years ago and nothing's happened."

Jeff Metzger, publisher of Food Trade News, says the performance of Amazon Fresh supermarkets has been "mediocre at best."

He says selection and product quality is lacking and thinks the company could change its strategy.

"My prediction is the stores that are under construction, even 95% completed, will not open," Metzger says.

The state's first Amazon Fresh opened over the summer in Oceanside.

Residents who visited it have given it mixed reviews.

Amazon's CEO says the company is hoping to find the right balance this year and possibly continue with the expansion then.