The name Carrefour has vanished from several stores across Arab countries, as the brand faces growing boycott campaigns linked to Israel. The move is being celebrated by pro-Palestinian activists, who have long accused the French multinational of ties to Israeli settlements.
Majid Al Futtaim, which holds the Carrefour franchise in the Middle East, has closed supermarkets under the brand in Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Many of these outlets have since reopened under the new name HyperMax, with the company saying the rebranding reflects increasing demand for locally sourced goods and services.
Although Carrefour has denied operating in Israeli settlements or holding partisan ties, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has accused the group of profiting through partnerships with Israeli companies. The campaign has also claimed Carrefour supported Israeli soldiers with care packages during the Gaza conflict, charges the retailer rejects.
Customers in Bahrain and Kuwait said they noticed significant changes after the rebranding. Some activists described the decision as a “victory,” arguing it shows that consumer voices and boycotts can influence major corporations.
Retail experts note, however, that Carrefour’s retreat may also be linked to financial pressures. Majid Al Futtaim reported a decline in retail revenues over the past two years, citing geopolitical tensions and shifting consumer sentiment. Analysts believe the closures reflect both political and economic concerns.
Carrefour remains operational in key Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where demand remains strong. Still, the brand’s disappearance in other Gulf nations is being seen as symbolic of wider consumer-driven campaigns.
For many in the region, the Carrefour rebranding marks a shift in how multinational corporations respond to public sentiment during ongoing crises. Activists say the move underscores the growing impact of boycotts in the Arab world.
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