Carrefour shutters all outlets in Bahrain as HyperMax takes over

Majid Al Futtaim has terminated operations of Carrefour across Bahrain, with all its stores ceasing activity as of 14 September. HyperMax, the group’s new grocery retail brand, immediately replaced Carrefour with six stores operating under its banner.

Carrefour’s exit from Bahrain follows similar withdrawals from Oman in January and Jordan in November 2024. HyperMax is now operating across Bahrain, employing over 1,600 people and partnering with over 250 local farmers, producers, suppliers and small-and-medium enterprises.

Majid Al Futtaim holds exclusive franchise rights to run Carrefour in 12 markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The group originally introduced Carrefour in the region in 1995.

Carrefour Bahrain announced the end of its operations via a social media post, offering thanks to its customers for their trust and support over “the decades”. No detailed reason for the shutdown was provided. The following day, HyperMax launched its presence in Bahrain with its first stores and supporting e-commerce functionality under an omnichannel strategy.

Mohamad El Khatib, Head of Operations at Majid Al Futtaim Retail – HyperMax Bahrain, said that the new chain aims to expand fresh, locally sourced produce alongside international goods, reflecting a commitment to strengthening food security and ensuring better access and affordability. Retail analysts view the shift as aligning with growing consumer demand in the Gulf for goods sourced locally, cost pressures, and evolving supply chain strategies.