Carrefour Ends Israeli Discount Basket Program Amid Criticism

French retail giant Carrefour will not extend its "Israeli Basket" discount program, which offered reduced prices on 100 items for the past six months. The initiative, launched by Economy Minister Nir Barkat, is set to expire in two weeks, after which prices are expected to increase by approximately 30%. Carrefour was the sole participant in the government tender, receiving around 50 million shekels from the Economy Ministry for advertising. However, the program was not implemented in all Carrefour branches, and purchase limits were imposed on discounted items. Competitors largely ignored the initiative, and Carrefour itself reportedly raised prices in stores not participating in the "basket." The decision not to renew the program was reportedly made by Carrefour's new CEO, Inbal Herson, despite the potential for an additional 25 million shekels in state advertising funds. Minister Barkat's office stated that the minister decided not to obligate the next government to continue the project, leaving them with the data to decide on its future. This framing suggests Barkat is presenting the program's termination as his own strategic decision ahead of a government transition.