Majid Al Futtaim’s Carrefour Egypt has become the first hypermarket in the region to launch simultaneous sign language interpretation.
The move is in collaboration with Merge, a company specialising in technological solutions for people with disabilities.
With the ‘Merge-Interpreter Sign Language’ platform, Carrefour Egypt seeks to aid customers with hearing disabilities in its five stores across the country.
Customers can scan QR codes to access video calls with Merge-certified interpreters for inquiries regarding prices and promotions.
Country manager of Majid Al Futtaim retail in Egypt, Philippe Peguilhan, said: “Carrefour is highly committed to providing equal opportunities for its customers through every experience.
“By partnering with Merge, we can continue to deliver convenient, seamless shopping experiences that ensure an inclusive environment for all. The partnership is also a testament to Carrefour’s unwavering contribution towards the communities in which it operates, constantly identifying new and innovative ways to enhance its offerings and drive positive change within the society.”
Carrefour Egypt takes its cues from Carrefour in France, where employees are trained in French sign language.
Founder and CEO of Merge Technology, Ramy Qaddoumi, said: “We are pleased to launch simultaneous sign language interpretation through the ‘Merge- Interpreter Sign Language’ platform in five Carrefour stores across Egypt for all shoppers with hearing impairments.
“Launching of this service is an integral part of our strategy, which aims to support the needs of those with hearing impairments in the community and will be instrumental in achieving our goal of supporting those with special needs in every area of life.”
First opened in Egypt in 2002, Carrefour operates 59 stores in the country, including 14 hypermarkets and 45 supermarkets. It employs more than 7,000 Egyptian workers.
In the immediate future, Carrefour plans to accelerate its growth by focusing on e-commerce. In addition, the company intends to ramp up its online sales through its digital platform and expand its dark store warehouses.
