Sainsbury’s has bought one of the UK’s most high-profile independent retail outlets, Fisher’s of Gerrards Cross - but the move does not signal the end of the Fisher’s brand.

In a novel site-sharing arrangement, Sainsbury’s will operate a Local format store from the site, while Fisher’s will continue to operate from about one third of the store through a butchers and delicatessen.

Fisher’s was discreetly put up for sale some time ago, after sales at the indie were hit by a Tesco hypermarket opening in the Buckinghamshire town in November 2010. A Waitrose also opened in Gerrards Cross in May this year. “The agreement with Sainsbury’s will allow us to continue trading in the village, which is great news for us and our customers,” said owner Paul Fisher.

Sainsbury’s convenience director Simon Twigger added: “We will trade well alongside each other and will work together to provide a quality offer and service to local people.”

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