Sainsbury's deal saves family business from closure (From Bucks Free Press)

Sainsbury's deal saves family business from closure

1:11pm Friday 10th August 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

A FAMILY-run supermarket in Gerrards Cross said a deal struck with Sainsbury’s has saved it from closure.

Fisher’s has been trading in Packhorse Road since 1970 and has negotiated a deal for Sainsbury’s to take over two-thirds of its floorspace (see related link below).

Owner Paul Fisher told the Bucks Free Press: “We decided to look for someone to help us out. It was a difficult decision for us but it’s one we had to make to continue trading in Gerrards Cross.

“Without the deal we would have been forced to close which would have meant everyone losing their jobs."

Asked whether the arrival of Tesco in the village had taken away trade, Mr Fisher said: “I think it’s a number of reasons but yeah... I think Waitrose has got a part to play as well.

“I think there’s still a place for independent supermarkets but Gerrards Cross is very competitive and we’ve found it difficult over the last 18 months to continue trading in the same style.”

“This is the best possible outcome. It will be obvious that we are a butcher’s shop after the change and we’ll have separate front doors and a wall between us.

“It’s the best situation in terms of the customers because we’ll still have a butchers and the deli which is what we are known for. Since the announcement all our customers have been saying it’s the best situation.

“It could be the first time Sainsbury’s has gone into partnership almost with an independent trader.”

The family business was originally founded in London 100 years ago.

Click here to read the previous story on the deal.

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