A SHOP owner has revealed why he decided to hand over his store in Fetcham to Sainsbury's.
The Budgens shop in Cobham Road is set to reopen as a Sainsbury's Local store later this year, ending owner Danny O'Sullivan's seven-year tenure of the store.
Mr O'Sullivan told the Advertiser he had several offers from supermarkets to buy the site, but chose Sainsbury's due to "their track record of community involvement and treatment of staff".
He said: "Over the years we have done lots of community work and raised tens of thousands for charity and good causes and I was reassured that Sainsbury's shared those values.
"I believe the Sainsbury's brand is fantastic news for both staff and customers and will enhance the shopping experience available in the village.
"The most important reason was how they behave towards their staff as I have a fantastic team and they will get better personal development and job security under Sainsbury's."
Sainsbury's is currently consulting existing Budgens staff about jobs at the store, which is set to close later this year for refurbishments before opening again sometime before Christmas.
The new convenience shop will be the second Sainsbury's to open in the area following the opening of another Local in Cobham on September 27.
Mr O'Sullivan added: "I have had an incredible seven years running the store but feel that now is the right time for me to move on.
"I've been working in shops since I was 13 and, as a small independent retailer, there comes a time in life where you want to do something different.
"It has been a fantastic experience and I have built fabulous relationships where I know customers by name so it's a hard goodbye, but I want to thank them all."
Mark Rush, Sainsbury's regional acquisitions manager, said: "This is a great opportunity for Sainsbury's and we were delighted when Danny approached us with the chance to lease the shop.
"We will continue to work closely with Danny and his team over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for any Budgens staff.
"They have provided such fantastic customer service over the years and we are confident that with their knowledge, expertise and focus on getting it right for the customer we can continue to offer great customer service."
