Natick-based RE/MAX of New England and The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. of Quincy have partnered to develop "micro real estate offices" in local supermarkets.

This is the first time a major real estate brand has teamed up with a large consumer retailer to house real estate offices in their retail spaces, according to a joint company statement.

"We are thrilled to partner with Stop & Shop, the leader in the supermarket segment," said Jay Hummer, executive vice president of RE/MAX of New England. "Consumers are looking for a one-stop shopping experience. We believe this addresses this need and provides them with expert, full-time, proven real estate professionals."

The real estate company plans to open 17 offices in Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, according to a statement.

"The true upside of these RE/MAX franchises is that a broker will have a smaller and more economical office, at a lower initial investment, and the consumer will have the one-stop shopping experience they are looking for," said Hummer. "Even more exciting for the small business owner is that these turnkey operations are offered at a lower cost, are in high traffic areas of the store and provide a face to face opportunity with the consumer."