RE/MAX of New England will open its first "micro real estate office" inside a Springfield Stop & Shop supermarket.

The RE/MAX office inside the Stop & Shop store at 1600 Boston Road in Springfield marks the first of several RE/MAX offices expected in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

"After much anticipation, we have signed our first Stop & Shop location," said Jay Hummer, RE/MAX of New England’s executive vice president and regional director. "With the success of this location, we can anticipate more franchises opening in other Stop & Shop stores in the next 12 months."

The office, owned by Broker/Owners Andy Armata and Stacey Alcorn, operates under the name RE/MAX Prestige. The office space measures 10’x25′ in size, for a total of 250 square feet. It provides brokers with both a fully-functioning work area and an intimate setting to meet with potential and current clientele, according to a statement.

"We are excited to bring the real estate expertise of trained, professional RE/MAX agents directly to Stop & Shop customers," said Armata, broker/owner of RE/MAX Prestige. "This unique opportunity will provide Stop & Shop customers with a one-stop shopping experience where they can meet face-to-face with outstanding RE/MAX agents at a time and place that is convenient during their busy lives."

RE/MAX of New England plans to open more than a dozen offices in Stop & Shop stores across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire as part of an exclusive five-year agreement formed in 2010.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled to take place on March 26, and will feature a visit from RE/MAX’s iconic balloon, "Big Max."