Hannaford Supermarkets has agreed to buy the independent Winthrop grocer Mister Market, owner Daren Hachey confirmed Wednesday.

Hannaford plans to raze the store and construct a 36,000-square-foot supermarket behind the site of the current building. In an interview, Hachey declined to disclose the value of the deal.

“It’s a situation where Hannaford and myself believe that the town could be serviced by a larger store with more offerings for the customers,” Hachey said, noting Hannaford’s plans to include a pharmacy and additional organic offerings at the new store.

Current Mister Market employees can interview for positions in the Hannaford store, but are not guaranteed employment. Hachey said he was confident that Hannaford would hire the majority of his 80 staff members.

Hachey called the decision to sell “difficult.”

“Certainly the employees are the ones who have made my decision most difficult,” Hachey said.

Hachey will continue to own and operate the store for the next 18 to 24 months, as Hannaford secures the proper construction permits and builds the new store.