Members of the community have voiced their disquiet over rumours that the bakery chain is looking to open a site in the east London location, claiming that its arrival posed a threat to the area’s ‘uniqueness’.
The petition, lodged on change.org and entitled ‘Prevent Gails (sic) from Establishing a Store on Our High Street’ reads: “Walthamstow Village, a vibrant local neighbourhood in London, UK, is treasured for its collection of local, independent, and family-run businesses. Our high street, a spotlight for these coveted establishments, faces a threat to its uniqueness with the prospect of Gails (sic), a large-scale bakery chain, setting up shop on it.
“Gails (sic), although respected for their quality, bring a risk of overshadowing our much-loved local stores due to their massive scale and advertising reach. This could lead to decreased visibility and pedestrian traffic towards independently run businesses, threatening their very existence and dismantling the character and diversity crucial to Walthamstow’s charm.”
The petition also states that local businesses are better for the community, citing studies that it says have shown that local businesses recycle a higher share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the entire community.
“Preserving Walthamstow’s high street is not just about supporting local businesses; it’s about protecting the unique identity of our community,” it adds.
“It’s about choosing inclusive growth, preserving diversity and creating equitable and sustainable local economies.”
This is not the first time the bakery has faced a backlash for choosing to open in certain locations. Earlier this year it was attacked over its plans to open in Bristol’s upmarket Clifton Village with a comment piece published online with the headline ‘I hope that Gail’s fails’. The piece suggested that the arrival of the bakery group would put independent bakeries in the village out of business.
Gail’s was founded by Yael Mejia as a bakery in the 1990s. It began its rollout in 2005 with its first high-street store opening in Hampstead by co-founder and chief executive Tom Molnar, who joined in 2003 and remains at the company to this day.
It now operates more than 100 sites across UK and its bread is available through Waitrose and Ocado.
The group is backed by McWin, which is also an investor in Sticks 'n' Sushi and Big Mamma Group.
