Iconic bakery with 100-year history SHUTS as owner ‘fed up of doing nothing’ while customers flock to rival Gail’s

, she added: "I'm selling up now. I’m not gonna be waking up at 6am just to stand here all morning doing nothing.

"Gail's has impacted everyone. It wasn't just December which was tough as we've also struggled in November and January.

"There should be something to stop them from coming in and pressurising local businesses."

Samantha added that the street in Walthamstow, north London, had always had a vibrant community feel - with small business owners helping each other out on a shared WhatsApp group.

However, she feared this would be lost as more and more chains flocked to the highstreet.

Samantha is not the only local to worry about gentrification in the area.

When Gail's announced plans for the new branch in Walthamstow Village last year, nearly 2,000 locals signed a petition tried to prevent the opening.

The change.org campaign received attention nationwide - and sparked a huge debate about the benefits of local versus chain businesses.

However, the company ploughed on with its plans, welcoming its first customers three months ago.

The branch has enjoyed a steady stream of business since then - and has even prompted envy from residents in neighbouring areas.

Grace Pickering said she wished a Gail's cafe would open in Leyton, east London, adding: "It might be selfish to admit it, but in Leyton it would be a symbol the area's changed for the better and help our house price go up."

It comes after a year of booming business for the chain, which already has 150 locations - and is set to open 40 more this year.

These new additions will increase the company's targeted sales to £300 million, CEO Tom Molnar said.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Tom credited the company's rapid high street expansion to cheap real estate.

He said: "There are lots of empty sites on the high street.

"You get really attractive deals. That's been really fundamental to us."

Walthamstow is not the only community to have opposed the arrival of Gail's.

In 2023, residents in Knutsford, Cheshire, where a Gail's branch was due to open, told the Sun that the chain was “too expensive” and could drive out independent traders.

A spokesperson for Gail's said: "At GAIL’s, we’re grateful for the support we’ve received and are mindful of the responsibility that comes with growth.

"As we expand, we remain focused on making a positive impact on the communities we serve and the changing landscape of the high street.

"We’ve always believed in revitalising spaces that were previously unused—whether it’s former bank buildings, restaurants, or other empty units.

"In Walthamstow, we moved into a vacant unit on Orford Road and are proud to be contributing to its ongoing evolution,
alongside an exciting variety of new food options.

"We’re committed to supporting the local community, too. In Walthamstow, we share leftover bakes with organisations like the Rukhsana Khan Foundation and Masjid Tawhid.

"We’ve also partnered with the local community centre to organise their AGM and run a Christmas lunch for 40 elderly residents, where our Support Team served meals and spent time with the guests.

"All our bakeries are in areas where choices are expanding, and we believe the improvement in these food landscapes is something to celebrate."