Overview

• A petition against Gail's opening in Walthamstow Village has gathered hundreds of signatures.
• Locals fear the bakery will overshadow independent businesses and alter the neighborhood's character.
• Critics also cite the right-leaning views of chairman Luke Johnson as a point of contention.
• Gail's has expanded rapidly since its founding in 2005, now with over 130 branches.
• The chain's high prices and rapid growth have sparked debates on gentrification and elitism.