An upmarket bakery chain has denied it is forcing independent businesses out of local high streets as it is set to open in Watford town centre.

Gail's has said it is “looking forward” to launching in the former Diva unit on the corner of High Street and Market Street later this year after the clothes shop shut its doors on August 2.

But the upmarket chain has faced criticism in recent weeks that its expansion, which will see 35 more sites added in 2024, is contributing to gentrification by threatening independent businesses such as the clothes retailer it will replace.

(Image: Watford Town Centre BID) In an interview with The Times, cofounder and CEO Tom Molnar said: “We build small sites so they are a part of a diverse high street, so whenever I build a Gail’s I think what it would be like if I was a resident here.

The former Diva clothes shop in High Street.The former Diva clothes shop in High Street. (Image: Roger Middleton) “I’d encourage people to look at what we’re trying to do, rather than taglines. There’s good independents and bad, and good chains and bad chains.”

Gail's is due to open in High Street later this year.Gail's is due to open in High Street later this year. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) It comes after over 1,700 people have signed a petition against plans to open a Gail's branch in Walthamstow, north east London, over fears of gentrification.

Diva, which sold low-cost womenswear, only moved into the former Moss Bros unit in February, but "closing down sale" signs appeared in the windows last month.