In 1976, Joan Barnes, a mother from Marin County, CA, started Gymboree Play & Music after realizing she was unable to find a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together.  Since then, Gymboree has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5. Today, there are over 600  locations in 30 countries making Gymboree the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, Gymboree’s age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play.  Gymboree’s play environments are designed to deliver the high-quality standards that parents expect for their children.

As the creator and leader in interactive children's play, music, art and development programs, Gymboree has built a business system with an unequalled reputation. The unique Gymboree approach has created a loyal customer base that continues to grow worldwide. Franchisees have the advantage of being part of a rapidly growing Gymboree brand, which is quickly expanding in U.S. markets and worldwide.  With key markets still available in the U.S. and internationally, ambitious individuals are encouraged to take part in Gymboree’s ongoing growth and take advantage of this exceptional franchise opportunity.

Investment Required

The fee for a Gymboree franchise is $45,000 for a Play & Music Center and $25,000 for a Metro Play Center.

Gymboree provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

On-going Expenses

Gymboree franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 6% of gross receipts, required local marketing expenditures equal to a minimum of $4,000 per year and a brand fund fee equal to up to 5% of gross receipts.  Other fees payable by the franchisee include regional advertising and promotional cooperative contributions and software license and IT support fees.

What You Get—Training and Support

Potential Gymboree Play & Music franchisees visit the home office in San Francisco, CA, for a discovery day. This all-day visit includes discussion with key department representatives, the opportunity to review territory, market development plans, a training program and discussion of all other aspects of the franchise relationship. Mandatory initial franchise training is undertaken at Gymboree’s San Francisco offices and is an 8-day program covering all aspects of operating a Gymboree franchise. Gymboree also offers optional regional training, Business Trainings, and an Annual Meeting. A staff of experienced, enthusiastic professionals supports franchisees in programming, operations, marketing, resale product, teacher training, personnel and more on a national, regional and local basis.

Franchisees are backed by a diverse and extensive support network that provides expertise in all aspects of the business. Gymboree also provides comprehensive on-going training incorporating the latest in child development theory and business systems, professionally developed marketing and advertising materials, continual research and development conducted in both corporate-owned and franchise locations, and a competitive advantage with synergy opportunities in more than 1,000 corporately-owned Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Gymboree Outlet and Crazy 8 children’s retail stores.

Territory

Gymboree grants exclusive territories.