Gymboree Play and Music Franchise

Last Updated on July 27, 2012 by DeanR

Gymboree Play & Music Franchise

Gymboree Play and Music franchise is a business providing early child development classes for kids. It was founded in 1976 and started franchising in 1978.

The founder was Joan Barnes from San Francisco. She wanted to provide a safe place for children and new parents to exercise and play together. Their classes are designed for newborns up to four years old. They encourage the children to develop their skills while stimulating their senses through exercise, music, and art. They now have 222 locations in the United States, 11 in Canada, 464 in 30 other countries and eight locations that are company owned.

What classes do they have at Gymboree Play & Music?

First is their Gymboree Play and Learn Classes which has seven levels. They are grouped from zero to six months old, six months to 10 months old, 10 to 16 months old, 16 to 22 months old, 22 to 28 months old, 28 to 36 months old, and three to five years old which focuses on preparing their school skills. For their Music Classes, it has four levels. For Music I, it’s for six to 16 months old. Music II is for 16 to 28 months old. Music III is for 28 months to five years old. Family Music is for six months to five years old and this is designed for the whole family to enjoy song, dance, and different instruments. Their Art Classes has four levels. Art I is for 18 to 24 months old. Art II is for 24 to 36 months old. Art III is for three to five years old. Family Art is for 18 months to five years old and involves sculpting with giant blocks of clay, painting a mural, and designing a family tree. Their Sports Classes are divided into two. First is for kids aged three to five year olds together with the grown-ups.  Second is for kids only, also for three to five years old.

Costs and Requirements on running a Gymboree Play & Music franchise

You need to have a net worth of $250,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $70,000. Expect to be investing about $79,000 to $261,000. The Gymboree Play & Music franchise fee is $25,000 to $45,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 6%. This is for a renewable 10 year term agreement. You will need about three to four employees to run one location. They allow multi-unit ownership. They do not allow absentee ownership. They do not offer any financial assistance.

What is included in the franchise package?

You will have exclusivity in your territory with a minimum of about 100,000population. There will be 8 days training at the headquarters, regional training twice a year, annual meeting, and Business Training.  You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone line. You will have access to the internet and purchasing cooperatives. You will be given assistance in the grand opening. You may also expect occasional field evaluations to check on your progress. For marketing, there will be co-op advertising, ad slicks, regional advertising, and national media.

Gymboree Play & Music Contact Details:

You may reach them at:

Address: 500 Howard San Francisco, California 94105

Phone: (415)278-7925

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