Gymboree Play & Music

About Gymboree Play & Music

Gymboree Play & Music is the pioneer and global leader in early childhood development programmes for the under fives, and currently operates in 700 locations in over 40 countries around the world.
Started in 1976 by a San Francisco based mother looking for fun and educational activities for parents and children to do together, the Gymboree network offers classes that utilise a combination of music, movement and unique apparatus to immerse children and their carers in a world of play and imagination. Led by enthusiastic and dynamic Gymboree Play & Music Facilitators, sessions encourage exploration, discovery and creative thinking along with plenty of fun.

Offering Art, Music and Play classes for newborn to primary school ready children, the Gymboree programme has been designed by child development experts to support physical, emotional and cognitive growth at a time when a child’s brain is most active. Offering developmentally appropriate play-based activities at each step of their journey, Gymboree’s goal is to encourage every child’s inherent potential, preparing them for school and life.

Along with the more traditional Gymboree Play & Music classes, the Gymboree chain now also offer hassle-free children’s parties with a range of fun themes, family classes for mixed ages and abilities, baby massage classes and Makaton signing.

How does a Gymboree franchise work?

A Gymboree franchise provides the new business owner with the right to operate the full range of Gymboree classes within their given territory, including Baby Play, Play & Learn, Art, Music and parties. Classes can take place across any venues within that local area to maximise the reach of the business, and the Gymboree franchise agreement also includes the right to provide Gymboree activities to local schools and nurseries.

Along with operating under the Gymboree name, the new franchise owner receives the detailed lesson plans, props, music and equipment required to successfully run the classes.

How much does a Gymboree franchise cost?

Gymboree Play & Music franchise prices vary depending on the type of classes to be covered. A full Gymboree franchise cost is £23,500 + VAT, including play equipment costing £12,500 + VAT, while the ‘Lite’ option without the play equipment is £11,000 + VAT. The Gymboree franchise fee of £7000 + VAT is included in both options, as well as £4000 + VAT for props and art supplies.

As well as the initial costs, Gymboree franchise owners pay a six per cent turnover royalty (minimum of £395 per month) to cover the ongoing cost of brand licensing, though this is discounted by 50 per cent for the first four months of business. A marketing fee of one per cent of turnover (minimum £50) is also required.

What do you get for your Gymboree franchise fee?

A Gymboree franchise includes an exclusive and protected territory within which the franchise owner can operate as many classes as they wish. Access is provided to branded Gymboree Play & Music props and equipment, along with the music and supplies needed to run each of the five classes.

Full lesson plans devised by child development experts are also included, along with marketing and training collateral, access to a CRM software package and a personalised page on the Gymboree website.

What training is provided for Gymboree franchisees?

New franchise owners take part in a nine day Initial Franchise Training programme at Gymboree Play & Music’s UK Head Office in Surbiton. This intensive training covers all aspects of running your Gymboree franchise, including teaching the classes along with business processes including advertising, marketing, recruiting and customer services. Ongoing training is also available as needed, and franchisees have access to detailed training movies, training manuals and teaching manuals.

What marketing support is provided for Gymboree Play & Music franchisees?

Along with benefiting from the national Gymboree website and other UK-wide PR and marketing initiatives, Gymboree franchise owners are given access to an online design and print system, which is an easy way to create branded Gymboree leaflets, posters and business cards personalised for each franchise territory. The Gymboree team are very knowledgeable when it comes to maximising marketing budgets and are happy to offer advice on local marketing and advertising campaigns.

Did you know?

Gymboree Play & Music has outlets available across the UK

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Do Gymboree franchise owners receive support with launching their new business?

Yes – the Gymboree team believe in building strong foundations, so provide a lot of support in the early days of the new franchise. They are happy to assist with finding suitable venues within your territory, and advise on pre-opening advertising and PR to get you up and running. On your first day of classes, a member of the Gymboree Play and Music team will come to your site to offer advice, support and assistance.

Does a Gymboree franchise need its own venue?

No. The Gymboree Play & Music franchise agreement gives the franchisee the right to operate across an unlimited number of venues within their territory. These may be permanent leased or owned buildings, semi-permanent licensed venues or temporary locations which are hired by the day. Franchisees can also operate using a combination of all three – the choice is theirs.

Do Gymboree franchisee owners need childcare qualifications?

No - parents remain with their children during all Gymboree classes, so they don’t provide childcare. While some franchisees have a background in education or children’s entertainment, others have a more business oriented background or are currently stay-at-home mums.

What qualities are needed to be a successful Gymboree Play & Music franchise owner?

Gymboree are looking for passionate franchisees who are planning to play a key role in the franchise’s daily operations as a hands-on leader. Gymboree Play & Music franchise owners should have an excellent rapport with both adults and children, along with an outgoing, fun and lively personality, excellent social skills and diplomacy.

Along with these interpersonal skills, Gymboree franchisees should be hard working and committed, with excellent organisational and administrative skills in order to handle the daily running of the business. Some basic computer knowledge is also needed.

While most current Gymboree franchise owners are women, applications from men are increasing and are always welcome.

Will I meet other Gymboree franchisees?

Yes, Gymboree Play & Music franchise owners meet up each year at the annual conference to learn more about new business strategies and share their experiences. Gymboree also operates a Franchise Communications Forum for connecting with other franchisees.

Is running a Gymboree franchise a full time job?

No, the Gymboree franchise business model is scalable from a part time, three days a week role up to a full seven days a week. The number of classes you offer can also vary throughout the year.

Why choose a Gymboree franchise?

Running a Gymboree franchise can be a very rewarding business opportunity, positively impacting the lives of local children and their families by supporting and encouraging their growth and development and improving the parent/child bond. The flexibility offered in terms of working hours is also great for individuals hoping to fit a new business around their family and home life.

A Gymboree Play & Music franchise is a proven business model that is currently run successfully throughout the UK, and while other children’s classes have suffered during recent economic declines, Gymboree franchises have continued to grow.

How can I apply for a Gymboree franchise?

After receiving a Gymboree Play & Music Franchise Pack which provides further details on the franchise opportunity, interested parties are invited to attend a Discovery Day. After signing a non-disclosure agreement, Gymboree provide business planning templates to assist the applicant with producing a business plan. Once that’s been reviewed, a territory can be chosen and the franchise fee is paid.

If you would like to receive more information on starting a Gymboree franchise, please fill in the form to the right.