History
Gymboree is a children's clothing retailer that was founded in 1976 in San Francisco. The company originally offered play and music classes for children, but later expanded into clothing retail. It grew rapidly in the 1990s and early 2000s, operating over 1,200 stores across several brands. However, the company struggled financially due to changing consumer preferences and increased competition, and filed for bankruptcy in 2017. It was later purchased by The Children's Place, which continues to operate the brand through its website and select retail stores.
Timeline
1976
1976
1984
1989
1993
2000
2007
2010
2018
2019
Today
Expansion Began
Expansion began in earnest in 1979 when the first franchises were awarded.
Founded
The Gymboree Corporation is founded in San Francisco, California by Joan Barnes, a mother who was looking for a safe and fun place for her children to play and learn.
Into Global Market
By 1984, 125 Gymboree franchises were operating in 20 states and were bringing in more than $1 million in revenue annually, and Gymboree ventured into the global market, overseeing the start up of foreign franchises.
32 Retail Stores
By 1989 there were 32 retail stores operating, but they were not performing up to investor expectations, and the company brought in outside help.
The Stock Made its Debut
The stock made its debut on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. By 1993 the number of retail stores had grown from 32 to 170.
Sales Began to Falter
Gymboree earned a profit in the first quarter of 2002 after struggling with two
years of losses. Harper continued to make improvements in operations and was named CEO.
Crazy 8 lauched
Crazy 8 was started in August 2007. It featured lower-priced clothing and was Gymboree's direct competitor for The Children's Place and Old Navy.
Bain Capital Acquired Gymboree
Bain Capital acquired the company for US$1.8 billion.
Closed Crazy 8 Brand
Gymboree filed for bankruptcy and announced the closure of Crazy 8 brand.
Bankruptcy Again
Gymboree filed for bankruptcy again and closed all Gymboree, Gymboree Outlet, and Crazy 8 stores, and sold Janie & Jack stores to Gap, Inc.
Rebranding
Gymboree reinvents itself according to its new brand mission to further advance a sustainable future.
Redesign Process
This is your About section. Every website has a story and users want to hear yours. This is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to edit the content and add all the information you want to share. You may like to talk about how you got started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. You can also add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement.
Three Key Phrases
In this section, the three initial keywords of the brand evolve into "key phrases" that guide the visual development of the brand, thus creating a consistent visual identity for the brand. By identifying key phrases that capture the essence of the brand and using them as a guide for design decisions, it effectively communicates its values and personality to the target audience.
Nurturing
Playful
Educational
Protecting children, nurturing futures.
Playful minds, limitless possibilities.
Grow with knowledge, thrive with wisdom.
Logo Development
Round 1 Rough Sketches
The concept of this camp is "Protecting Children, Nurturing the Future", conveying the importance of the brand's aim to create a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. The Logos were designed for the most part to convey this message through the use of related elements such as sprouting seedlings, caring hands, and rainbows.
The use of sprouting seedlings and leaves represents growth and new beginnings, symbolizing the potential for children to grow and develop into strong, healthy adults. The caring hands represent protection and support, emphasizing the need for adults to create a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow. The rainbow, a universal symbol of hope and optimism, is used in the Logo to represent the brand's priority for the safety and well-being of children. It also conveys an inclusiveness that reminds us that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve to be protected and nurtured.
Round 2 Rough Sketches
This round of sketches combined the two comps of Nurture's "Protect Children, Nurture the Future" and Playful's "Playful Minds, Limitless Possibilities" and then came up with a new phrase, "Nurturing Children to Grow in Joy," indicating the brand's commitment to communicating care and support and creating an environment where children feel happy to grow. Combining the two comps of Nurture's "Protecting Children, Nurturing the Future" and Playful's "Playful Minds, Limitless Possibilities" then came up with a new phrase, "Nurturing Children to Grow in Joy," demonstrating the brand's commitment to communicating care and support and creating an environment where children feel happy to grow.
Round 3 Digital Comps
Comps 1
The Logos are a combination of the letter "G" and a smiley face. The design uses an arc to represent the smiley mouth, wrapping around the brand's "G" and decorating with other graphics to make the Logo more playful and cute. The concept of this comp represents the brand's focus on the joy of children growing up.
Comps 2
The Logos are a combination of the letter "G" and a smiley face. The design uses the shape of a half-circle to represent the mouth of a smiley face, cutting the circle at different angles and combining these shapes. The concept of this comps represents the brand's concern for children's growth and hope that children's childhood is full of laughter.
Comps 3
The Logos combine the letter "G" with a cradle and a smiley face. The design uses a number of half-circle shapes to represent the smiley face's mouth as well as the cradle graphic, and circles to represent the face and eyes. The concept of this comps represents the brand's aggressiveness in nurturing the happy growth of children.
Round 3 Further Refined
In this step, three Logos were selected in Round 3's comps 1, and then further refined and explored, adjusting the details of the graphics, adjusting the spacing between graphics and elements and the size of the graphic elements, and trying different Logotype effects to come up with a satisfactory final choice.
Round 5 Further Refined
Final Logo
The new Logo is a combination of the letter "G" and a smiley face. The design uses an arc to represent the smiley face's mouth, wrapping around the brand's "G" and rotating at an angle to make the Logo more playful and cute, a design concept that represents the brand's commitment to making children grow up with joy.
New Ventures
Nurturing
Playful
Educational
Services
Gymboree Childcare
Providing safe and nurturing childcare with love for every child.
Name
Gymboree Childcare
Description
Gymboree Childcare Services provides a safe and nurturing environment for children when a parent or guardian is not available. A variety of care options are available, including daycare centers, after-school programs and summer camps, each tailored to meet the needs of families with different care plans.
Mission Focus
Childcare services reinforce our mission of providing a nurturing experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering a service to support working parents by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children that promotes the development and socialization of each child.
Differentiators
Gymboree childcare services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, offering a variety of care options including daycare centers, after-school programs and summer camps.
Similarities
KinderCare
Gymboree Photography
Freeze a moment in time with Gymboree photography services.
Name
Gymboree Captured Moments
Description
Gymboree Captured Moments offers professional photography services that capture precious images of children and families. From newborns to family portraits, experienced photographers help you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. The program uses high-quality equipment and techniques to ensure that each photo is stunning and timeless.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Captured Moments reinforce our mission of providing a nurturing and playful experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering a service that captures the special moments of joy for children and families.
Differentiators
Gymboree Captured Moments is different from other photography services in that the program focuses on capturing natural and candid moments that truly reflect the personality and emotions of the subject. The program also offers a range of packages and customization options to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family.
Similarities
Lifetouch, Shutterfly
Connections
Gymboree Captured Moments can be linked to all of the
brand's other programs, where every precious moment is
worth documenting.
Gymboree Celebration
Celebrate your child's milestones and special moments with Gymboree Celebration.
Name
Gymboree Celebration
Description
Gymboree Celebrations is a program designed to provide families with a memorable and fun experience for their child's special occasion. From baby blessing ceremonies to gender reveal parties, from children's birthday parties, the program offers a variety of customizable packages to meet your needs. The program's experienced event planning team will work with you to create a unique and personalized celebration that your children and guests will never forget. With Gymboree Celebrations, you can sit back and enjoy the party while the program takes care of all the details.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Celebration reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing and playful experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering events that bring laughter to children and families, celebrate their milestones, and help them create happy memories that last a lifetime.
Differentiators
Gymboree Celebrations is different from other event planning services because the program specializes in children's celebrations. The program understands the unique needs of families and children and has designed the program's packages to meet them. Project's events feature fun, interactive activities that are age and participation appropriate for children, and Project's team of professional event planners will work closely with clients to ensure that every detail is taken care of.
Similarities
Party City
Environments
Gymboree Creative Lab
A world of wonder for curious children.
Name
Gymboree Creative Lab
Description
Gymboree Creative Lab focuses on children's play and education through a variety of tools, machines and materials that allow children to learn and explore. It is divided into different areas, each dedicated to a different creative or learning area, where children can immerse themselves in an educational and entertaining environment that inspires and nurtures their natural curiosity.
Mission Focus
The Gymboree Creative Lab area reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering a creative approach to develop children's thinking skills and hands-on abilities so that children learn with joy.
Differentiators
The Gymboree Creative Lab stands out from traditional play spaces by providing a unique STEAM-focused environment that combines science, technology, engineering, art and play. Our state-of-the-art equipment and environment provide an immersive educational experience that engages children's minds and encourages them to socialize.
Similarities
Maker Faire, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Gymboree Sports Center
Children come here to play and grow their love of sports.
Name
Gymboree Sports Center
Description
Gymboree Sports Center is a vibrant sports center designed to allow children to explore and develop their motor skills. The sports center features a variety of sports activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics and more. Our experienced team of coaches creates a safe and supportive environment for the children.
Mission Focus
The Gymboree Sports Center reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an approach to develop children’s physical activity and teamwork.
Differentiators
Gymboree Sports Center stands out from traditional sports facilities with sports fields and facilities designed specifically for the safety of children's sports and dedicated to creating a safe environment. Our experienced coaches are professionally trained to do their best to protect children from injury during sports, as well as to provide individualized attention to each child.
Similarities
QuiverVision's AR Books
Gymboree
Children's Theatre
To stimulate creativity and imagination through the charm of live performance.
Name
Gymboree Children's Theatre
Description
Gymboree Children's Theatre provides a platform for children to explore their creativity and imagination through live performances such as dance, musicals and magic shows. The theater's theatrical experiences are designed to engage and inspire children of all ages, fostering their love of the performing arts and enabling them to express themselves and develop their confidence and skills.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Children's Theatre reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an approach to stimulate children's creativity, develop their self-confidence, and give them an active interest in the world through the performing arts.
Differentiators
Gymboree Children's Theatre is aligned with the brand's
mission to provide a fun and educational experience that
inspires children's creativity, develops their confidence, and enables them to take an active interest in the world through the performing arts.
Similarities
Performing Arts School
Connections
Gymboree Children's Theatre can be linked to the Gymboree Arts and Creative Program, which provides performance venues and planned activities for the children in its programs.
Educational Opportunities
Gymboree
Arts and Creative Program
Unleash the creativity of children through Gymboree Art Explorers.
Name
Gymboree Art Explorer
Description
Gymboree Art Explorers is a program that encourages children to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills. Our program offers classes and workshops in a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and other creative expressions such as electronic software painting and VR painting. We also provide opportunities for children to display their artwork at local art shows or galleries.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Art Explorers reinforce our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an approach to develop children's interest and skills in the arts, as well as to encourage children to explore their creativity.
Differentiators
The programs offer a variety of art forms, including new and innovative ways to create art using cutting-edge technologies such as electronic software painting and VR painting.
Similarities
Kidz Art
Connections
Gymboree Captured Moments can be linked to all of the
brand's other programs, where every precious moment is
worth documenting.
Gymboree
Volunteer Program
Encourage social responsibility in children through Gymboree Gives Back.
Name
Gymboree Gives Back
Description
The Gymboree Gives Back program is designed to give children the opportunity to develop their sense of social responsibility by participating in volunteer activities. These activities can be local community projects, such as cleaning up parks, or supporting national organizations, such as the Red Cross or United Way.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Gives Back reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an approach to encourage them to become well-rounded individuals with a sense of community and responsibility.
Differentiators
Gymboree Giving Back specifically targets children by providing them with age-appropriate volunteer opportunities that are often unavailable to them. In addition, the program aims to instill a sense of community and social responsibility in children, encouraging them to become active members of their communities.
Similarities
Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Gymboree
Newborn Care Course
Help new parents gain the confidence and skills they need to care for their newborn.
Name
Gymboree Newborn Care Course
Description
Gymboree's Newborn Care Program is designed for new
parents who want to learn basic baby care skills. The program's experienced instructors will teach parents how to bathe, change, feed, nurse, soothe and care for their baby in a safe and nurturing environment. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, parents can feel confident in their ability to care for their newborns.
Mission Focus
The Gymboree Newborn Care Program reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an approach to providing parents and families with knowledge about newborn parenting and education, as well as gaining experience.
Differentiators
Gymboree Newborn Care Program is unique in its focus on hands-on, professional guidance from experienced instructors. The program's curriculum is designed specifically for new parents and covers all the essential skills needed to care for a newborn.
Similarities
Private tutoring sessions
Co-Branding Opportunities
Museum x Gymboree
A collaborative program provides educational and interactive experiences for children.
Name
Gymboree Museum Adventures
Description
The Gymboree Museum Adventures program offers a variety of activities for children to explore and learn about different cultures, historical events and ancient civilizations. The program offers storytelling sessions, guided tours and hands-on activities that engage children and encourage them to develop a love of learning.
Mission Focus
The Gymboree Museum Adventure program reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an interactive approach to learning about history, culture, and science, as well as developing children's curiosity and creativity.
Differentiators
The Gymboree Museum Adventure program differentiates itself by partnering with museums to provide unique and customized experiences that meet the needs and interests of children. The program also focuses on making learning fun and engaging, using interactive activities and storytelling sessions to stimulate children's imagination and curiosity.
Similarities
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center and the Children's Museum of Manhattan
TV x Gymaboree
Fun and educational programs for kids
and families!
Name
Gymboree Kids TV Show
Description
Gymboree Kids TV Show offers a variety of children's entertainment and educational programs to meet children's diverse interests. From animated shows to live-action, programs are designed to entertain and educate young viewers while promoting family relationships. Gymboree Kids TV Show is committed to providing quality content that is not only enjoyable, but also beneficial to children's learning and development.
Mission Focus
Gymboree TV Show programs reinforce our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by providing entertaining and educational programs that promote early childhood development and family bonding.
Differentiators
Gymboree Kids TV show is designed with children's development in mind, providing educational value in addition to entertainment. In addition, Gymboree children's television programs provide a unique opportunity for families.
Similarities
Sesame Street
Connections
Gymboree Kids TV can be linked to Gymboree Theatre and the Gymboree Arts and Creative Program, providing a platform for outstanding children's stars and children's performance works to be showcased.
Zoo x Gymboree
Take a walk on the wild side and discover the fascinating world of animals at the zoo.
Name
Gymboree Zoo Adventure
Description
The Gymboree Zoo Adventure program provides an interactive and educational experience for children at the zoo. The program's professional guides will lead the children on a trip through the zoo, teaching them about the animals' habitats, behaviors and more. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in the feeding and care of the animals, giving them an understanding of what it takes to run a zoo.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Zoo Adventure reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an interactive approach to help children understand animals and nature, as well as experience the unique feeling of interacting with animals up close.
Differentiators
Unlike traditional zoo tours, Gymboree Zoo Adventure offers a guided tour with professional educators to provide a deeper understanding of animal science. In addition, children have the opportunity to participate in animal care and management activities, making it a more immersive, hands-on experience.
Similarities
San Diego Zoo Kids
Products
Gymboree
Educational Toys
Inspire children's love of learning through Gymboree learning toys.
Name
Gymboree Learning Toys
Description
Gymboree Learning Toys is a line of educational toys designed to promote learning, imagination and critical thinking. Our toys are designed for children of all ages and cover a wide range of subjects, including STEM, language and social skills. From science kits to educational tools, each toy is carefully crafted to help children learn through play and develop their cognitive skills.
Mission Focus
Gymboree learning toys reinforce our mission of providing
a playful and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by providing toys that improve children's critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Differentiators
Unlike other toys on the market, Gymboree learning toys
are specifically designed to promote learning and cognitive development. Each toy is carefully crafted with educational purposes in mind and designed to be both fun and challenging.
Similarities
Melissa & Doug and Learning Resources.
Connections
Gymboree Learning Toys can be used in conjunction with our Gymboree educational APP to provide a more interactive and engaging experience for children.
Gymboree Augmented Reality (AR) Books
Immerse children in the interactive learning world of Gymboree Magic Books.
Name
Gymboree Magic Books
Description
Gymboree Magic Books is a series of augmented reality (AR) books that combine traditional storybooks with interactive technology. Using a smartphone or tablet, children can bring their favorite characters to life and engage in educational activities such as solving puzzles, playing games and learning new skills. Creativity, curiosity and imagination can be stimulated while promoting the joy of reading.
Mission Focus
GYMBOREE Magic Books reinforce our mission of providing a fun, educational, and nurturing experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering an innovative and engaging approach to reading to reach our goal of inspiring a lifelong love of learning and exploration in young readers.
Differentiators
Unlike traditional children's books, Gymboree Magic Books incorporate the latest AR technology to create a more interactive and engaging reading experience. Each book is designed to be both fun and educational, providing a unique way for children to learn and grow.
Similarities
QuiverVision's AR Books
Connections
Gymboree Magic Books can be linked to a branded educational app to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for children.
Experiences
Gymboree
Nature Discovery Program
Immerse children in the natural world through our guided nature exploration programs.
Name
Gymboree Nature Explorers
Description
Gymboree Nature Explorers is a program designed to take children on guided hikes, camping and outdoor adventures in national parks and other wilderness areas. Our experienced nature guides lead hands-on activities and interactive sessions for children to learn about plants and animals, conservation and outdoor survival skills. Children also have the opportunity to experience activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking, depending on their age and interests.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Nature Explorers reinforce our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have
a positive impact by providing an outdoor exploration experience to bring children close to nature and improve
their wilderness survival skills.
Differentiators
Gymboree Nature Explorers offers unique, immersive outdoor experiences tailored to children's interests and age groups. Our experienced nature guides provide personalized attention and hands-on learning opportunities that promote environmental education and outdoor survival skills. We also make safety a priority, ensuring that children are properly equipped and supervised during all activities.
Similarities
National Park Service Junior Ranger
Gymboree
Farm-to-table Program
Get ready to experience the farm-to-table journey with Gymboree Harvest Time.
Name
Gymboree Harvest Time
Description
Description
Gymboree Harvest Time is a program that teaches children about the farm-to-table journey and promotes healthy eating habits. Children visit local farms to learn about sustainable farming practices and see where their food comes from. They also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities such as planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables, cooking classes, and tasting sessions.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Harvest Time reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering a creative approach to develop healthy eating habits
and familiarity with food sources.
Differentiators
Gymboree Harvest Time Festival provides a unique, hands-on experience that allows children to learn about the farm-to-table process and promotes healthy eating habits. Our programs emphasize the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and encourage children to explore new and healthy foods.
Similarities
Edible Schoolyard
Events
Gymboree Games and Recreation Program
Play and socialize, kids can have fun at Gymboree GameZone.
Name
Gymboree GameZone
Description
Gymboree GameZone is a program designed to provide kids with a variety of games and recreational activities that help them develop social skills and build cognitive abilities. Whether they prefer board games, video games or interactive activities like escape rooms, there is something for every child to enjoy.
Mission Focus
Gymboree GameZone reinforces our mission of providing a nurturing, playful, and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by a fun environment where children can enjoy their childhood through play and build strong social connections with their peers and parents.
Differentiators
Unlike other play and recreation programs, Gymboree GameZone focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore new games and activities and build relationships with their peers and parents. Our skilled counselors ensure that each child feels included and engaged.
Similarities
Dave & Buster's, Chuck E. Cheese's
Gymboree Community Festivals and Fairs
Experience local culture and traditions through the Gymboree Community Festival and Fairs.
Name
Gymboree Community Festivals and Fairs
Description
The Gymboree Community Festivals and Fairs provides children with the opportunity to learn about their community, history, culture and traditions. Children can participate in games, activities, performances, barter and make new friends, and meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. These activities foster a sense of community and encourage children to appreciate diversity.
Mission Focus
Gymboree Community Festivals and Fairs reinforce our mission of providing a playful and educational experience to help children reach their full potential so they can have a positive impact by offering a creative approach to promote children's cultural awareness and community involvement.
Differentiators
Gymboree Community Festivals and Markets are specifically designed for children and their families to learn about their local community in a fun and engaging way.
Similarities
Other Community festivals