I'd been feeling less than enthusiastic about Gymboree in the past year since it seemed 1) the prices went up 2) the quality went down 3) I didn't like the styling.
But recently I've been a lot more enthusiastic. And here's why:
1) Markdowns. Gymboree has listened to its customers, I think (the company fields complaints galore on its Facebook Page). While prices are still higher than they were a year ago, the sales are more frequent and you can also stack coupon codes on top of the sales (I often get 20% off coupons in magazines like Family Fun). I just placed an order and saved tons of money by combining sale items with the 20% off code.
2) Better styling. Again, I think Gymboree has listened. The latest round of kids' swimwear is an example. Moms like me were complaining that the boys' swimwear was all sharks and skulls, all the time. But now they have cuter options like this Hang Ten Cool Rashguard Set (rash guard and trunks each on sale for $16.46, origianlly $21.95)
Plus, for older girls who want styles that are not too babyish, but are also age appropriate, there are newer 'tween-friendly styles like this Ruched Flower One-Piece Swimsuit (now on sale for $18.71, originally $24.95)
3) The Elusive Size 9. Ok, this one only applies to some customers who, like me, have 'tween daughters who are between a size 8 and 10 (as you know, girls' clothing after 6x goes "7, 8, 10, 12", etc.). Other chain stores (I'm looking at you, Children's Place and Gap) don't offer size 9. But sometimes this can make a big difference--my 3rd grader used to wear Children's Place uniform jumpers but now she is too big for size 8 and too small for size 10. Gymboree offers a similar (actually, nicer) uniform jumper ($29.95) in size 9 and it fits her perfectly. Voila!
As for quality, I still think it is not what Gymboree "used to be" back in the days when R. was an infant (c. 2003-2004). But these other improvements are starting to make up for it. I will definitely be checking out Gymboree more for this Spring and Summer.
What are your opinions? Do you still shop at Gymboree? Why or why not?
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