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Big kid on the block Little kids are big business. The vendor of high-end children's apparel operates over 550 stores throughout the U.S., UK, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland. It also runs more than 400 franchised Gymboree Play Program sites in 10 countries. In its fiscal 1999, the company posted more than $450 million in sales. Tales of tikes In 1976, Joan Barnes, a San Francisco mother, established the Gymboree Play Programs, a series of parent/child activities targeting the physical, emotional, and social development of children. Barnes' baby grew and, in 1979, the first play program was franchised. In 1986 Gymboree launched its retail business with a $300,000 initial investment by venture capitalists and the original family-friendly attitude. Although Barnes outgrew the company and left in 1990, the company continued to thrive and went public in 1993. Since then, Gymboree has continued to expand: 1997 marked its opening in Ireland and the U.K., while it jumped into the Japanese market in 1998. The online store, www.gymboree.com, is also now available. (Not) everything Zen The kids' clothing guru isn't without its worries. During several quarters since 1996, Gymboree has had difficulty maintaining proper inventory levels. In 1998 the company overestimated the amount of inventory it needed for the third quarter; the error resulted in markdowns and money loss. Gymboree's erratic performance has hurt investor confidence. Moreover, it has caused higher-than-average employee turnover and stunted growth plans. In 1999, Gymboree announced it would open between 40 and 50 stores, down from 130 stores last year. The lagging sales have prompted Gymboree to redesign its merchandise, logo, and store displays. In better news, Gymboree is opening the first Zutopia stores selling alternative, edgy clothes for children ages six to 12. Good to kids, good to community In 1999, Gymboree introduced the Play Partners initiative, a plan for employers to offer their employees parent-child activities. Play Partners are provided access to Gymborees Play & Music programs, where parents can spend quality time with their children in age-appropriate developmental activities. Gymboree now has more than 300 Play & Music sites in the United States alone. Gymboree declares its commitment to community service with its GymCares program. The program encourages children to donate food, articles of clothing, and other basics. The company also has a global conscience. In 1995 Gymboree raised $20,000 at a luncheon/fashion show for the Armenian Missionary Association's Orphan/Child Care Fund. The event was intended to increase awareness of Armenian strife in the wake of the Soviet Union's economic collapse. The Gymboree Corporation is concerned with issues of diversity, as well. The company's former CEO and President, Gary White, is African-American, as is Linda Hughes, who serves on the company's nine-member board of directors. Although Mr. White was forced to resign in February 2000 and he was one of the few black CEO's in the bay area, a sizeable number of senior managers are still people of color. With its commitment to community service, worldwide awareness, and eye on diversity, Gymboree is making the Big Picture just the right size for little eyes.
The most current Gymboree jobs can be found on the company web site under Employment Opportunities at www.gymboree.com. While the company offers positions at its HQ in Burlingame, California, it also staffs workers at its 550+ stores in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland; the corporate office in Leicester, England; distribution centers in Dixon, California and Shannon, Ireland; and numerous corporate-owned "Play Programs." Employment opportunities on the company web site are listed by function, location, benefits, and shared values. Each position description lists location, job criteria, and minimum requirements. Applicants can submit their resumes online. For successful employment candidates, Gymboree offers such benefits as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage; a 401(k); funding of approved educational courses; adoption insurance; summer hours; and (employee favorites) recess and snack time.
Jubilant about Gymboree The majority of our respondents tend to be jubilant about life at the company. "I love Gymboree," says one. "I have been in retail for many years and it has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life." Another ebullient - if not overcharged - insider reports: "Our mission is celebrating childhood! Isn't it wonderful?" Other informants are more conventional in their praise of Gymboree. "The company is pretty young and it's growing and changing constantly. [Gymboree] is not afraid to make those changes!" A different - but still exclamation-heavy - source reveals: "The company is very people-oriented and employees (we call them team members) are customer-driven." Not just gym clothes Dress at Gymboree "is denim shirts and either black or khaki pants, shorts, or skirts." Informants say that "pretty much any kind of footwear is acceptable," with the exception of "open-toed shoes or high heels." The work week varies in length and intensity "depending on where you are working." However, many of our sources report a typical "40-hours-a-week schedule." The corporate culture is unique from others in that it is "playful," "friendly," and "open." Our insiders insist that the most successful and contented employees tend to be "extremely outgoing." Let's hear it for the management Insiders applaud their supervisors, who value "employee input" and "encourage their teams to do their best" (Incidentally, our Gymboree sources chronically - and tellingly - overuse the word "teamwork.") "Women and minorities hold many of these management positions," although some sources say the company still needs to work on its diversity. "Salaries are fair;" but one source believes work isn't just about the money: "Gymboree is a fabulous company with a fabulous product - regardless of the pay."
Human Resources
Boys' and Girls' Apparel;GymBaby Line;Layette Line;Bedding
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