Q&A: Does Gymboree Franchise in the UK?

For kids across the UK, Gymboree Play and Music Centres are some of the most magical places on earth. If you have a head for business and a heart that just loves working with kids, why not become a small part of Gymboree’s magic and launch your own education franchise with the brand? Read on, and discover everything you need to know about a potential investment with a Gymboree children’s franchise.

The Gymboree franchise offering is like no other, and the brand is loved by kids, parents and existing franchisees alike. With the demand for active extracurricular play rising in the UK [Sport England], there’s never been a better time to invest in a children’s franchise like this one. Keep reading, and you’ll find out how.

Does Gymboree franchise in the UK?

Anyone with an interest in starting a successful education franchise in 2022 should be thrilled to learn that yes, Gymboree does franchise in the UK. Franchisees can invest at one of two levels, launching a Play and Music Centre or a Metro Play Centre. Resales are also available every now and then, allowing you to purchase an established location and benefit from its strong existing local customer base.

[Since 1976], we have been developing children's creativity, confidence and talent while providing franchise owners with good business stability. Our business model, as well as our course offering, are designed by experts in the field, which makes our process easy to learn and our courses simple yet effective.
- Gymboree

The history of Gymboree classes

Gymboree was first established in 1976, by a businesswoman and mother named Joan Barnes. In the words of Gymboree, “Gymboree’s story began in 1976 when Joan Barnes, a mother from Marin County, California, tried to find a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together. Unable to do so, she did what any innovative, entrepreneurial mum would; she started her own programme!”

Two years later in 1978, Gymboree became an education franchise and started welcoming investors. The growth of the brand hasn’t relented since. In fact, there are now over 700 locations across 35 countries, and if you choose to invest with the thriving network, yours could be the next to launch!

Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 45 years. Today there are over 700 locations in over 40 countries, including lots in the UK, making us the global leader in early childhood development programmes.
- Gymboree

Start a franchise in the education industry with a Gymboree business

If everything you’ve learned so far about Gymboree has left you keen to invest and excited to find out more, keep reading. The three questions answered below will provide you with all the information you need to make a fully informed franchise investment with Gymboree and start running a successful childhood development franchise...

1. How do you go about starting your own Gymboree kids franchise?

If you are looking for an exciting new career working with children & parents in a rewarding & expanding market then we want to meet you! Our Discovery Meeting will give you the chance to meet the Directors of Gymboree Play & Music UK and some of the Head Office Team. We will take you through the business model and there will be the opportunity to ask questions that you may have.
- Gymboree

You can register your interest in a franchise investment with Gymboree via the brand’s profile page on Point Franchise (linked above). After completing some initial forms and creating that first point of contact, you’ll be invited to a Discovery Meeting, as detailed. Note before you reach out that Gymboree franchisees don’t necessarily need industry experience in order to be perfect for the network. Instead, they must be passionate about the education of children and ready for all the challenges of franchising in such a popular industry.

2. How much do you need to invest?

As briefly mentioned, there are two franchise options for investors interested in Gymboree - the Play and Music Centre and the Metro Play Centre. Your investment cost will depend on the franchise option you select and the location in which you choose to launch, but generally speaking, you can expect it to range between £93,000 and £214,000. This initial cost includes franchise fees, equipment, professional fees and insurance fees.

3. What do you get for your investment?

In return for your investment with Gymboree, you’ll be fully supported by the franchise in a number of different ways. For one, you’ll benefit from the brand’s proven business model, well-developed systems and long track record of success, buying a brand and an operation that’s taken years to establish and is known internationally. For two, you’ll be fully trained both initially and on an ongoing basis through optional bi-annual regional training. 

For three, you’ll be massively supported with things like marketing, promotion, lead generation and managing technological advancements in the sector. Essentially, the comprehensive franchise package all boils down to this: You’ll never be alone if you choose to make a franchise investment with Gymboree. Help will always be on hand, allowing you to attain and maintain success.

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.
- Gymboree

Gymboree franchise opportunities are a great way to start running your own business working with kids

You should now have enough info about Gymboree to go ahead and register your interest if you feel well suited. If you’re still on the fence, but you do really love the idea of working with kids, stay on Point Franchise. Browse the wide range of available kids franchise investment opportunities, from Debutots (minimum initial investment of £4,000) to Kixx (minimum initial investment of £5,000) to Banana Moon (minimum initial investment of £47,500). With so much on offer, you’re sure to find the franchise that’s right for you.