Hometown Threads vs Gymboree Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Hometown Threads vs Gymboree including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Hometown Threads Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Investment $165,000$81,143 - $267,593
Franchise Fee $29,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19981976
Year Franchised 20011978
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Hometown Threads Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Hometown Threads Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Hometown Threads Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 44% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Hometown Threads Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Hometown Threads

    Hometown Threads Stores are your personal embroidery, design studio where you can create personalized and unique apparel or home decor customized with a favorite image, name, date or monogram. Our large variety of merchandise and huge selection of embroidery designs make it easy for you to find just the right gift for family and friends. If you do not see what you need, we can special order any item you have in mind or bring us an item from home to embellish. Commemorate life's special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, births, and weddings with a personalize gift from your local Hometown Threads. Perhaps you have your own fashion statement in mind? Make your idea a reality at one of our stores with an original flair that sets you apart from the rest. Embroidery has a universal appeal and the applications are unlimited. At Hometown Threads, small business owners can create uniforms and apparel revealing their logo for corporate identity and marketing purposes. Schools use our embroidery services to personalize items like letterman jackets, sports equipment bags, knapsacks, cheerleading outfits and uniforms. Community special events such as fishing tournaments, team sports competitions, trade shows and conventions can always use embroidered merchandise for souvenirs or promotional incentives. Hometown Threads is your embroidery headquarters. With only the finest, quality merchandise, quick turnaround time and great selection, your purchase is always bound to be a big hit. 

     The Opportunity 

    With the combined knowledge of the top embroiderers in the country, high-tech equipment and computer software, we have created the ultimate in embroidery shop franchises. After years of testing the concept in high-traffic, retail store chains like Wal-Mart, we have proven results and are willing to pass this on to you, as a franchisee. Our solid business packages include an operational and marketing system that has years of success behind it. United with the best equipment, software, business tools, comprehensive training and ongoing support, we offer a great investment in a business that is fun to own and operate. We have taken the guesswork out of running your own business and are looking for entrepreneurs to join our fast growing team. If you are interested in owning a successful business, Hometown Threads is something you should definitely look into.

    About Gymboree

    San Francisco mother Joan Barnes created the Gymboree Play and Music Program in 1976 when she couldn't find a safe place for new parents and children to play and exercise together. There are now locations across the United States and throughout the world.

    Gymboree Play and Music centers offer different classes each week for children ranging from newborn through 4 years old. Classes are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage children's development.