Children's Orchard vs Gymboree Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Children's Orchard Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Investment $174,700 - $326,500$81,143 - $267,593
Franchise Fee $25,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee $2K/yr-
Year Founded 19801976
Year Franchised 19851978
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $3K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Children's Orchard Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Experience
  • Customer service experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Children's Orchard 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/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Children's Orchard 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, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations 15.6% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (98% 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
     
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Children's Orchard

    Former flight attendant Karen Lynch opened the first Children's Orchard store in 1980. Each store buys and sells used children's clothes, toys and other items, selling them for 50 to 80 percent less than retail. The first Children's Orchard franchise opened in 1985, and it now has locations across the United States.
    At Children’s Orchard we believe we can be the difference in the world. By recycling and reusing current kids gear we are creating a sustainable lifestyle that you will be proud to be a part of. You can find like new children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and equipment at up to 70% off mall store prices. All of items are gently loved, and actually like new. We pay you cash on the spot for your children’s gear and buy items that are in good condition and are current styles.
     
    Veteran Incentives  $2,500 off franchise fee

    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.