Gymboree vs USA Baby Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Gymboree Franchise
USA Baby Franchise
Investment $81,143 - $267,593$344,000 - $650,000
Franchise Fee $45,000$23,400 - $60,200
Royalty Fee 6%3%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19761975
Year Franchised 19781986
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Gymboree Franchise
USA Baby Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Gymboree Franchise
    USA Baby Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Gymboree Franchise
    USA Baby Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 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)

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Gymboree Franchise
    USA Baby Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    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.

    About USA Baby

    USA Baby was founded in 1975 by Alan Levine. It began franchising in 1986 and the chain now includes international locations. USA Baby offers more than 2,000 items for infant and child care. The privately held company is based in Elmhurst, Illinois.