Gymboree vs Mainstream Boutique Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Gymboree Franchise
Mainstream Boutique Franchise
Investment $81,143 - $267,593$160,800 - $306,350
Franchise Fee $45,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%7.5%
Advertising Fee -0.5%
Year Founded 19761991
Year Franchised 19781998
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Gymboree Franchise
Mainstream Boutique Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Gymboree Franchise
    Mainstream Boutique Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
    Equipment No/No-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Gymboree Franchise
    Mainstream Boutique Franchise
    Training -

    Initial training course at our corporate office in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The course includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training to learn basic operating skills, such as booking and conducting shows, inventory purchase and control, merchandising, customer service, customer relations, basic computer set-up and operations, selling and marketing techniques, financial reporting and much, much more. On-The-Job Training: 50+ hours Classroom Training: 26+ hours Additional Training: Ongoing training as needed

    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

    You'll receive a copy of the Confidential Operations Manual that covers policies and procedures involved in running your business. You'll also receive periodic visits from a Mainstream Boutique representative who will provide experienced guidance along the way. And, of course, we are only a phone call away to answer your day-to-day questions. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    		 Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Expansion Plans
     
    Gymboree Franchise
    Mainstream Boutique Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Mainstream Boutique

    Mainstream Boutique is an exciting retail and fashion franchise concept that sells some of the fashion world's most unique clothing, accessories and giftware at franchise-owned retail stores, and a variety of direct sales venues such as home parties and corporate sponsored events. Our clientele is all ages, all sizes and always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary at affordable prices. Our franchisees are savvy, sales-oriented, and love working with people. Whether you are looking for the perfect outfit, or the perfect business opportunity, Mainstream Boutique might be for you! Mainstream Fashions is a company dedicated to helping women look and feel great in fun, unique fashions. We are also dedicated to helping our franchisees be successful and profitable.

    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #405 in Franchise 500 for 2020.