Gymboree Play & Music Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Established in 1976 by Joan Barnes in California, Gymboree Play & Music was created with a clear purpose: to give young children a safe and stimulating space to learn and play. Now headquartered in San Francisco, the brand quickly won the trust of parents and educators. Just two years later, in 1978, it embraced franchising and has since grown into an international network.

The franchise specializes in classes for children from infancy through age five, with programs focused on physical growth, cognitive skills, and social interaction.

Its offerings range from parent-and-child play sessions to music, art, and preschool preparation activities, all crafted by professionals in early childhood development. The curriculum follows a “whole child” philosophy, emphasizing play-based, age-appropriate experiences that foster well-rounded growth.

What sets Gymboree Play & Music apart is its commitment to research-driven learning and meaningful parent participation. Each session is carefully structured to deliver genuine developmental benefits, ensuring that children gain more than just entertainment from the experience.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Gymboree Play & Music franchise? It costs on average between $56,000 – $389,000 to start a Gymboree Play & Music franchised center.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, educational materials, and initial operating expenses. The exact investment varies depending on factors such as the size of the center, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property. Gymboree Play & Music offers 3 types of franchises:

Franchise Type	Initial Investment
Gymboree Play & Music® Mobile Play Center	$56,250 – $95,800
Gymboree Play & Music® Metro Play Center – Standard and Mini sizes	$124,300 – $244,600
Gymboree Play & Music® Center – Standard and Mini size	$153,000 – $389,100

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Gymboree Play & Music® Center – Standard and Mini sizes franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee (1st Center)	$45,000
Lease Rental and Deposits (3 months’ rent)	$3,000 – $30,000
Broker Commissions, Key Money for Real Estate	$0 – $2,000
Construction, Architectural Fees, Related Expenses	$0 – $150,000
Equipment	$50,000 – $53,700
Décor and Signage	$4,000 – $9,000
Opening Inventory	$11,000 – $13,000
Pre-opening Salaries and Training (travel and living expenses)	$250 – $4,000
Office Equipment and Supplies	$5,000 – $10,000
Insurance	$3,000 – $6,100
Utility Deposits	$250 – $500
Professional Fees	$1,000 – $5,000
Music Rights	$500 – $800
Additional Funds for First 3 Months	$30,000 – $60,000
Total	$153,000 – $389,100

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Gymboree Play & Music franchise? A Gymboree Play & Music franchised school makes on average $221,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Gymboree Play & Music locations are there?

As of the latest available data, Gymboree Play & Music operates over 700 centers worldwide in more than 40 countries, with the vast majority being franchise-owned.

What is the total investment required to open a Gymboree Play & Music franchise?

The total investment required to open a Gymboree Play & Music franchise ranges from $56,000 to $389,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Gymboree Play & Music franchise?

A Gymboree Play & Music franchise carries ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 8% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees are required to contribute to marketing efforts through a marketing and advertising fee of 1% of gross sales.

What are the financial requirements to become a Gymboree Play & Music franchisee?

To qualify as a Gymboree Play & Music franchisee, candidates are generally required to have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements ensure that franchise owners have the resources to cover startup costs, manage initial operating expenses, and sustain the business until it becomes self-supporting.

How much can a Gymboree Play & Music franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Gymboree Play & Music franchise are approximately $0.22 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.22 million yearly revenue can result in $33,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Gymboree Play & Music?

The Gymboree Play & Music franchise is owned by Zeavion Holding, a private investment company that acquired the brand in 2016.

Disclaimer

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