I wanted to let everyone know that Gymboree closed yesterday. The owner filed backruptcy back in June. My understanding is that they were not paying their bills though happily taking our money.
I am working on getting my money back or my membership on hold. I have left a message with Jennifer Meyer at the Corporate office. The number is ###-###-####. If anyone has any information please get in touch with me.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Gymboree reopened with usual business a couple of weeks after. We were really lucky that our location was purchased by corporate so all of our memberships were as if this never happened. The Brandon location was not that lucky they are still closed. I enjoy going there but not as much as my daughter. I am happy that they did what they should and honored our memberships.
Yeah, I just read that all the ones in the Tampa bay area were owned by the same person and that they've all shut down. Very sad.
Hi S..
I understand Gymboree reopened. Did you get your money back or did they make a deal with you? Have you continued attending?
Thank you
You need to file a lien agaist them immediately, before everyone else does. That way, if there is a settlement, you get your money first rather than waiting to see if there is any left. I believe you do it at the tax office? Not sure, they can probaly direct you.
I take my kids to the Temple Terrace's rec center's tiny tot prorgam...its fun
P.
My son went to the one in Carrolwood and they have closed that one also. I don't have any info on getting my money back, but just wanted to let you know that they have closed several of the Gymborees in the area. It really stinks.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/oct/24/241449/gymboree-c...
I just saw this article on TBO.com. Looks like Kidz Club and other play areas are stepping in to try to earn your business. I am so sorry for all of that headache. I haven't taken my 2 1/2 yr old son to Gymboree for some time. I take him to Kidz Club and he loves it. Good luck getting your money back!
I was so surprised to hear about the other gymboree locations especially since I received the following letter from the Brandon/Valrico location NOT a week ealier. After reading the article on TBO.com, I feel totally lied to and misled about their companies situation. I also feel for those mom's who already paid the Gymboree preschool tuition.
October 17, 2008
Dear Loyal Gymboree Play and Music Family,
We purchased your local Gymboree Play and Music Center in October 2004. Over the last four years our staff has enjoyed getting to know you and growing with your family.
We are writing to inform you that the time has come to close our Valrico doors to relocate. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you and your family. Our departure has become an unavoidable obstacle that we were unable to overcome.
The store will be closed from Sunday, October 19th until we reopen in January 2009. We have contracted a new space located at 3212 Lithia Pinecrest Road in the Royal Oaks Plaza. Demolition and construction will be taking place over the next months, in order for us to provide you with the quality and service you have become accustomed too. As you may be aware construction and permitting never happen as quickly or painlessly as one would like. We are working diligently to get the store open as soon as possible.
We are making every effort to contact all of our customers via phone, email and US mail to notify you of the store closure. Over the next many days you will be receiving a phone call or message from a Gymboree Play and Music representative updating you on the status of your membership. Your membership will be place on HOLD for the next many weeks while construction is finished. We will be extending everyone’s enrollment end date to compensate you for the time the store is closed. We will also ADD an extra month to your current membership as a gesture of thanks for your commitment to our program and your understanding during these tough economic times.
Another option for you and your family is to continue your membership over the next weeks for FREE by attending our South Tampa, North Tampa or Lutz location. Schedules for other bay area locations can be viewed at www.gymboreeclasses.com. Your favorite teachers will continue teaching at the new Gymboree Play & Music Center. Upon reopening your Valrico site, your regular class times and schedule will be in effect.
We want to assure you that we value your membership and your financial commitment and we are doing everything we can to expedite the move. We know some of you may feel anger over this process. We ask you to please refrain from any negativity. Many gyms, franchises and businesses have closed their doors in the middle of the night without explanation. We are trying to make the best of a difficult situation. It is a very tough time for us and especially tough time for our teachers and management as they have grown personally attached to each of our Gymboree Families. We appreciate your respect and consideration in this matter and look forward to seeing you soon. Our projected reopening will be no later than January 5th, 2009. We will be in touch with you as progress is made on our new site and to keep you updated on our reopening.
If you have any questions or concerns about our relocation or your membership, please contact your site managers. They will be more than happy to assist you.
We wish you and your family the Happiest of Holidays! Please try to remember, we all have much to give thanks for!
Thank you for your patronage,
Denise & Dale Darr
Owners
S.,
My niece has a dance studio in Carrollwood (on N. Dale Mabry next to Barnes and Noble in the plaza with Mimi's Cafe). She offers "Mommy and Me" classes as well as Pre-school classes. She is willing to waive the registration fee for any parent who has been affected by the closing of Gymboree and would like to continue their child in this type of activity. Her website is: www.Tarasacademyofdance.com
Hope this helps!
