For years, I have heard people rave about Gymboree clothing, but I avoided visiting an actual store because I thought it would be too expensive. When a new outlet store opened near me, I finally gave in and decided to check it out. If you are thinking about shopping at an outlet store, there are a few things that you should know in advance.
Clothing at the Gymboree Outlets is not from original retail lines
Other retail companies sometimes sell clothing from their original store lines at outlet stores because it is overstock or because it has some sort of flaw. This is not the case with the Gymboree outlets. The clothing at the outlets was made specifically for the outlet and is usually a remake of lines that were popular from previous seasons. The tags on the clothing at the outlet still say “Gymboree” but they are different from the tags at a regular retail store. The outlet tags have a set of dots on either side of the Gymboree logo.
Some of the clothing at the outlet looks very similar to clothing that was included in the original line, but the outlet lines often include new color schemes and pieces, as well. Some people feel that the clothing from the outlet is not as durable or high quality as clothing from the retail store and for this reason, the resale value is not as good as it would be if you purchased the clothing at an actual retail store. I have mixed and matched clothing from outlet and retail lines and for the most part, I have been pleased with the quality. I have noticed that the knit shirts tend to run smaller and shrink easily, so if I purchase a knit shirt at the outlet store, I will usually but it a size bigger than I would at a regular Gymboree store and I never dry it in the dryer. They outlet items also tend to show wash wear more than items from regular Gymboree stores.
You cannot purchase items from the outlet online, but you can place phone orders at most stores. If you purchase an item at the outlet, it must be returned to an outlet store, and the return policy is 60 days for a full refund. After 60 days, a merchandise credit will be issued, and all sales are final after 180 days.
Price points at the Gymboree Outlet are lower than they are at regular Gymboree stores
Initial price points for items at the outlet are typically about 20% to 30% less than they are at a regular Gymboree store. For example, at the regular stores, jeans and pants typically range from $29.50 to $36.50. At the outlet, they are usually $19.99 to $24.99. Also, knit shirts are typically $12.50 to $19.50 at a regular Gymboree store and at the outlet, they are typically $9.99 to $14.99. Barrettes and other hair accessories are typically $6 at the regular stores and are usually $3.99 at the outlet.
Coupons and other promotions are not available at the Gymboree outlet
One of the major drawbacks of the outlet is that you cannot use percent off coupons there. You also cannot earn or redeem Gymbucks there. They also do not offer special sales and promotions such as the Circle of Friends sales, the Peel a Prize event, or the Red Hot Dot sale. They do participate in the Red Balloon sale, but I have found much better deals shopping during the Red Balloon sale at the regular retail stores. If you have a Gymboree Visa, you can get your 5% discount on purchases at the outlet.
For the most part, I have found that I can find much better prices at regular Gymboree stores than I can at the outlet stores because I can use percent off coupons and earn and redeem Gymbucks. I have also found that my regular Gymboree store has a better selection of clearance items than the outlet store does. Although the clothing from the outlet lines looks similar upon purchase, I have found that some things, particularly knit items, do not hold up as well over time. They seem to be thinner, run smaller, and show wash wear.
I still do most of my shopping at the regular Gymboree stores, but I do like to buy things at the outlet if I missed a line when it was at the regular stores and I also mix pieces and accessories with regular store lines. The accessories are the best deal, in my opinion, because they are about half the price, but usually look exactly the same, and the quality is fine.
