Gymboree ~ FAQ

[missgymbo]

Great questions. I had a conference call on this yesterday, so I can answer most. My tech packet with the legal details will arrive tomorrow, so I will ammend anything requiring it then. Here we go...

1) No, the Company does not tell managers to lie; however the Company LOVES to change things at the last minute. Sometimes after the last minute. For instance, the extra 20% off was supposed to end last Sunday night and stores were instructed to take down all of the marketing then. Sure enough Monday morning we had an email saying to put it all back up for another week. So if a manager had told you, for instance, that Sunday was the last day and you came in Monday and found it was not, it isn't necessarily because the manager is lying. It's because Gymboree turns on a dime. Experienced managers have learned to just say "I'm not sure" instead.

BRB is another great example. We'll plan it for a certain week, but based on how inventory levels are at stores, that can literally get changed the same day. Last year we were supposed to start it on a Thursday and I got a call at 3pm the Wed of the week earlier saying they were downloading it in my system now, go ahead and put out the signs. A lot of stores had some upset customers who were told BRB wouldn't start till the following week.

That's why many managers are tight-lipped. Not because we don't love you, but because we get put in these very damned-if-we-tell, damned-if-we-don't situations. On the other hand, I'm sure there are a couple bad apples out there. We have 590 Gymboree stores, after all (we opened three more last week!).

2) PAP online. I think so, but I'm not 100% sure if that's this time or next we're starting that. I will check and get back to you.

3) Gymbucks are straight up dollar-driven in the register system. As soon as it hits $50 (after discounts and sans merch credits), it issues them.

4) Like all prize amounts, the 50% ones are distributed randomly among all the cards manufactured, which are distributed randomly to all stores. This is actually done at the coupon printer's level to help ensure there is no impropriety on Gymboree's part. There is no guarantee any particular store will get any of a particular prize.

5) My understanding is PAP can only be used during the event.

A hidden gem: On my conference call yesterday it was announced that customers who sign up for the email list on Gymboree.com (lower right-hand corner), we will email you a PAP code on the first day of the event. That's .com (which is separate from us at retail), so I don't have more details, but sounds like a cool thing to do.

[hbaqueen]

Thanks for the great answers. I can totally understand saying "Im not sure" but you have to know this lady she was definately lying. Because she confirmed the sale just said they didnt have anything when they indeed had a whole backroom full. But anyhoo I dont let bad apples like that ruin my Gymbo experience Ive just learned not to depend on her for info. Was just curious since so many others had this issue if it was something company driven or what so your answer makes perfect sense.

Thanks for the p-a-p info. Man I want a 50% so bad LOL

I guess I wasnt really clear on my gymbuck ? I guess what I should have said was when does GBE end? Will it still be going on during the PAP promo? But Im sure I can look that up Im just lazy so dont mind me lol

Yes I saw the email thing on the advertising flyer...do you think each email will get a different one or will it be like everyone who signs up for that will get a 20% off code ect? I was wondering about that. I made all my family sign up just in case.
Oh And for anyone who hasnt signed up yet it said you have to be signed up before June 2

Thanks for answering our ?s and joining our forum!

[kintx]

I heard there was a pap coupon in the latest issue of American baby magazine. Is that true? Is that why people are already selling pap coupons on ebay or are these some that leeked out through employees?

I was also wondering if there is ever any special promos for Gymbo visa card holders. I have heard there were some in the past but nothing since I signed up 6 months ago. I still enjoy my extra discount and gift card rewards though.

[missgymbo]

I guess I wasnt really clear on my gymbuck ? I guess what I should have said was when does GBE end? Will it still be going on during the PAP promo?

Thanks for answering our ?s and joining our forum!

Thanks!

Oh, it'll be on. Current end-dates for Gymbuck issuance are July 13th in-store, July 7 online. So we'll still be issuing through PAP, BRB, and 4th of July sale.

[missgymbo]

I heard there was a pap coupon in the latest issue of American baby magazine. Is that true? Is that why people are already selling pap coupons on ebay or are these some that leeked out through employees?

I was also wondering if there is ever any special promos for Gymbo visa card holders. I have heard there were some in the past but nothing since I signed up 6 months ago. I still enjoy my extra discount and gift card rewards though.

We are distributing coupons through a number of venues, and I'm not sure I can name them. American Baby is owned by Parents, which we just signed to do more business with, so that could well be. Seems silly to buy a coupon online we'll give away free in-store, though (I giggled hard when I saw people buying the Circle of Friends ones on eBay).

Visa. Several times a year we offer double-discount for Gymboree Visa cardholders (so an additional 10% off on top of every other promo, instead of the usual 5%). The best part about GV is it's the only discount that can be combined with other discounts.

We have some new ideas kicking around for GV cardholders, too, but probably won't see action till 2009. Stay tuned.

[missgymbo]

Follow up: PAP does include an online code.

[ShoppingCartDiva]

It does mention on the website that if you join the email list, "Win an online prize in your inbox on June 4th".

[Momma2twoKiddos]

Can you use PAP online and instore?

[missgymbo]

Can you use PAP online and instore?

The PAP you receive in the store (the physical cards) can be used online or in-store, BUT it's a one-time use code. The good news is you can get one PAP card per day per location (so if you're close to a few stores, like here in CA, you're in luck!).

The PAP you receive from Gymboree.com cannot be used in-store. It's good only online.

[crhammack]

Will the fall line be out for the next gymbuck redemption? I don't need any more summer! Thanks
Christie