 Re: Ask a Gymboree manager
That is normal. The coupons are probably the hottest-button issue and really fall into several groups for Gymboree.
1) Direct mail. These are done exclusively by purchasing magazine subscription lists. Sometimes we qualify these even further (maybe first-time subscribers to Parents magazine, for instance). Because these are usually handled by another company, there isn't a way to get on this list, excepting to happen to subscribe to one of the magazines. These coupons are typically targeted, and have a very specific goal. So if we send out 100,000, for instance, and we know that 22% of them actually get redeemed, and the average discount we'll give on the coupon is $20 (based on a $100 gross sale), then we can budget for that $2M. Additionally, we know what geographic areas will receive the coupons, so if demand in those areas goes up 8%, then we've already covered it in the allocation of additional product to those stores. As you can see, there's a lot of logistics that go into this type of coupon, which is why they are non-transferable and we don't allow copies.
2) Company-generated. This is the list you can get on by either completing the Keep In Touch card at Gymboree stores, or by purchasing anything at Gymboree.com. This category is dwindling rapidly as we switch over to email-based coupons (you will see that switch big time this fall). This category tends to include coupons such as Circle of Friends where we really want EVERYBODY to get the discount. So we may only print an send 300,000 mailers, but we can email every person on the email list. These types of coupons have pretty predictable impacts on store inventories, so we know how much additional stock to ship stores, and how much additional payroll will be required to process merch, assist and ring customers, remerchandise the sales floor, etc.
3) New Customer. These are highly-targeted direct mailers that we do through a number of different vendors. They are intended to bring first-time customers into Gymboree. These are tiny pushes, by comparison. We attempted to broaden this reach during the last Baby Sale (January) by rolling out a "Welcome Packet" to include with newborn gift boxes. This was a green envelope with a little intro to Gymboree, a free class pass for Gymboree Play & Music, and a 20% off your first purchase at Gymboree coupon. Unfortunately, many customers stole the 20% coupon to use for themselves rather than give it to the gift recipient, so I think you'll see that program officially axed in the next few weeks (most stores are out of the Welcome Packets already).
4) Return customer. When sales are down (which, fortunately, they haven't been for us in a couple years), Gymboree does tap the old redeemed coupon list a send coupons back out to those who've proven to use them before. If you've previously received a Direct Mail coupon and used it, you're already on this list. Since the goal of this type of marketing is to get the biggest bang the fastest, people who showed a propensity for purchasing new line pieces and large purchases will be most likely to get them, and people using them on already heavily-discounted pieces are least likely. But, like I said, we've had a solid couple years since Mat took over as CEO (including being up 4% last quarter when many other apparel retailers were posting double-digit loses), so we're not doing much of those for the moment.
5) Customer Service. Here's a tricky one since using it penalizes whatever store is near you (or whatever store the call center decides is nearest you). You can call Customer Service (1-877-449-6932) and inform them that you have been a long-time Gymboree customer and that you are very disappointed that your neighbor continues to receive coupons which you do not. You feel an appropriate solution would be for the Company to send you a 20% off coupon. The representative can usually have one sent to you. It is solely the discression of the rep to do it, though, so this is not a particularly relaible method (I think some like to fight instead). The supervisor will back whatever the rep has told you, so if they've said "no", you're best to hang up and try to catch somebody else later. You can try the same thing with the District Manager (any store can give you his/her voice mail), as the DM can also have a coupon sent (most will if requested, a few are not as great).
I know it's frustrating that there isn't a way to get on a mailing list to receive them. My best advice is get on the email list, as we'll be doing more and more coupons that way anyway (in another two or three years the whole direct-mail thing will be pretty much obsolete). Hope that helps, or at least answers your question. | 
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Ask a Gymboree manager 
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