Okay, so I admit right off the bat that these are Gymboree OUTLET clothes and not from THE Gymboree. (More on the Gymbo vs. Gymbo outlet in a minute.) Nonetheless, I got some freaking steals shopping after Christmas sales and I’m going to share.
I have a love-hate relationship with Gymboree. Actually, love-kinda dislike is probably more accurate.
Here’s what I love:
- Most of the clothes are pretty freaking cute
- The fact fact that the clothes are sold in lines of tons of coordinating pieces makes it really easy to buy a several pieces and mix and match for infinitely more outfits
- It can be surprisingly affordable
Here’s what I don’t so much love:
- It’s not uncommon for Preschool Boy to show up to school to find two other boys wearing the same shirt
- What’s with all the dogs? It seems Gymboree can not going a single season without producing at least one line centered around a freaking pooch. Weird. (Case in point? This boys collection.)
I recently wrote a post on the ShopAtHome.com blog about finding good deals at Gymboree. It took me a while to get the Gymboree shopping method down (Gymbucks, coupons, etc), but once you figure it out it can be a very affordable place to get quality, cute clothes.
Gymboree Outlet vs. Gymboree
Now that a Gymboree Outlet has found its way to my area I’m determined to figure out the best way to work it into my Gymboree shopping scheme. Here’s what I’ve figured out so far. The Outlet doesn’t sell “overstock” pieces from the original Gymboree. The Outlet clothing lines are very similar to popular lines from the original Gymboree store. For example, the purple elephant-y outfit I bought for Toddler Girl is essentially the same as pieces from a line offered in Gymboree stores last year. The original price point at the Outlet is lower than at the regular store. As a result, I’ve found the clothing at the Outlet is slightly lower quality with the finishes and details not as refined as Gymboree.
My Finds
So, finally, the point of this post? Check out what I bought!
Like I said, I am on a mission to find out the best way to get deals at Gymboree and how to incorporate my new Gymboree Outlet into the mix. I hope to have a complete and thorough post soon on how to make the most of your money at Gymboree. But first I must do some shopping research.
Stephanie J
January 5, 2010I love Gymboree. I never buy anything full price there either. With all the coupons they put out and the gymbucks there are always good deals to be had. I love that they come out with a new line every two weeks or so. I can’t wait till we redeem gymbucks later this month!
tinygiraffeshop
January 5, 2010yay for outlets!
Maureen
January 5, 2010I’m with you on the dogs. Boys’ clothes only come in a few flavors: dogs, transportation (cars, planes, trains), dinosaurs, and pirates.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
January 5, 2010I like Gymboree’s clothing but really don’t ever buy it because it is so expensive. I don’t think we have an outlet around here either. Great buys, btw!
Tricia Night owl mama
January 5, 2010wooo whooo the cutest our out let is far far away enjoy yours. Luv the savings and great buys.
Jennifer H
January 7, 2010Hmm never seen an outlet by me? I don’t normally buy from them either.
Aura
January 8, 2010I have found that the outlet clothing is last years styles more expensive then they were last year on sale
Mandie
April 25, 2011I asked at the store once about the difference between real Gymbo clothes and Gymbo outlet clothes, because I saw a shirt I bought at the real Gymbo that was slightly different (screen printed vs embroidered, I think it was?) and asked why the shirt was different, for one I had just purchased the previous season. The sales girl told me that once Gymbo has discontinued a line, they sell the patterns for the super-popular sellers to the Gymbo outlet, and that they really have NOTHING to do with one another as far as quality, merchandise, or price-point. I was kinda shocked, but at the same time I can only buy Gymbo clothes for my son since he is allergic to heat-transferred labels and Gymbo is the only place left that still uses a normal freaking tag. So I have to buy what I can at the cheapest price I can find it, so I don’t really care where it comes from, LOL! Just wanted to share since you mentioned that they aren’t the same and I was told also that they are not.
PS – I HATE the fact that the dog is Gymbo’s dead horse, too. SO over the dog.
Lida
May 26, 2011So Kate, can u give us the scoop on the aforementioned gymbucks, rewards, coupons, etc? And have u done any shopping research into BabyGap and its outlet? I enjoyed your post on Gymboree. I too find it harder to buy really cute outfits for my son that are affordable! While for my nieces….seems like almost any store has supercute options for girls within budget. Looking fwd to more tips on outfits for boys. Thanks!
Michelle
August 23, 2011Love Gymboree! A couple of extra tips on getting coupons. 1) Parenting (and other) magazines always have a 20% off coupon in each issue. 2) Like their facebook page and check it often – this will help get coupons. 3) Look for the Fill-a-Bag promotion where you fill your bag (in stores or online) and get 30% off your whole bag 4)The Gymboree Visa is great because you always get an additional 5% off, 1% back rewards on purchase made both on gymboree items and other shopping (grocery, etc) and if you get in on a good promotion they will also give you a $30 voucher in the mail 5) Become a rewards member – not only do you get a personalized website, but you also get coupons in the mail & email, $ rewards to be used on top of your purchases ($5 rewards for every accumlated $250 total on purchases). and 6) Finally, never buy something from a brand new line at full price – unless you have at least 20% off coupon and it is a gymbucks redemption period – otherwise just wait a little while because it WILL go on sale in the next 2 months to make room for the new lines. Gymboree releases new lines every 2 weeks so older lines are always going on sale. Hope this helps savvy shoppers out there!!