Gymboree Online Store- Worth using despite caveats
Written: Feb 11 '08 (Updated Feb 12 '08)
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My husband and I currently take my daughter to Gymboree Play and Music Classics. As a bonus, when we sign up each quarter, we receive Gymbucks. Each Gymbuck enables you to get $50 worth of items for $25. Gymbucks can only be used during specified time frames. When I received the Gymbucks, I decided to check out our local Gymboree clothing store.
For those of you who are not familiar with Gymboree clothing, it is definitely on the expensive side. I would estimate that it is a bit more expensive than the Gap, but certainly not as expensive as very high end children's clothing such as Ralph Lauren. Anyway, I did notice that there was a decent size sales rack in the store, but the selection was pretty limited. As a third generation sale shopper, I decided to go home and check out the Gymboree website. I personally won't spend the kind of money on their regularly priced clothes, but their sales can be great (i.e., $4.99 for a top).
First, a bit more about Gymboree clothing
Gymboree clothing has a huge, somewhat cultish following. If you look on ebay, that stuff can really move. I can frankly understand why. First of all, it is very well made. The clothing holds up very well wash after wash. Secondly, it is REALLY cute! Now, if you're into dressing your child like a goth baby, it's not the place for you. However, if you like cutesy clothes for girls, with little embroidered ice cream cones and bunnies, or preppy and cute clothes for boys, then this is your place. Also, the clothes are pretty true to size.
Gymboree puts out "collections" on a regular basis. From my personal observation, it seems as if they put out a new collection every two or three weeks. The collections aren't always large...sometimes they are only five to ten items. However, there always seems to be a theme. Past themes have included Ice Cream Social and Snow Princess for girls, and Aviator and Skate Park for boys. The age of the collection typically determines its pricing when it comes to sales (the oldest having the greatest mark down).
Web Site Appearance and Item Views
I think that the Gymboree website is extremely attractive. There is typically a nearly full page picture on the home page, highlighting the latest collection. Along the top of the page are tabs stating Newborn (up to 24 months), Baby Girl (3 mo. to 5T), Kid Girl (3-12 years), Baby Boy (3 mo. to 5T), and Kid Boy (3-12 years). Above these tabs are the My Account, Customer Service, and Search features. When you click on each tab, the format is the same.
Once you click on a tab, you will then see three headings on the left of the screen: Shop by Collection, Shop by Category, Shop for Gifts and Toys. Under Shop by Collection, you will see the latest collections listed, and a "Sale" option. Under Shop by Category, you will see categories listed such as Bottoms, Sleepwear, and also Sale. When I use the website, I typically like to look by collection. Since their collections show what items are suppose to go together, it makes it a bit easier when shopping on-line.
For example, when you click on Sale under Shop by Collection, you will then see individual pictures of the item, along with their original and sale price. Each item is grouped together under the appropriate name of the collection. One really great feature that makes shopping much easier is the Shop by Size option. Right above the collection heading is an option to select a size that you want to shop by. So, let's say you want to buy clothes in 3T. You simply select 3T from this drop down list, and voila, the screen changes showing you the items in the list that are 3T.
When you click on an item, you will see the item in a larger picture, other view options, details about the item, pictures of other items that may coordinate well with this one, and a button to add it to your cart (along with quantity).
Shopping Tip: The Gymboree Online Store changes their inventory all of the time. I have gone on their website one day, and they are all out of a specific sale item. Then, when I return the next day, the item is back. So, if you have your eye on some specific items, it's good to check back regularly.
The Shopping Bag
You can view your bag at any time. Be aware though, that you will need to create an account to retain your items in your bag. Also, just because an item is in your bag, doesn't mean it is saved. In other words, if someone decides that they want those cute cupcake tights in 2T while they sit in your bag, they can go ahead and order them. The result will be that the tights will then be removed from your bag, unless there is more in stock. I do not like this feature, but I understand why it is designed this way. I suspect that if Gymboree did not allow people to buy things that were in people's virtual bags, people would just hoard inventory indefinitely, waiting for it to go on sale, or until they simply made up their minds. But, as I said, I don't care for this. I have created outfits before in my bag, only to have one item get snatched by someone else, and then I had to start over with my shopping. It is rather annoying. Anyway, just be prepared that if something is in your bag, it is not safe.
Ordering
When you are ready to make a purchase, you just need to click on the Shopping Bag, verify your items, select the appropriate shipping (right now they have UPS Standard 3-5 day for a flat $6.95), and click Checkout. If your info. (i.e., credit card, name, etc.) is already on file, you can do Express Checkout. You then need to sign in, or create an account if you haven't already.
Next, you are brought to a screen where you enter any Gift Codes, Promotion Codes, or Gymbucks. Be forewarned about a couple of things. Let's say that you have a Gift Card and a Gymbuck (as I did a few weeks ago). If you enter the Gift Card, the total will then update, and then you will have to enter the Gymbuck. It doesn't seem like the system can update everything at once. Also, and this can be a big deal, just because you proceeded with starting your order, doesn't mean that your items are safe. What does this mean? Well, I had a pair of leggings in my Shopping Bag as part of an order, and proceeded to enter all of my info. When I finally got to enter my Gift Card and Gymbuck info., it wouldn't proceed. Apparently, I had then fallen below the required Gymbuck amount, because that pair of leggings actually sold while I was going through the ordering process.
Now, I personally think this is ridiculous. I think that an item should be saved once a person begins to Checkout. I find this current set-up is a huge inconvenience, as I personally had to add something else to my cart just to get up to the amount needed to use my Gymbuck.
Speed of delivery, Order accuracy, and Packaging
I have ordered from Gymboree's website twice, and both times I have received my order within five business days. The orders have arrived in brown cardboard boxes. Each item within the package was individually wrapped in a plastic bag, and was folded beautifully. Both of my orders were accurate. I have never had to contact Customer Service.
Overall Experience
I have been very happy with the ease of use of the Gymboree Online Store, up to the ordering point. I had been disatisfied with the ordering process, due to the ridiculous ability for one to basically snatch items out of someone else's hands. It's analogous to standing to pay for something at a store, and someone walks up to you, takes it out of your hand and proceeds to buy it himself. As I said, not the greatest feeling.
However, I have been pleased with the speed of delivery, accuracy, and quality of my orders.
I'd break out my score in the following manner:
Ease of Use prior to ordering: 5
Ease of Use during ordering: 2
Speed of delivery: 4
Accuracy: 5
Quality of my orders: 5
Therefore, my overall score is a 4.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Baby girls body suits, leggings, sweaters
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Epinions.com ID:
tracmd
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Member: Tracy
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 81
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
I am a happily married mother of a precious daughter and furry baby (a cat).
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