Bridgewater Gymboree To Close In April Due To Bankruptcy

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Gymboree location in the Bridgewater Commons Mall will be closing its doors at the end of April after the childrens' clothing retailer filed for bankruptcy.

New items are still being delivered to the store and are currently on sale for 30 to 50 percent off. An employee at the store said discounts will be reduced further as time gets closer to the closing.

• See Related: Gymboree Bankruptcy Will Close Stores In Bridgewater: Reports

This is the second time in two years that Gymboree is filing for bankruptcy and will close its remaining 900 stores, according to media reports.

The affected stores are expected to include: in the Bridgewater Commons Mall and nearby in Chester, The Shoppes at North Brunswick, and Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington.

Like many brick-and-mortar stores, Gymboree has struggled to remain afloat against increased online competition.

The Wall Street Journal cited sources familiar with Gymboree's plan to sell the operation and said it is expected to liquidate is remaining 900 stores. Selling off the businesses at the brand level could spare the high-end Janie and Jack brand from liquidation, according to the report.

The company first filed for bankruptcy in July 2017 and closed 350 stores. At the time, President and CEO Daniel Griesemer said in a statement that closing those stores would allow the company to "continue to deliver quality merchandise and superior service to our customers."

Closing those stores allowed Gymboree "greater financial flexibility" as it shed $900 million in debt, Griesemer said.

(Image via Alexis Tarrazi/ Patch Staff: Gymboree in Bridgewater Commons Mall)

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