Gymboree Bankruptcy Will Close Stores In Ohio: Reports

WESTLAKE, OH — The childrens’ clothing retailer Gymboree is filing for bankruptcy for a second time in two years and will close its remaining 900 stores, according to media reports. That includes stores in Ohio.

Despite its financial struggles, Gymboree has maintained a strong presence in Ohio, particularly in Northeast Ohio. Of the brand's eight Buckeye State stores, seven are in Cuyahoga, Summit and Stark counties.

The Ohio stores likely to be affected are expected to include:

• Akron — 3265 West Market Street, #484, in Summit Mall
• Aurora — 549 South Chillicothe Rd. Ste #392, in Aurora Farms
• Avon Lake — 9911 Avon Lake Rd., Unit #240, in Lodi Station Outlet
• Canton — 4299 Belden Village Mall in Belden Village Mall
• Hudson — 93 1st Street
• Niles — 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd. in Eastwood Mall
• Strongsville — 848 Southpark Center, in Southpark Mall
• Westlake — 156 Main Street, in Crocker Park

Gymboree operates stores under three banners — Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8. Selling off the businesses at the brand level could spare the high-end Janie and Jack brand from liquidation, according to the report. There's a Janie and Jack store in Legacy Village in Lyndhurst.

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.

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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.

Photo: Renee Schiavone / Patch