Closed Kids' Clothing Chain To Relaunch In Virginia

VIRGINIA — A popular children's clothing retailer that closed all of its stores a year ago is taking steps to re-enter the marketplace. Officials with Gymboree this week announced plans to relaunch the brand at more than 200 Children's Place locations nationwide, including eight in Virginia.

A year after the New Jersey-based company closed its Gymboree stores, The Children's Place said Wednesday the kids' clothing brand will again be sold in stores in February.

The reboot was confirmed on the newly-launched Gymboree website.

The Virginia locations include:

• Fashion Centre At Pentagon City, 1100 S. Hayes St. Suite 2010, Arlington
• Spotsylvania Mall, 310 Spotsylvania Mall, Fredericksburg
• Leesburg Corner Outlets, 241 Fort Evans Road NE Unit 1173, Leesburg
• Patrick Henry Mall, 12300 Jefferson Ave. Space 814, Newport News
• Valley View Mall, 4802 Valley View Blvd NW UE200, Roanoke
• Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
• Williamsburg Premium Outlets, 5715-64/65 Richmond Road, Williamsburg
• Potomac Mills 2700 Potomac Mills Circle Suite 505, Woodbridge

President and Chief Executive Officer Jane Elfers said in a statement the company is "very proud to announce the return of Gymboree." She said the company has worked "tirelessly to bring this iconic brand back to its passionate and loyal customers."

Related:

• NoVA, DC Store Closings By Chain Retailers In 2019
• VA, DC Retail Apocalypse: Another Chain Closing All Its Stores
• 2 Gap Clothing Stores In Virginia Close
• 2 Bed Bath & Beyond Stores Closing In NoVA, DC

Gymboree's launch will include eight collections in sizes 12 months to 8.

The company will offer free shipping and free returns with no minimum purchase for all online orders. Plus, a loyalty program called My Place Rewards will be introduced.

In January 2019, Gymboree filed for bankruptcy and closed all its stores. The Children's Place paid $76 million in March 2019 to acquire the brand, as well as Gymboree's value brand, Crazy 8, according to a report from Chain Store Age.

A record 9,300-plus store closings were announced in 2019, according to Business Insider, which reported that number could be even higher in 2020.

Kara Seymour reported for this story.