Gymboree may shutter Hampton Roads stores

Firm expected to file for bankruptcy, close all 900 locations

Gymboree may disappear from the region’s retail scene.

San Francisco-based Gymboree Group Inc., which operates Gymboree, Janie and Jack and Crazy 8 stores, is expected to close all of its remaining 900 stores and seek bankruptcy protection as early as this week, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

The children’s clothing retailer has Gymboree stores in Virginia Beach and Newport News, as well as an outlet store in Williamsburg. There are two Crazy 8 stores in Virginia Beach and Newport News, as well as a Janie and Jack store at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets.

It wouldn’t be the first time Gymboree filed for bankruptcy protection. It filed less than two years ago in June 2017 with more than $1 billion in debt from a Bain Capital Private Equity LP buyout in 2010 and closed 375 stores.

In December, the company announced a strategic review of the three brands which could result in a “sale or other transactions at the brand level.” It also said it would close its Crazy 8 stores and “significantly reduce” the number of Gymboree stores this year.

The Janie and Jack stores could be saved from liquidation if a buyer picks up the brand, according to the Wall Street Journal report.

A company representative could not be immediately reached by The Virginian-Pilot.