International News - Gymboree set to increase its US store portfolio

Kidswear retailer Gymboree is to open up to 20 new eponymous stores in the US this year. The retailer will also double the size of its Janie and Jack chain with 15 more shops.

At present, Gymboree has only 13 Janie and Jack stores, which sell baby clothes, accessories and gifts. There are 528 Gymboree stores in the US.

All of Gymboree's operations, including its 20 UK stores, are centralised in the US. UK department heads report to a vice-presidential boss in the States.

For the first quarter, Gymboree reported net income up US$1.2 million (£725,000) to US$7.3 million (£4.4 million). Net retail sales were up 5 per cent to US$36.1 million (£82.2 million).