Gymboree Play & Music, Jersey City — Local services in Jersey City

MS POOJA - SCAM ALERT! On or around October 9th, 2013 my wife signed up our daughter for classes at Gymboree Play & Music. She discussed the terms with the owner, Ms Pooja, and requested that commitment to be of just one month, no recurring charges and no cancellation requirements of any kind after. My wife said repeatedly that she will not sign up if there is any kind of automatic commitment and or renewal policy in place. A friend of my wife was present when this conversation took place and she also sighed up her son for the same class on exactly the same terms. The owner, Ms Pooja, reassured both of them that they are paying for just one month of services and there will be no recurring charges afterwards. On or around October 25th, 2013 my wife decided not to continue using Gymboree Play and Music, and once again spoke with Ms. Pooja about that. Ms. Pooja acknowledged that and again confirmed that there will be no additional charges after the first month. Again, the same witness was present when this conversation took place and can confirm it. On May 4th, 2014 I discovered that Gymboree Play and Music kept billing us beyond the agreed upon first month. There were total of six charges in the amount of $98 from November 9th, 2013 through April 9th, 2014 that were not authorized. On May 5th, 2014 my wife emailed Ms. Pooja and questioned these charges. Later, over the phone Ms. Pooja said that no problem, she already refunded 80% of $588 amount ($470.40) claiming that there is a 20% “processing fee”. My wife politely disagreed with this and requested a full refund. Ms. Pooja responded angrily that she will be cancelling that 80% refund, hung up and did not pick up the phone when my wife tried to call back. After some emails she went back to us and said now she can only refund 80% of the four charges made in 2014 ($313.60), no refunds for 2013. Again, my wife disagreed and requested a full refund mentioning that both Ms. Pooja twice confirmed in a presence of another customer (who perfectly recalls these conversations) that there will be only one charge for the first month. We have not heard from Ms. Pooja since then. Ms. Pooja is a dishonest person and uses unethical tactics to exhort money from the customers. She twice agreed to the terms that were discussed in a presence of a witness, and then denies what she said and refers so some policy of hers that none of us seen or signed. Obviously, we contacted the credit card company and disputed these charged. Be prepared get you money taken from you without your permission if you deal with this dishonest and...

I went here about I wanna say in October of this year. Upon arrival the staff was nice. The manager/instructor however seemed rude. She seemed annoyed because my daughter was in her grunting phase (grunting while learning her voice) She then told me I should’ve put her in a crawlers class though she couldn’t crawl yet. She would lift up a little but not crawl. She was 7 months so I put her in the younger class (forgot the name) I told her I didn’t put her in crawlers because one time I brought her somewhere she was too young for and it was pointless. I literally had to hold my daughter the whole time in this place other place I brought her. She then made condescending remarks like “ I feel like sometimes we want our kids to do XYZ by this time, if she crawls at 8 months or 9 month no one will remember, doesn’t mean she’ll get into Harvard” like miss what are you talking about. She asked us about our babies. I said my daughters name , I said she’s very talkative, and I hope she walks soon maybe at 8 or 9 months” Not because I want her to be an over achiever. I just want her to be mobile and be able to do more things. Even so why would she say that? She then proceeded to ignore me and my child and then at the end of the class. She told me to go over and play with my daughter while she proceeded to entertain the other parent. I did absolutely nothing to her at all. She seemed angry and miserable and it gave slight racist vibes considering the area it’s in and the fact that she lovveeeddd the white parent and apparently had a weird biased against me and my daughter. Either way I gave it 2 stars because the class was cute had she not instructed it. I personally wouldn’t bring me child their no matter what race you’re. You have to be mindful what type of energy you have...

They say it takes a village to raise a child… and thankfully, the JC Gymboree opened earlier this year, just when I needed it. My village of fellow parents, caregivers and of course, little ones were found. The play areas are awesome, yes. The toys and tunes, absolutely fantastic. All these things you can see, just from looking at the facility. It’s always clean, well-maintained, safe - everything one would expect of a Gymboree. What really makes this place shine is… (drumroll please…) the staff. Hands down the most kindhearted, caring and humorous individuals work at this place! Sincerest thanks to Ms Jade and Ms Melissa for lifting my son up with hugs and smiles at every arrival. To Ms Pooja for leading engaging classes, and to Ms Angie for being so encouraging. You all make this community a better place! My family and I can’t...