Gymboree enters NYC market.

Gymboree, a successful national children's wear chain, will soon enter New York City for the first time, reports Jeffrey A. Bernstein, director of commercial leasing for the real estate firm of Walter & Samuels, Inc., which represented the building owner in the transaction.

With 113 stores in 27 states, Gymboree designs and manufactures clothing and accessories for children up through six years old. The company recently had an unusually successful initial public offering.

Through Bernstein and his partner, Laurence Elbaum, the Burlingame, California-based chain is taking 1,700 square feet of retail space at 1120 Madison Avenue (on the northwest corner of 83rd Street). The store is expected to open in the fall.

Bernstein was able to place the Gymboree store in the same building complex with Infinity, which sells to preteens, and Eeyore's Books for Children, an East Side institution.

Gymboree projects that, by the end of 1993, it will open another 35 or 40 stores. Its exclusive line of active wear features three-inch growable cuffs, to assure a perfect fit with room to grow; soft yet durable fabrics; bright colors; and original designs. Supporting fashion accessories, small toys and Gymboree videos round out the Gymboree product line.

In 1987, Gymboree Stores won the design competition of the Institute of Store Planners/National Retail Merchants Association.

Ed Friedman of Newmark Real Estate Services represented the tenant in the transaction.