MajorsJan 13, 2022
Robbins Brothers’ Management Buys Back CompanyMajorsJan 20, 2022
Robbins Brothers Eyeing Expansion, Adds New VP of Stores
CEO Marc Friedant discusses what’s next for the jewelry chain following management’s move to buy it back from a private equity firm.
Robbins Brothers, the Azusa, California-based chain of 15 jewelry stores, is building out its executive team as it plans for its future. (Image courtesy of Robbins Brothers’ website)
Azusa, Calif.—Robbins Brothers has remained under-the-radar for the past few years relative to other major chains, said CEO Marc Friedant, but is now ready to potentially make some moves.
The chain’s management team recently bought the business from private equity firm Comvest Partners following its sale in 2009 as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
While private equity firms can focus heavily on sales, the management team’s new partnership with Houston-based investment firm Main Street Capital Corporation is expected to be more beneficial to both parties, Friedant said in an interview with National Jeweler.
“It was very critical that we were able to find a partner where that’s not their model. They are going to be much more patient, much more supportive, and more of a financial partner than a private equity owner. That will allow us, we believe, to execute our strategy and our vision.”
The chain currently operates 15 stores in Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington, but is considering an expansion.
Robbins Brothers hasn’t opened a new store since 2015, when it expanded into Scottsdale, Arizona.
“What we want to do, where appropriate, is to expand our number of doors,” said Friedant.
“And I’m not suggesting we go from 15 to some gigantic number, but that we grow in areas where we have demonstrated success, where we believe there is an opportunity for incremental doors to support the demand, and that may be in markets we’re in today or markets that are next to where we are today.”
The company is looking to identify a market where it can satisfy customer demand without cannibalizing itself, he explained.
“We’re either going to do it by opening a new store or, possibly where appropriate, buying an existing store and making it a Robbins Brothers.”
Related stories will be right here …
The chain’s management team recently bought the business from private equity firm Comvest Partners following its sale in 2009 as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
While private equity firms can focus heavily on sales, the management team’s new partnership with Houston-based investment firm Main Street Capital Corporation is expected to be more beneficial to both parties, Friedant said in an interview with National Jeweler.
“It was very critical that we were able to find a partner where that’s not their model. They are going to be much more patient, much more supportive, and more of a financial partner than a private equity owner. That will allow us, we believe, to execute our strategy and our vision.”
The chain currently operates 15 stores in Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington, but is considering an expansion.
Robbins Brothers hasn’t opened a new store since 2015, when it expanded into Scottsdale, Arizona.
“What we want to do, where appropriate, is to expand our number of doors,” said Friedant.
“And I’m not suggesting we go from 15 to some gigantic number, but that we grow in areas where we have demonstrated success, where we believe there is an opportunity for incremental doors to support the demand, and that may be in markets we’re in today or markets that are next to where we are today.”
The company is looking to identify a market where it can satisfy customer demand without cannibalizing itself, he explained.
“We’re either going to do it by opening a new store or, possibly where appropriate, buying an existing store and making it a Robbins Brothers.”
To support its new vision, the company has been changing up its executive team.
Robbins Brothers has added Ann-Marie Patton as its new vice president of stores.
Mark Pimental, who formerly held the role, is no longer with the company, said Friedant.
Prior to joining Robbins Brothers, Patton spent most of her career at Signet Jewelers, where she served as vice president of North America for the Kay Division and as divisional vice president of North America for Jared and the design and service center divisions.
“Ann-Marie brings far more than experience to our team,” said Friedant in a press release about the appointment.
“She also brings a belief that engaged team members are key to delivering consistent and unparalleled in-store customer experiences, which ultimately leads to exceptional sales performance and team member and customer loyalty.”
Patton said, “We all bring a deep expertise in our own areas of the industry and importantly, we are all innovators by nature and look forward to putting our individual strengths into a collective power to grow and evolve the Robbins Brothers brand.”
Friedant hand-picked Patton as part of his strategy of choosing leaders who can bring “innovation, experience, and a dedication to customer service to the team,” he said in the release.
The traits he looks for include understanding the changing consumer and an ability to collaborate.
Merchandising, marketing, and store operations need to work together seamlessly, said Friedant, who has built up a leadership team designed to meet that goal.
Marc Friedant is the president and CEO of Robbins Brothers.
From left, Ann-Marie Patton, Kris Land, and Sue Hopeman are also recent additions to the Robbins Brothers management team.
In 2021, Kris Land joined the company as vice president of marketing.
She previously served as the chief marketing officer for Alex and Ani and Ultra Diamonds in Chicago, and also held vice president roles at Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Kay Jewelers.
And Robbins Brothers welcomed Sue Hopeman as vice president of merchandising in 2019.
Hopeman brought more than 20 years of merchandising experience, including 14 years at Zale Corp. where she was named president of Gordon’s Jewelers, a division of Zale at the time.
She previously served as the chief marketing officer for Alex and Ani and Ultra Diamonds in Chicago, and also held vice president roles at Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Kay Jewelers.
And Robbins Brothers welcomed Sue Hopeman as vice president of merchandising in 2019.
Hopeman brought more than 20 years of merchandising experience, including 14 years at Zale Corp. where she was named president of Gordon’s Jewelers, a division of Zale at the time.
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
