MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonMajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer
Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
The RealReal has appointed Alexis Hoopes as its new chief merchandising officer.
San Francisco—The RealReal has hired former eBay executive Alexis Hoopes as its new chief merchandising officer.
Previously, Hoopes served as eBay’s vice president and general manager of global fashion, leading teams across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
She joined eBay in 2024, and during her tenure, she expanded its “Authenticity Guarantee” program into new categories, price points, and international markets, and developed resale-as-a-service partnerships with leading brands and retailers.
EBay expanded its authenticity service to jewelry in 2022 via a partnership with the Gemological Institute of America.
Hoopes has also held leadership roles at Mattel and Nordstrom, gaining experience in luxury merchandising, international marketplace expansion, and digital commerce.
She succeeds Samantha Porter McCandless, who joined the company in 2019, as per her LinkedIn profile.
The RealReal did not respond to a request for comment on the change in leadership by press time.
Related stories will be right here …
Previously, Hoopes served as eBay’s vice president and general manager of global fashion, leading teams across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
She joined eBay in 2024, and during her tenure, she expanded its “Authenticity Guarantee” program into new categories, price points, and international markets, and developed resale-as-a-service partnerships with leading brands and retailers.
EBay expanded its authenticity service to jewelry in 2022 via a partnership with the Gemological Institute of America.
Hoopes has also held leadership roles at Mattel and Nordstrom, gaining experience in luxury merchandising, international marketplace expansion, and digital commerce.
She succeeds Samantha Porter McCandless, who joined the company in 2019, as per her LinkedIn profile.
The RealReal did not respond to a request for comment on the change in leadership by press time.
"Alexis is a proven leader who brings a rare combination of luxury merchandising expertise, global marketplace experience and operational discipline," said Rati Sahi Levesque, president and CEO of The RealReal.
"As we build on our leadership in luxury resale, her ability to connect exceptional merchandise with evolving consumer demand will be instrumental in accelerating growth, elevating the shopping experience, and realizing the full potential of our platform."
In her new role, Hoopes will lead The RealReal's merchandising strategy, focusing on strengthening its luxury assortment, enhancing personalized product discovery, and finding new opportunities for growth through technology, data, and global marketplace expertise.
"I've long admired The RealReal for bringing together the best of luxury fashion with the excitement of discovery," said Hoopes.
"The opportunity to combine luxury products, deep proprietary data, and emerging technologies to create a more personalized shopping experience is incredibly compelling. I'm excited to work with the team to expand our assortment, unlock new sources of supply, and help shape the future of luxury resale."
The RealReal said it has been advancing its AI-powered capabilities, backed by more than 15 years of proprietary data, as it works to strengthen its position as “a destination for luxury discovery.”
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
