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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a WrapWrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes OffThe New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
