Robbins Brothers has regained two of its Houston stores after Vancouver-based Spence Diamonds abruptly closed them.

Spence Diamonds, a successful Canadian chain that is considered a pioneer of “brass and glass,” had purchased three Robbins Brothers stores in 2009 after Robbins went Chapter 11.

Spence could not be reached for comment at press time, but announced on its website  that it had “ceased its U.S. operations in Houston, Texas, effective Dec. 1.” 

One Robbins store will open Jan. 24 in the Houston Loop. A Baybrook location will open mid-year. The third store, in Willowbrook, has been sold by Spence to another company, Robbins Brothers said.

“We are grateful for a second chance,” said Andy Heyneman, president and CEO for Robbins Brothers, in a statement. “Houston has been a very important market to us; to have the opportunity to return so quickly is a testament to the hard work of everyone in the company.”

JCK