Gold Max of California

Gold Max of California was a retail chain that specialized in buying gold, silver, and other precious metals directly from consumers. The company was founded in 2008 by Scott Garber and quickly established itself in Southern California, operating out of Irvine. During the early 2010s, Gold Max experienced rapid growth, opening more than 100 stores at its peak and expanding into several states beyond California. Its business model centered on walk-in locations in busy shopping centers, where customers could sell their jewelry and receive immediate payment.

This format allowed Gold Max to become one of the largest gold-buying chains in the country, drawing a wide range of sellers and generating significant foot traffic for retail landlords. The company’s expansion phase coincided with a period of high gold prices, which fueled consumer interest and supported aggressive leasing activity across multiple markets.

However, by late 2014, Gold Max began to face challenges as gold prices fell and competition intensified. These pressures led to a swift contraction of its store base, and by mid-2015, the company had closed most of its locations. Gold Max filed for bankruptcy and liquidated its remaining assets, ceasing all operations. As of November 2025, Gold Max of California is defunct, with no active stores, corporate contacts, or plans for future expansion. The brand’s rise and fall left a notable mark on retail real estate in California, as its rapid growth and subsequent closures affected vacancy rates and lease negotiations in the shopping centers where it operated.