Nature’s Treasures, a long-standing retail business in Austin, has completed its relocation to a new campus at 11055 N IH-35. The move comes after the State of Texas required the acquisition of its previous site as part of the IH-35 Capital Express project. Nature’s Treasures, founded by Karen Richards, began with a small selection of amethyst crystals and expanded over the years to serve a broad customer base interested in rocks, fossils, and minerals.
The company’s relocation process started in 2024 when it selected a site six exits north of its original location. A phased plan was implemented to ensure continuity for customers while construction on the new 23,500 square foot warehouse took place. After two years of planning and building involving coordination among tenant, landlord, city officials, and state agencies, Nature’s Treasures held its Grand Reopening on August 8. The event was marked as “Nature’s Treasures Day” by City of Austin officials and included collaboration with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Karen Richards said that her goal has always been to share nature’s revitalizing qualities with the community. She noted the importance of connecting people with natural elements even as technology becomes more present in daily life: “Karen Richards has always believed that nature has the power to revitalize the body, mind and spirit, and has made it her life’s work to share that opportunity with the community. As technology evolves and surrounds us, Richards believes it is now more important than ever to reconnect people with the natural world, be it a memento of nature’s beauty worn as natural textiles or jewelry, placed on the patio or in the garden with plants nestled among rough rocks, or at home—or in the office—as peaceful natural décor. The growth and energetic spirit of Austin, and the timeless wonders of the universe, sit side by side at Nature’s Treasures, ready to embrace the future.”
The new location offers expanded space for retail operations along with outdoor features such as lawns and native landscaping. The company has also upgraded lighting fixtures to LEDs and plans further sustainability efforts through local utility programs.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce participated in celebrating Nature’s Treasures’ reopening. The organization works to foster economic development across Central Texas by supporting businesses through events focused on innovation and inclusive growth (official website). It encourages partnerships between local enterprises for mutual prosperity (official website).
Nature’s Treasures marks its 25th anniversary this year as it continues serving customers from its new location.
