Treasure City Thrift Prepares to Move to New Location

Black letters contrast against a bright pink brick wall, beckoning Austinites to enter. Inside, a sprawling, eclectic inventory unfolds. Various patterns, prints and designs reminisce in their era, a party girl top hung on a metal rack, a pair of khakis donated after a job interview. The items sit patiently, waiting for their next life.

Treasure City Thrift, which first opened its doors in 2006, is being forced to relocate from East Seventh. The shop will move in April to 5201 Cameron Rd.

“Gentrification on the Eastside was already happening when we opened Treasure City,” co-director Jamie Connatser said. “We always knew that it was going to get harder and more expensive to operate. It's definitely been stressful, and it's sad that people who own commercial property are not supportive of groups like ours and just expect us to have the same kind of money that corporations have. We're very grateful to have found the location that we found.”

After Hurricane Katrina, organizers founded Common Ground, a decentralized network of nonprofits that provided New Orleans residents relief from the devastating effects of the natural disaster. Through a combination of the solidarity network of those involved with Common Ground as well as local anarchist soccer players in Austin, Treasure City was born.

“The whole organization itself is meant to be a fundraiser for smaller grassroots that don't get government funding and are relying on community-based support,” Connatser said.

Treasure City Thrift co-director Alma Aguirre said that the store is not only a fundraising space but also a community for those who identify as LGBTQ+ to feel safe and welcomed. Many customers from all walks of life often peruse the items at the store and befriend members of the collective.

“They're not just a thrift store,” Inside Books coordinator Scott Odierno said. “They're a community space. We've definitely had fundraisers at Treasure City. I think because they are moving, that's going to affect how other people can interact with them and other nonprofits. I think they're definitely a much needed resource.”

Connatser agrees. “People rely on us for affordable goods in the area, and by being pushed out, we're no longer available to them. There’s not another inexpensive thrift store around here, mostly expensive boutiques.”

Treasure City Thrift is currently at 36% of their goal of $25,000. The store must pay a security deposit of $10,000 as well as the first month’s rent of $7,000 in advance in order to move into the new location.