What a long strange trip it’s been! Rare Earth opened on the Ashland Plaza in 1969 selling records, handmade candles, tapestries, cards, posters and other imports. By 1972 the store relocated to a larger space a few doors down on the Plaza. Rare Earth quickly became an Ashland icon selling imports, jewelry, clothing, shoes, posters, cards, smoking accessories with a huge excellent music department. Rare Earth soon opened stores in Grants Pass, Medford and Eugene in the 70’s and early 80’s. In the decade of the 90’s Rare Earth consolidated back to Ashland and at the turn of the millennium moved again to the newly renovation historic Perrine’s Building. After all those years Rare Earth was contemplating retiring at the end of 2010. While trying to retire and with many requests not to retire an exciting idea of a small neighborhood shop in Ashland’s Historic Railroad District evolved. One would think that after 50 years Rare Earth would settle but in 2021 Rare Earth again move back to 33 N Main St. Rare Earth’s new location on the Plaza with even more of the things that make Rare Earth a totally unique experience of shopping delights. Rare Earth, a place that welcomes customers, community and friends and yes it still looks, sounds and smells like Rare Earth!