L'Occitane en Provence Opens in Garden City Center

Garden City Center in Cranston bills itself as a place where "shopping is a breeze," and today, that breeze is a bit more fragrant as L'Occitane en Provence has opened for business.

L'Occitane en Provence sells skincare, fragrances, hair care and bath and body products from natural and organic ingredients and essential oils. 

The business started out of a small truck driven by Olivier Baussan in the late 1970s when he was 23-years-old in the south of France as he distilled rosemary essential oil he sold in local markets there.

Over time, the company grew into a larger beauty, body and essential oil business, opening its first store in Volx, Provence in 1981 and expanding into its first boutique in Paris in 1992. 

The company now has more than 2,000 stores around the world.

"L'OCCITANE seeks to revive the Provencal way of life and traditions through high quality, effective personal care products as a great answer for natural well-being," a release stated.

The announcement of the store's opening on Garden City Center's Facebook page sparked a positive reaction.

"Love their stuff!" said Teresa Gervais. "Even tho I can't pronounce it ;)"

"One of my favorite stores to visit in NYC," said Daniela Malkasian.