by Kay Lucas 

Those living in the Upstate know the hecticness of Woodruff Road. But do you know about all of its hidden gems, like Garner’s Natural Life? The go-to store for holistic-minded locals is Garner’s Natural Life. Sadly, many Greenville residents drive past their stores in the rat race of life, unaware of this local, family-owned business that has operated for 53 years.

Easily located with plenty of parking, Garner’s Natural Life is a breath of fresh air on a well-beaten path. Its light and soothing atmosphere will welcome you as you shop or learn about its many clean lifestyle products. Although the Woodruff Road store opened seven years ago, Garner’s was first established in the area in 1969. The store manager, Dan Guthrie, stated, “We are still having people come in saying ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were over here,’ because they are used to the Pleasantburg Drive location.” No matter which branch you choose, all four stores carry the same products. New-to-the-area people are also happily surprised to find an agrarian store in Greenville without needing to drive to a bigger city or buy online. “We are constantly being asked ‘Why don’t you have a store here?’ or ‘Let’s have one here,’ once everyone falls in love with the different options they have here.”

You can shop online or at any of their four South Carolina locations—two in Greenville and two in Columbia. Garner’s stays on top of the hottest trends. Guthrie declared, “Right now, there is a lot of hype about Irish sea moss and bladderwrack herb. The combination gives us all the minerals we need in our diet. Medicinal mushrooms are big right now. There is constant research being done on how they are beneficial to us. They are being used in traditional treatments as well as preventative.” Garner’s tries to keep on the edge of what is new, and Guthrie believes that we will see even more uses for medical mushrooms in the future. “Also, a lot of people are all about CBD right now.”

Riding the newest waves doesn’t mean Garner’s stops their tried-and-true products. Vitamins, supplements, chemical-free beauty products, and bulk herbs remain staples in their stores. When asked what Guthrie’s favorite thing Garner’s has to offer, he replied, “I love the bulk herbs; that’s what drew me here as a shopper before I was working here. I was studying herbalism and needed some herbs, but I didn’t know where I could find them. When I searched, I found Garner’s.”

Many people try to grow their own herbs. Unfortunately, circumstances don’t always turn out in our favor. Garner’s buy-by-the-weight dried herbs are always available, not to mention the variety. “There are over 200-some options in just the bulk herbs—and most all of them are organic.” Buying herbs like this is a great way to get them into your routine, even if it is simply to make them into a tea. Of course, if you are hesitant to make your own combinations, there is a large assortment of pre-packaged teas.

Going into a Garner’s Natural Life store is an experience. If only they could bottle the scent that hits you when you walk into the store. It’s a combination of all the different herbs, soaps, and essential oils they keep stocked on the shelves. The staff is knowledgeable, and their passion is to help people (and pets) with their health. The polite and friendly way they treat you will make you want to come back.

The owner, Candace Garner Newman, loves to decorate the stores to give that homey feel. There is even a corner with books, and oftentimes shoppers will take a seat and read up before purchasing. The staff prides itself on educating you and encourages research behind your decisions. Garner’s Natural Life offers a few fun items, like crystals, SoulKu necklaces, and Himalayan salt lamps. When it comes to Garner’s Natural Life stores, their products are as wholesome as their roots.

Garner’s Natural Life Greenville locations are 1601 Woodruff Rd. and 27 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Their most recent Best in the Upstate awards (2022) are Best Vitamin & Supplement Store, Best Wellness/Alternative Medicine, and Best Place to Buy CBD Oil. Visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ad, back cover.