Our Company

French Novelty is a family owned business, started by the current owner's grandfather, in 1911, with a store in downtown
Jacksonville, Florida. The first store specialized in fine handmade blouses, linens, and ready-to-wear garments. When the second store opened in the 1920's, also in downtown Jacksonville, it was named French Novelty, since many of the items carried were imported from France, which was considered to be the fashion capital of the world. Of course, "novelty" stood for new. The Mizrahi family still operates French Novelty stores serving Jacksonville, North Florida, South Georgia, and now serving customers worldwide as we celebrate our 114th year with a reputation for unique, quality fashions, incredible values, and excellent customer service.

2022

Our Customer Service Team

Jen, Pam, Neesh, Mary Lou and Laurie

Our managers and associates play a very important role in our business.

Neesh

Laurie

Laurie is our Bridal Buyer and Consultant. She delights in helping you select the perfect dress for you and your Wedding Party. Whether a Destination, Informal or Formal Wedding, Laurie offers award winning service for your special day. Helping to coordinate all of your Bridesmaid dresses and working with each bridesmaid is her specialty - and she will be happy to help you find an adorable dress for your Flower girl.

Pam

Pam is our E-commerce and Operations Manager who closely supervises every aspect of your purchase to insure that it is ordered, received, processed, and shipped in the most timely manner. Dedicated to making your online purchase as easy as possible, you can always count on Pam to be there for you. Pam is also our buyer for our all of our Church Suits online. She has been with our company for over 40 years.

Jen

Jen is our Customer Service Manager. She has been with our company for over 10 years and we are lucky to have her southern charm. She is always happy to assist you with your online purchase and any other customer service needs.

Mary Lou
Mary Lou has been a French Novelty store manager for over 45 years and is now working on part time basis. As our former Prom Dress Buyer, Mary Lou is an expert in measuring and fitting you in that perfect dress for your special occasion.

Our Business Philosophy

We shop the major fashion markets to bring you unique social occasion fashions that can only be found in specialty stores and boutiques. We negotiate the best prices from our vendors to bring you the best values every day. French Novelty is known for its commitment to personalized customer service for five generations.

November, 1919

To the right is a picture of our first store in 1919, with the founder, Salim Mizrahi, standing in the doorway.

(See more historical photos below.)

1920's

To the right is a picture inside our store circa 1920.

1930's

To right is a photograph of the French Novelty Shop on West Adams Street, two blocks away from our first store on Laura Street.

1940's

The French Novelty Shop during the 1940's.

August 15, 1952

Grand Opening Ad for the Opening Night of the "New" French Novelty.

August, 1952

The photo on right was taken in 1952 when French Novelty moved a block west on 119 West Adams Street.

August 18, 1952

The Mizrahi family and company employees  taken at the opening of the downtown store.

1954

The French Novelty Shop when Clarabell from the Howdy Doody Show appeared during a special event in 1954. (Click on photo to see Clarabell!)

1960's

French Novelty at Lakewood Shopping Center in the early 1960's

1970's

Mannequin Modeling at our French Novelty Country Shop at Regency Square

1986

Celebrating our 75th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of our remodeled Orange Park Mall store.

1990's

French Novelty during the 1990's

2010

Spring 2010 Mori Lee Trunk Show

10-25-2011

Our Customer Service Team: Darlene, Susan, Nancy, Mary Lou, Jack, and Pam