In 2000, longtime Jacksonville resident, Karen Johnston, saw a need for a place to purchase specialty lingerie. While shopping for a gift for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, Johnston was disappointed at what Jacksonville had to offer. Hence, the idea of Bonne Nuit was born. Inspired by her mid-western roots and southern influences, Johnston opened up a 900-square-foot intimate boutique in the heart of the Avondale shops. After 11 years of a successful business, she realized that the area lacked a place to purchase fine bedding. When an opportunity to move into a larger store front across the street opened up, Johnston took it.
Bonne Nuit celebrated its seventeenth year of business in the spring of 2017. No stranger to the store are any of Johnston’s grandchildren (she’s a grandmother to four), or her beloved labrador Webster. With Johnston’s constant presence in the store, she can be found helping a customer to find the perfect bra as well as assisting in selecting someone’s bedding for their home.