Don Me Now is bringing a bubbly bar to its new Channel District store

A Tampa women's boutique known for pairing its shopping experience with Champagne plans to relocate in a bigger — and bubblier — way.

After almost five years in business at Hyde Park Village, Don Me Now, which closed in late August, will reopen in the Channel District next month as Don Me Now featuring Bubbly Bartique. The new boutique, a hybrid version of Don Me Now at 1211 E. Kennedy Blvd., still allows customers to shop, schedule one-on-one styling consultations and book private parties, but with the added bonus of an in-house bar brimming with sparklers.

"This comes at a time when the mall is dying," said Don Me Now owner Danielle Evans. "We see a lot of these major corporate retail stores going under because clients want more. They want something in addition to just going shopping. They want an experience. So as retailers, we have to shake it up. We want to give them something fun."

The 1,000-square-foot store is one of four retail concepts below the luxury Fitzgerald apartments. With a space that has an Old Hollywood-meets-mid-century modern feel, Danielle, alongside her husband Graham, is excited to join the growing Channelside community.

"It's the same as when we moved into Hyde Park," she said. "About five years ago, there wasn't a lot going on. We came in at a time when [the area] was being bought up, and we went through that process with them. I know that, going into the Channelside district, we're getting ready to go into a lot of construction, but it's such an exciting time over there. I think the whole vibe of this urban community is trending right now, and we couldn't be more excited to be part of that."

While a majority of the focus will remain on the shopping, the bartique side is set to offer an extensive drink menu driven by cava, prosecco, brut, rosé and cocktails. The couple also expects to partner with other local businesses to provide snacks, including rosé cupcakes from Tampa's Bake'n Babes.

Yes, the owners are specializing in a beverage that some folks tend to reserve for the most special of occasions. But Danielle says it won't be a stuffy establishment.

"People sometimes have a stereotype that is associated with Champagne," she said. "Smelling something before you drink it is not really who we are. We love to learn about new Champagne, and we love a moderate pricing on the retail side. So expect something that is fun, exciting, sexy and glamorous, but still very relaxed."

The store portion of Don Me Now featuring Bubbly Bartique is slated to open by mid-November, followed by the bar later in the month. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

This article appears in Oct 19-26, 2017.