History

Coleen Campbell opened Dāva in 1981 as a futon/natural home furnishing store — the first of its kind in the state — in the Westville section of New Haven, Connecticut. She soon expanded to carry natural fiber clothing, sterling silver jewelry, and gifts.

The success of this change prompted the opening of Dāva East in 1984 on State Street in New Haven. Run by Coleen's husband, musician Pierce Campbell, Dāva East sold futons and home furnishings while Dāva became a true boutique, carrying a myriad of items.

In 1991, Coleen decided to consolidate the three stores and re-opened Dāva in Hamden, Connecticut in the historic Hamden Plaza. Eliminating futons, Coleen changed Dāva's focus to feature clothing, jewelry, bath and body care and gifts. Come see us in our current store at the Hamden Plaza between Hallmark and Payless Shoe Source.

Dāva has been voted Best Boutique in the New Haven Advocate's readers' poll for 19 years, and in previous years Dāva was voted Best Place To Buy A Futon, Best Craft Shop, Best Women's Clothing and and Best Place to buy a Unique Gift (2012).

The name Dāva comes from the Sanskrit word Deva (which was the store's original spelling), meaning "shining one". Coleen was inspired to choose this word as a name for the store after participating in a workshop with Dorothy Maclean.

Visit the product pages listed below to learn more about the products Dāva currently carries.