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.

Dāva has thrived in that location for the past 14 years; however, due to changes in the Hamden Plaza, Dāva moved in November 2005 to a more intimate space between Hallmark and Payless Shoe Source.

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.

Dāva has been voted Best Boutique in the New Haven Advocate's readers' poll for the past 13 years, and in previous years Dāva was voted Best Place To Buy A Futon, Best Craft Shop and Best Women's Clothing.

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