By Danny Atkinson
Voice Writer
When potential customers approach the entrance to Curious Goods New Age Shop, they cannot imagine the spectacle of what is inside. A person with only basic knowledge of New Age products like crystals and tarot cards will be surprised by the range of items in every corner of Curious Goods. Each section immediately captures your eye, with the beautiful crystals and gemstones and large variety of books being particularly striking.
Curious Goods has been located on Campbell Avenue since its founding in 1989 by Sambina West, who remains the owner today. When it opened 37 years ago in a tiny space next to its current location, it was the only business in the state that exclusively sold New Age products. It remains arguably the most popular and well-known one that does so in Connecticut. The store expanded in 2013 and is now 4 to 5 times bigger than at its opening.
West first became interested in New Age products through her parents. Her father owned a shop called Head West on Cambell Avenue that sold incense, candles, and a small amount of other New Age items, and her mother was interested in them as well. As West became older her interest in New Age products and subjects continued to increase, particularly in crystals, which are argued to have healing powers.
West was inspired to open Curious Goods after discovering through research that there weren’t any stores in Connecticut that specialized in selling these products.
“There weren’t any stores or an Internet presence to get people interested in and to sell New Age products (in the late 1980’s),” Sambina said. “Through research I found some wholesale companies that offered products and explained how I could order them. I figured if I had a need for it other people did too.”
Upon opening in 1989, Curious Goods specialized in selling crystals. The shop was able to attract an immediate customer base, as interest in crystals and beliefs in their healing and spiritual benefits was becoming more popular. West immediately sold books about various New Age topics like crystals and tarot cards as well.
As Curious Goods began receiving more customers, West realized from talking to them that people were especially interested in discussing psychic experiences and holistic healing. The store embraced that interest by beginning to hold classes about these subjects and related ones roughly 35 years ago, led by teachers and authors. Classes and events about various New Age subjects and cultures have been continuously held since and drawn strong attendance.
Crystals remain Curious Goods most popular product. West said she has more than 350 crystals on display at the store. The colorful collections of individual crystals have index cards identifying the crystal’s name and with descriptions of its unique characteristics. For example, the labradorite crystal is described as having high vibrations and connecting to the entire cosmos, while the sodalite crystal is described as bringing emotional balance and promoting rational thought.
Curious Goods has always had a large book collection, but West increased its size in recent years and added more used and rare books to it. The book collection covers a huge range of topics, from simple ones like crystals and mediation to more unusual topics like hypnosis and pagan religions such as Wicca.
Other well-selling products include jewelry, gemstones and incense. An example of jewelry is a bracelet made of tiny gemstones. Curious Goods also has various herbs and spices, candles, lamps and dream catchers.
West’s two brothers also work at Curious Goods, and her daughter Giverny works there in the summer. Curious Goods has eight part-time staffers and three tarot card readers. West described it as a family business.
West discussed the multiple classes Curious Goods is hosting right now as well as other classes and talks it hosts occasionally.
“We have a tea leaf and coffee ground reading class coming up that we offer once every two years. It’s fun because everyone can do the readings themselves and then bring the skill home and show it to others,” she said. “We have regular raki classes and occasional classes for tarot card reading, meditation, and other forms of healing. Finally, in October we have an author hosting a talk on protection magic and a median who speaks to the dead for people each Halloween.”
West said social media has helped raise awareness of Curious Goods in the area and increased its popularity. The store has 22,000 followers on Facebook, which the staff uses to constantly promote store sales and the arrival of new products. Curious Goods also has an Instagram page and occasionally posts videos on TikTok.
West described Curious Goods as a place where everyone is welcome. She said the customer base skews female and between the ae of 25-50 but that the store has customers from all walks of life. West believes customers are especially interested in New Age products from around the world.
West said the regular customers at Curious Goods are attracted to the store and buy certain products for multiple reasons. She named a person going through personal issues who buys a gemstone to improve their mood as an example of a regular customer. While some people immediately know what they want, West said other customers ask questions and look for recommendations.
West’s daughter, who was working at the cash register when the author visited, said that she valued the diversity of the customers and the staff’s relationship with them.
“I really like the customers,” Giverny said. “This space is a good community, and it brings a lot of people together. I like the store’s welcoming culture and how the customers try and help one another out.”
An unnamed female customer who was visiting Curious Goods for the second time discussed why she had first visited the store.
“I was just looking for a place where I could pick up some crystals and items could cleanse my space. I wanted to visit somewhere where I could get my feet wet into aspects of spirituality,” she said. “I realized when I first came in, they had everything (you could want) in stock compared to other spiritual stores. I decided to come back and visit with a friend.”
The woman was buying crystals during our conversation. She appreciated the variety of crystals on display and that there were descriptions for each one on display, as “other crystal stores I’ve visited require you to know exactly what you’re getting.” She was also getting multiple types of incense and colored candles. The woman believed she could become a regular customer at Curious Goods.
When West was asked what the mission of Curious Goods New Age Shop was, she gave a clear and heartfelt answer.
“My goal is always to just get the best items for the customers that will help their journey through life. Everyone’s spiritual path is different, and hopefully I help people on their path.”
Giverny echoed her mother’s statement.
“I think the mission is to just bring good energy and vibes to people’s lives and be able to help them get good feelings from stones and products.”
If West wants her store to provide items that give people help on their spiritual journey, then the customer I spoke to confirmed Curious Goods is fulfilling that duty.
“I like that this is a multicultural space that embraces different forms of spirituality and where people can become more educated on the spiritual practice of their own culture. It’s great that there is a store in this area where someone can come in with any level of expertise in spirituality and learn something new,” the customer said.