Click here or scroll down for masking requirements!
Here’s some information on what to expect accessibility-wise when you visit Outsider in person:
Mobility: There are no steps or stairs to climb to enter the store. The inside of the store has aisles at least 3 ft wide (generally wider if space allows). If more space is needed for access, all shelving units on the shop floor can be moved by the staff to create extra room. Please don’t hesitate to ask us to move something if it’s in your way! Most adults in wheelchairs can access all but the top two shelves of our wall-mounted bookshelves without standing, and our staff is happy to help you access any item that may be out of your reach.
Animals: Two cats live in the store, however they are in a separate back room and not on the shop floor during most times, though allergens may still be present.
Sensory (Scent): We do not sell candles or other scented products.
Sensory (Sound): We generally play some background music or video in the store and there is white noise from our HVAC units, our heaters, and our air purifier. Feel free to wear headphones and/or a hoodie in the shop if you feel overwhelmed! We can also turn down the music or other media by request unless it is part of an event, though for health and safety we need to keep the HVAC, heaters, and air purifier on at all times.
Communication: If you do not want to communicate with our staff verbally for any reason, we have a clipboard with non-verbal communication sheets and pens by the door. The sheets include ways to ask for the location of an item and recommendations. It also includes check-out questions such as “would you like a bag?” so you can prepare for / pre-answer them before checkout. If you’d like to take a look at the sheets before coming in, you can find them here.
COVID and Other Pandemic Precautions
Masking (General): We currently require masks to be worn by all staff and customers above the age of 3 to wear masks in the store. Masks are provided (included kid sized ones!) but we appreciate it if you bring your own—partially because out budget only allows us to provide low cost surgical masks and KN95s that may not be well fitting.
Mask Removal for Drinks / Etc: We ask that you do not remove your masks in the store for any reason. We have a covered area outside the front door if you need a drink of water or a snack. Please use your PIN to unlock your phones instead of using facial recognition.
Air Filters: We have a CR box (high efficiency air purifier) running at our entrance (where people are least likely to be masked) at all times. We also have two extra HEPA air purifiers in our meeting room / event space that is on whenever an event is happening in the room. Alll air purifiers are rated for spaces larger than the ones they are in.
CO2 Levels: our staff actively monitors the CO2 level in the store to activate additional ventilation when needed.
Sanitizing: Hand sanitizer is available at the door. For logistics and staffing reasons we are currently not sanitizing surfaces after every customer used them.