Outside-In - Aptos, California

melloroach

Great gifts, horrible return policy. If you buy gifts there make sure you buy for only local people who can return within 14 days. Had the original gift receipt, I live 3 hours away and came up a few months later to return a hat AND repurchase a different item in the store and they refused to take it back.
I used to shop there all the time when I lived up there but, not no more!

Chris N.

I've found a lot of wonderful gifts here for friends and family over the years. The most reliable gifts are the candles, as they have a large and wonderful variety. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the staff is always friendly.

Regina C.

Came to Aptos this weekend and stopped here to do some shopping for my bday. The woman who greeted me was so friendly and helpful. There were so many beautiful things to see from home goods, jewelry, bags and clothing. They had some cozy sweaters and I was looking for something that was longer. The woman helped me find something that fit me and it was so nice to chat with her. She described each item, so I knew about shrinkage, washing, etc. I plan to come back for a girls trip this year and I'll definitely bring the girls here.

Jodi C.

Posting this here on Google because after I read on Yelp, that other Latina women felt the same way I did, I think it's important to share with the community. Every visit to Outside In, makes me feel horrible, as they follow me around like I'm going to steal something. It is clear they are not a fan of anyone that is slightly darker than them. Yes, I said it.

I recently went into Outside In, the day before Mother's Day and to my dismay, once again I received the worst customer service. It was busy, but not too busy that I couldn't have been greeted by the employee standing right next to me. Instead, I was ignored, while I browsed the jewelry table. I made a quick selection for my stepmom and walked up to the register to pay. It didn't take long for the young lady to ask if I was ready and I said yes, but she passed me on to an older woman, that looked like maybe she can be the manager or owner. She had darker, medium length hair and was about 5"3-5"6. Either way, I must've mentioned 3 times that it was gift, to which I received a snappy reply of "I'm sorry I couldn't hear you!". Granted, we are wearing masks and it was bustling in there, but I told her 3 times and to me, that means you are not actively listening. I asked for it to be wrapped and got a snappy reply once more that I had to pay a $1 for that service. No problem. They used to do some very cute wrap, with care and love. Not this time. This time, I got just a regular 'ol Outside In bag, with tissue and had it aggressively thrown at me, along with my receipt. Times are tough for everyone right now financially, as we all are trying to bounce back from COVID and where I spend my hard-earned money, is important to me. After this experience, I no longer can support this local business. Too many times here I have been ignored, followed in an inappropriate way and aggressively dismissed. Sad. They have a lot of great gifts here.

Debbie A. B.

Lovely store, beautiful merchandise, although a bit pricey. Something we bought less than a year ago has increased in cost by $15.... Yikes! Great store though if you need to buy a gift or two or three for someone. I would want someone to shop there for me! 😉

Bethany L.

Fantastic store and excellent customer service. A great stop for a housewarming gift.

Della M.

A very lovely gift store. Lots of unusual items. Certainly not inexpensive but quality goods. I enjoy shopping here for particular friends. Enjoy!

Jan

Sadly, after 20 yrs. of doing business here at 'Outside In,' in Aptos, CA, the relationship has ended.

On July 7, I went in to exchange the Rosy Ring Candle I had purchased, a few days before. The woman at the end of the counter (turned out to be the Manager of Outside In), was busy with paperwork, & did not acknowledge my presence at the counter, so I said, Hello, & she said Hello, but did not even look up at me, & went right back to her paper work. I waited a few minutes, then walked away looking at an item, then returned to the counter waiting, only to receive the same ignorance by the Manager. Finally a clerk walked up to assist me, & I heard the Manager thank the clerk for coming, because she "did not want to stop what she was doing." It turned out, of course, that my exchange required that the manager leave her beloved paperwork!, & assist me as she should have from the moment I arrived to the counter! The Manager immediately said, when I asked to exchange the over-fragranced candle for a lesser fragranced candle, that she would not do the exchange, because the candle had been unwrapped, & they could not resell it." So I said, oh, so it's all about satisfying Outside In's profit, & NOT in providing excellent customer service? I will never return to Outside In in Aptos, CA, for their lack of courtesy, professionalism, & great lack of customer service.