By Ryan Hecht, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director
Outside the Box offers a wide range of gifts and decor for the home and garden in addition to other specialty items curated by owners Dorn Nienaber and Chris Spears. The Olde Town Arvada shop opened in 2022 and expanded into another nearby storefront, Outside the Box Too!, in April. In just two short years, the Outside the Box staff has also expanded to six.
Reflecting on the store’s rapid growth, Chris remembers that not long ago, Outside the Box began as a home-based business.
“We started in 2016 with a website and using our garage for storage, attending various shows and doing popups,” said Chris. “In 2018 we started a booth in a vendor mall and by 2020 we were in five vendor malls. That led to the next step, which was our own brick and mortar. Fate led us to Arvada: we answered an online ad, viewed the property, and the rest is history.”
What is unique about Outside the Box?
Chris: We offer exceptional customer service and a wide variety of products in a fun, festive shopping atmosphere!
What can customers expect to find for holiday gifts at Outside the Box?
Chris: We try very hard to not only offer customers a wide variety of product, but also, a wide range of price points. We put a lot of emphasis on stocking stuffers this year, so you will find dozens of fun, unique items in the $5-15 range. There are many more in the $10-25 category. If you like a good ornament, we have you covered, with a dozen trees spread out between the two stores that are decorated and ready to shop! We always offer complimentary gift bags (as long as what you are buying fits inside) to make your gift buying adventure a one-stop shop.
How did you get started in retail?
Chris: We have both work in retail since high school. We love the entire process, from picking the merchandise to arranging the store, and of course, interacting with our customers!
Dorn: My career spans over thirty years in luxury retail in Denver, having worked at such stores as Tiffany & Co. and Burberry, to name a few. I’ve always had a passion for retail and the freedom of having my own store allows me to experiment with new products and innovative ways to merchandise and display them. My backround in both sales and operations in the luxury retail sector gives me a unique perspective that sets our store apart from the rest.
Editor’s note: As if he isn’t busy enough, Chris also teaches Intro to Meteorology at MSU Denver and recently returned as an on-air meteorologist at 9News.
What are some misconceptions about your work?
Chris: That you just open the door and watch the magic happen. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make it all come together!
Dorn: People tend to think of the retail industry as one that people settle for. I believe that’s why shops come and go. Most of us have a real passion for what we do and it shows in how we interact with customers and the kind of products we offer.
What notable changes have occurred in your industry since you started or even recently?
Dorn: I would say that supply chain issues have been a minor stumbling block in the last few years, but that’s where you innovate and find other solutions that benefit your business. If one door closes, you have to continue on to one that opens for you. That’s part of the fun of owning your own business. It’s so much easier to react to challenges and trends when you have your own business.
What advice would you give a new business or entrepreneur in Arvada?
Dorn: I would say to anyone contemplating opening a new business is that you have a passion for the service you provide or the product that you offer. Know who offers similar services or products and differentiate yourself from them. Be willing to take advice from those that offer it and, above all, have fun! Your customers will definitely feel the vibe of a place that is fun to visit!
Have you formed any partnerships with other Olde Town businesses?
Chris: Over the summer, we worked with Adi Luna to try and send each other customers by featuring product in each other’s store. We keep in regular contact with the gals down at Ramah, not only because they have become great friends, but we communicate often about what product we are carrying, so that we compliment each other, while not duplicating items. Recently, in an effort to get to know our neighbors better and to help promote our two newest stores on the block, we organized a Girls Night/Shop The Block event which is coming up on December 12. All the stores on our block will stay open late that night to provide additional hours of holiday shopping.
What have you learned about the people or Arvada?
Dorn: The business community in Arvada is a very close-kinit and supportive community. Indeed, the general community in Arvada is very supportive.
Chris: The people of Arvada love to support Olde Town!
Outside The Box
outsidetheboxdecor.net
5760 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. #A, Arvada, CO
(303) 423-0076
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