Abstract: A portable retractable barrier apparatus may comprise a primary standard and a secondary standard for positioning on a ground surface. Each standard may include a base portion with the base portion of at least one of the standards having a slot, and a post portion mounted on the base portion. A barrier may have a first end mounted on the primary standard and a second end mounted on the secondary standard. A retraction structure may be configured to retract the barrier with respect to the primary standard and may include a spool with the barrier at least partially wrapped about the spool. The slot in the base portion of one standard being configured to receive the post portion of the other standard so that the base portion of said at least one standard is restable upon the base portion of said other standard.