A collapsible and retractable step apparatus having first and second steps is provided. The steps are extendable from, and used in combination with, a shelf that resides a vertical distance above a floor. A support and suspension leg unit is free at a first end thereof and is rotationally secured at a second end thereof to the second step. The leg unit is also rotationally secured to the first step at a location between the first and second ends of the leg unit. The leg unit positions and supports the first and second steps in a first configuration in which the first and second steps are positioned along with the leg unit in a substantially contiguous plane. The leg unit is rotatable about the location between the first and second ends of the leg unit to a second configuration in which the leg unit is in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the floor. In the second configuration, the first or free end of the leg unit rests on the floor such that the leg unit supports the first step. The second end of the leg unit suspends the second step above the first step. The second step is rotatable about the second end of the leg unit such that the leg unit supports the second step substantially parallel to the first step. A mounting unit is secured with respect to the shelf for operatively receiving the first and second steps along with the leg unit in the first configuration. The mounting unit also supports the first step in the second configuration.