New MEC Locations Across Canada
Mountain Equipment Co-op is busy working on new stores across Canada. One nice thing to see is that each of the buildings have LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in mind with green designs.
MEC Vancouver
MEC Vancouver is getting a new flagship store in Olympic Village that would open mid-2018. This three story, 60,000 square-foot location will replace the 130 West Broadway location that has been open since 1995. This location will comprise of a two level 45,000-square-foot retail store, and a mix of MEC office space, sublease spaces, and a community space on the third floor.
“Relocating MEC Vancouver nearby our existing location boils down to having a bigger, better and more accessible store to serve our 400,000-plus members who live in the Greater Vancouver Region,” said CEO David Labistour. “Now is also an opportune time to plan the move as the end our existing lease is in sight.”
MEC Toronto
The second Toronto, Ontario location at North York is well underway (and set to open in 2016), but the latest news is that the original location will be moving to 302 Queen Street West. Pending approval from the City of Toronto, the new two storey location will offer 40,000 square-feet and would open in 2018.
MEC Kelowna
Kelowna is getting their first MEC location in the Spring of 2016. This 20,000-square-foot location will be located in the Orchard Plaza Shopping Centre to serve the Okanagan. It will feature a full-service shop for bike and ski repairs as well as bicycle fitting and an equipment rentals program. The store’s product assortment will be tailored to regional activities and member preferences.
“As many of our staff can attest, the Okanagan offers almost limitless opportunities to be active outdoors,” said MEC CEO David Labistour. “We’re thrilled at the prospect of being able to serve existing and new MEC members from a landmark commercial location in the heart of Kelowna.”
MEC Edmonton
MEC Edmonton which currently is located at 102 Avenue NW is headed to the Edmonton Brewery District opening Spring 2017. The new two-storey 38,000-square-foot location will be more accessible.
“We’ve outgrown our existing space and have been planning to relocate the store for several years,” said MEC CFO Sandy Treagus. “We seized the opportunity to relocate MEC Edmonton to the Brewery District, as it allows us to remain in the core and to be an integral part of a vibrant mixed-use urban development.”
Update: March 23rd, 2016 - MEC is going to set up shop in a second location in Edmonton which will open Fall of 2016 (and before the other store moves). This 35,000-square-foot location will be at the South Edmonton Common. The store will feature extensive use of wood inside and out, including a distinctive canopy over the front entrance that is supported by timber columns, and materials that evoke the northern Alberta landscape.
We take a long-term view of store developments and are confident Edmontonians will embrace a second MEC store,” said Treagus. Day-in and day-out MEC enables and inspires people to be active in the outdoors, and the allure, satisfaction and health benefits of our activities will continue to endure.”
