Biking, running, yoga and greater emphasis on fashion and fitness distinguish MEC's 2012 products
VANCOUVER, March 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Iconic Canadian retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is expanding its product focus to become the preeminent resource and retail destination for Canadians who love being active.
More than 1,400 new products are being introduced this year, representing the largest inventory introduction MEC has ever undertaken. This expansion is based on extensive MEC customer research and will see a new emphasis on running, cycling, yoga clothing and camping gear. Customers will also see an increased focus on fashion, fit and colour in the new products that will extend to the backcountry gear for which MEC has built its reputation.
"Our customers may be rock climbing or mountain biking on weekends. They're also running and doing yoga during the week to stay fit," said MEC CEO David Labistour. "People who shop at MEC are living life to the fullest in the backwoods and in the city and we're excited to offer them a one-stop-destination for all their activities."
The company's expanded focus is designed to reflect the lifestyle of MEC customers, 71 per cent of whom live in urban centers and are as active close to home as they are elsewhere. MEC customer research has revealed double digit increases in the past two years in members who report running and biking regularly in the Victoria, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City markets.
No other Canadian retailer offers the range of Canadian-designed and developed products that MEC does and which currently represent 42 per cent of sales. Product development team members in Vancouver actively participate in the categories for which they design and buy products. All products are field tested by employees and professional field testers to ensure that they are of the highest quality and ideally suited to the Canadian environment and activities.
A wide range of leading brands are also carried so that customers have the widest range of specialized clothing and gear from which to choose. Examples of some of the new brand names customers will see at MEC this year include Ghost bikes, New Balance, Nike, Vibram and Castelli.
Please see MEC's 2012 product highlights for a more comprehensive snapshot of the year's new products.
About MEC
Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada's leading retailer of clothing, gear, and services for active lifestyles, including climbing, hiking, cycling, running, camping, paddlesports, yoga and fitness. MEC has more than 3.5 million members throughout Canada, whom it serves through 15 destination stores in six provinces as well as mec.ca. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, MEC is a member of 1% For The Planet and supports various outdoor recreation and environmental initiatives through its community grants program. Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op, by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. More information about MEC is available at www.mec.ca.
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