Redesigned mec.ca enhances users' online experience

Fresh look and feel, other enhancements greet outdoor enthusiasts

VANCOUVER, May 5 /CNW/ - Mountain Equipment Co-op(TM) (MEC), Canada's leading outdoor retailer, has unveiled its redesigned website, www.mec.ca. In addition to a fresh look and feel, the redesign makes it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to access the breadth of product and other content that is available on the site.

"Whether they buy on line or in-store, we know our members use mec.ca to inform their purchasing decisions and to plan their outdoor activities," said Nathalie Baudoin, MEC's senior manager of communication and marketing. "The overriding goal of the website redesign is to further our e-commerce success while improving non-product information."

The redesign also responds to new computer hardware that more people are using. For example, larger display screens mean that more space is available for imagery and other content. The redesign capitalizes on this by incorporating large outdoor imagery on both the home page and sectional landing pages.

"We are continually looking for ways to improve mec.ca, and the redesign gives us a flexible platform on which to add new features over time," said MEC web marketing manager George Weetman. "Members will benefit from a richer online experience, and with it MEC benefits from harnessing the sales potential that comes in train."

MEC's website has consistently shown same-store sales growth, a key retail indicator, for several years running. In 2009, MEC's online sales increased 25.5 per cent over 2008. This corresponds with an increase of almost 2.5 million more visits to mec.ca over the year, from 10.3 million in 2008 to 12.7 million in 2009.

Based on extensive consultation with MEC's web development and web marketing teams, the redesign was provided by OpenRoad Communications, a Vancouver software development firm.

MEC's website was last redesigned in February 2006.

MEC is Canada's leading retailer of outdoor clothing and equipment, providing quality products and services for activities like hiking, cycling, and paddlesports. Established in 1971, MEC operates 13 destination stores in central locations across Canada as well as mail and web-order services. More information about MEC is available at www.mec.ca.

For further information: Tim Southam, Public Affairs Manager, [phone] (direct), [phone] (mobile), [email protected]