Specialty outdoor retailer moving to larger, more visible location in London

MEC taking over existing space at 1051 Wellington Road to expand and improve its unique offering

VANCOUVER, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Outdoor enthusiasts across the region will soon have a better selection of gear, performance clothing, footwear and bicycles to choose from as the popular retail co-operative MEC is relocating its London store to a bigger space at 1051 Wellington Road.

Set to open in fall 2016, MEC's new store will have a broader and deeper assortment of quality products for budding and experienced backcountry and urban adventurers alike. It will remain in the same familiar area, situated less than a kilometre away from its present address at 1230 Wellington Road.

The 24,000-square-foot space was recently home to another retailer (Future Shop) and once refurbished, will be double the size of the co-op's current location.

"Our existing store in London – the second smallest in Canada – can only offer a limited range of products due to its size and layout," said MEC's CFO Sandy Treagus. "That's why we jumped at the opportunity to move into premises we believe are ideally suited to serve our growing membership base in and around the region."

The renewed MEC London will provide a wide variety of apparel and gear for activities such as running, hiking, climbing and camping. Cycling will occupy the single largest area in the retail space and seasonal activities like paddling and snowsports will also feature prominently.

MEC members will benefit from a full-service bike repair and ski-tech shop as well as an equipment rental program for boats, skis and camping gear. A community meeting room will be available for use by local outdoor clubs and environmental organizations.

MEC London store manager Marten Mann said, "With more than 80,000 members now locally, we are stoked at the prospect of bringing more great products and community services to enthusiasts. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in southwestern Ontario, and we are always keen to support people in their activities."

The completely refurbished building will incorporate key elements of MEC's renewed architectural brand, including a distinctive floating canopy to mark the store's entrance and wood-infused interiors to define the store and display merchandise.

As part of MEC's extensive green building program, the store will operate on renewable energy when it opens.

Construction at the Wellington Road site will begin in early May in anticipation of completion and opening this fall. Until then, MEC London will continue to operate from its location.

About MEC
Canada's leading outdoor retailer, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is passionate about inspiring and enabling everyone to lead active outdoor lifestyles. From city streets and yoga studios to backcountry trails and pristine waterways, MEC matches people with the expertise, experience, enthusiasm and gear they need for camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, running, yoga and fitness. Through our commitment to 1% for the Planet, every year member purchases allow us to donate one percent of sales ($3.4 million in 2015) to Canadian non-profit organizations that help conserve ecologically and recreationally important areas. MEC has over 4 million members across Canada. Become part of MEC with a $5 lifetime membership and visit us at our 18 stores, at www.mec.ca and our Shop MEC iPhone® app.

SOURCE Mountain Equipment Co-op

and to arrange an interview about or obtain a rendering of MEC's new London store, please contact: Scott Taber, Media Profile, [email protected], 416-342-1840; Andrew Sutherland, MEC Public Relations, [email protected], 778-320-4291 (mobile), 604-707-3304 (direct); Tim Southam, MEC Public Affairs, [email protected], 604-561-4528 (mobile), 604-707-4480 (direct)