As Canada’s outdoor retail landscape faces contraction, MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) stands out as a rare exception by expanding its footprint, investing in its people, and strengthening its position as one of the country’s most trusted outdoor retailers. Under new Canadian ownership since May 2025, MEC continues to chart a path of steady growth through disciplined operations, innovative brand partnerships, and renewed community connection.
“Over the past five years, we’ve navigated one of the most volatile retail cycles in history,” said Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC, in an interview with Retail Insider. “Now, it finally feels like we’re in the most normal part of the cycle. And for us, that means leaning into growth again.”
MEC’s resurgence underlines how purpose-driven business and profitability can coexist in the Canadian retail environment. The company’s return to Canadian ownership earlier this year marked a symbolic and strategic reset. Acquired by a consortium of private Canadian investors led by Toronto-based entrepreneur and textile executive Tim Gu, the transition restored MEC to domestic hands after five years under U.S. ownership by Kingswood Capital Management.
Gu, who also chairs Unisync Corp., has emphasized the importance of restoring MEC’s Canadian identity and investing in local manufacturing through his apparel firm, E.star International Inc. “Our goal is to ensure MEC remains an essential part of Canada’s outdoor culture for generations,” Gu said at the time of the acquisition.
According to Hlynsky, Canadian consumers have responded enthusiastically to the change. “I think our timing was perfect,” he said. “The Canadian ownership message has a lot more meaning right now. Canadians are focused on buying locally, supporting homegrown brands, and reconnecting with what makes this country unique.”
He added that while ownership has changed, operations have not: “We’ve always been operated by Canadians. Our head office, our design and development teams, and all our stores are based here. What’s changed is the pride and resonance that comes from once again being 100 percent Canadian-owned.”
Strategic Store Expansion Across Canada
MEC continues to grow strategically. Its upcoming Nanaimo, British Columbia store, opening in December 2025, reflects careful market analysis and community alignment. “Nanaimo has been on our radar for years,” said Hlynsky. “The Island is an epicentre for the outdoors. You have mountains, ocean access, lakes, and climbing all within reach. It’s a natural fit for MEC.”
The new store will complement MEC’s successful Victoria location and expand access to Vancouver Island’s northern region.
In Quebec, MEC is relaunching its Laval store following a complete remerchandising and staffing upgrade. “That store was never given the proper assortment when it opened,” said Hlynsky. “We’ve transformed it into a premier store to reflect the Laval market’s potential. Customers will see new products, new energy, and a more robust service experience.”
The Laval renovation demonstrates MEC’s commitment to revitalizing existing assets alongside opening new ones. Hlynsky described the location as “a gateway to the outdoors, similar to what North Vancouver is to Vancouver,” citing its proximity to nature and strong suburban demographics.
Moving the Headquarters Above Vancouver Flagship
In a development shared exclusively with Retail Insider, Hlynsky confirmed that MEC will move its head office above its flagship Vancouver store at 111 East 2nd Avenue in Olympic Village early in 2026. The relocation will bring the company’s design, development, and operations teams together under one roof for the first time.
“It’s going to be fantastic to have our R&D centre right above the flagship,” said Hlynsky. “Designers will be able to go down to the sales floor, talk directly to members, and see how products perform in real time. It’s a perfect environment for collaboration.”
The flagship itself, which opened in 2020, is a 60,000-square-foot architectural showcase built to LEED Gold standards, featuring mass timber construction, rainwater harvesting, and one-third lower energy consumption than national code requirements. With its bouldering wall, gear rentals, and community programming, the store embodies MEC’s evolution as both retailer and cultural hub.
Strengthening Leadership and Expertise
The company’s growth is supported by new leadership talent. Industry veteran Paul Reid, formerly of Bootlegger, recently joined MEC as Senior Vice President of Operations. Reid brings 35 years of experience in scaling national retail brands.
“Paul has a long history of developing talent and driving operational excellence,” Hlynsky said. “Our focus is on ensuring that every member who walks into a store interacts with knowledgeable, passionate staff. That’s the MEC experience, and Paul’s leadership will help us elevate it even further.”
Hlynsky credited MEC’s success to its people: “Our staff are incredibly tenured. When consumers look for value, they go where they can get both great service and trusted expertise. That’s what keeps MEC strong through every cycle.”
Brand Partnerships and Product Innovation
MEC’s recent collaboration with Arc’teryx marks an important milestone in its product strategy. The partnership introduced six Arc’teryx shop-in-shops across the country, offering customers the opportunity to explore the brand’s full collection in one dedicated space.
“These shop-in-shops allow us to tell the full brand story,” Hlynsky explained. “Customers can see and compare the entire Arc’teryx line and understand how it integrates into their broader outdoor experience—whether it’s climbing, skiing, or backcountry camping.”
Hlynsky noted that the model could extend to other premium brands in the future, creating deeper, more educational in-store experiences. “It’s about connecting the gear to the lifestyle. Our members value innovation, and we want to showcase products that truly perform.”
The brand is also testing the return of MEC’s printed catalogue, a nostalgic nod to its co-op roots. “Members have been asking for it for years,” said Hlynsky. “This is our way of seeing if print still resonates. People are overloaded with digital information, and having something tangible they can flip through and share feels refreshing again.”
Omnichannel Strategy and Technology Integration
While e-commerce remains a key growth driver, MEC is taking a measured approach to digital transformation. Rather than chasing trends, it is focusing on meaningful integration between online and in-store experiences.
“Omnichannel gets used as a buzzword,” said Hlynsky, “but for us, it’s about merging the expertise of our staff with the convenience of online. We’re updating our website to better reflect what customers experience in-store, and we’re introducing new digital tools to enhance shopping on both sides.”
These tools include mobile tablets for store associates and interactive kiosks that allow members to compare products and check availability. “We don’t want to be overly technical,” Hlynsky said. “It’s about providing the right information in the right way. We’re modernizing without losing our organic, authentic feel.”
Reinvesting in People and Culture
When asked about MEC’s priorities heading into 2026, Hlynsky returned repeatedly to one theme: people. “Everything starts with having the best people,” he said. “We’re investing heavily in training and development because our in-store expertise is what sets us apart.”
He pointed to the company’s evolving merchandising strategy, which emphasizes both innovation and heritage. “Our MEC-label products continue to improve, and we’re introducing new designs that align with sustainability and Canadian conditions. At the same time, we’re keeping the core products our members have relied on for decades.”
Upcoming initiatives include new product launches in technical apparel and outdoor equipment categories. While Hlynsky remained tight-lipped on details, he confirmed that several innovations will debut in early 2026. “We have some pretty exciting projects in the pipeline,” he said. “It’s all about staying true to our roots while moving forward.”
MEC’s Broader Role in Canadian Outdoor Culture
Founded in 1971, MEC has been a cornerstone of Canada’s outdoor culture for over half a century. Once the nation’s largest consumer co-operative, the company’s 2020 restructuring and sale to U.S. ownership sparked widespread debate about its future. Five years later, the brand’s full-circle return to Canadian control marks a new chapter.
“MEC has always been an institution in Canada,” said Hlynsky. “We look back to understand what made us great, and we use those principles to guide us forward. Our approach might differ from others, but we’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and service.”
With a national network of stores averaging 20,000 square feet and strong online operations, MEC’s growth trajectory contrasts sharply with the retrenchment seen elsewhere in the sector. As global players like Decathlon and REI recalibrate, MEC is proving that locally rooted, community-oriented retail still has room to thrive.
Looking ahead, Hlynsky envisions a measured but optimistic expansion strategy. “We see a lot of white space in the Canadian market,” he said. “We’re not fixated on opening a specific number of stores each year. It’s about finding the right locations and continuing to build meaningful connections with our members.”
He added that MEC’s ongoing success reflects the enduring power of purpose-driven retail. “We’ve shown that you can be profitable while doing the right thing by your people, your customers, and your country. That’s the balance we’re proud of.”
