Inside MEC’s Newest Store Location [Photos]

Craig Patterson
Craig Patterson
Now located in Toronto, Craig is a retail analyst and consultant at the Retail Council of Canada. He's also the Director of Applied Research at the University of Alberta School of Retailing in Edmonton. He has studied the Canadian retail landscape for the past 25 years and he holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws Degrees. He is also President & CEO of Vancouver-based Retail Insider Media Ltd.

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Photo:  Robb Thompson .Photo:  Robb Thompson .

Photo: Robb Thompson.

Canadian outdoor consumer cooperative MEC has opened its newest location in Kelowna, British Columbia. The store features bright interiors and unique features such as a massive wood overhead canopy, and carries a wide assortment of product categories. 

The 20,000 square foot store is centrally located at Orchard Plaza (Unit 100-1876 Cooper Road) and features products for climbing, biking, running, camping, fitness, yoga, paddlesports and snowsports. The store also features a full-service bike and ski shop, a bike fitting station, equipment rentals, a community room as well as gear, clothing and footwear for all manner of outdoor activities.

The Kelowna store is the 18th for MEC, which is headquartered out of Vancouver. High industrial-style ceilings and light characterize the airy space. All of the store’s wood and metal fixtures (with a focus on sustainable/natural materials) were manufactured by Vancouver-based Peregrine, including tables, benches featuring powder coated metal, a Canadian maple plywood canoe rack, and the massive overhead ceiling canopy that welcomes shoppers into the store. 


Click above for interactive Google MapClick above for interactive Google Map

Click above for interactive Google Map

MEC is in the process of expanding its Canadian store base, both by building new stores as well as replacing existing locations. Yesterday, we reported that MEC would open a replacement store in London, Ontario, and the company is in the process of opening new stores in Laval Quebec, Toronto, and a second location in Edmonton. 

The Kelowna store is holding its public grand opening event on Saturday, April 23, featuring a ‘bike battle’, DJs, prizes and snacks. 

All photos are by Robb Thompson Photography, and were supplied by MEC.


Windows at the store's entrance feature bright natural light, welcoming shoppers into the store. Cycling merchandise is on display in the front of the store, with LVL wood beem canopy in the distance.Windows at the store's entrance feature bright natural light, welcoming shoppers into the store. Cycling merchandise is on display in the front of the store, with LVL wood beem canopy in the distance.

Windows at the store’s entrance feature bright natural light, welcoming shoppers into the store. Cycling merchandise is on display in the front of the store, with LVL wood beem canopy in the distance.


Displays at the entrance to the store feature athletic wear as well as a wood 'canoe rack' in Canadian maple plywood. Displays at the entrance to the store feature athletic wear as well as a wood 'canoe rack' in Canadian maple plywood. 

Displays at the entrance to the store feature athletic wear as well as a wood ‘canoe rack’ in Canadian maple plywood. 


Canoe rack closeup. Canoe rack closeup. 

Canoe rack closeup. 


Colourful powder coated metal trim with wood benches are found throughout the store, all built by  Peregrine . Colourful powder coated metal trim with wood benches are found throughout the store, all built by  Peregrine . 

Colourful powder coated metal trim with wood benches are found throughout the store, all built by Peregrine


Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: April 22, 2016



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