With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to get outside and start exploring the great outdoors.
The new 35,000-square-foot MEC flagship location in Toronto is now open on Queen Street West.
Known as “Mountain Equipment Co-Op” to some, this relocated flagship is the first for the brand. Retail Insider reports that MEC’s Vancouver relocated flagship will open October.
“We’re honoured to join the vibrant and historic shopping community on Queen Street West,” said MEC Director of Store Development, George Bevan. “The new Toronto flagship will act as a hub for local residents, urban commuters and active people across the GTA, making it the place to start any adventure. By relocating to this highly accessible location, we are better able to serve our members, adding lasting value, vibrant in-store experiences and vitality through our services and programming.”
This two level mega store isn’t just the go-to spot for quality hiking gear. The new flagship will also serve as a community space, offering various events, member services, and spaces for local outdoor groups and organizations to reserve and use.
There’s also a community room that seats 12 people and will be used as a meeting space that’s available for use by local outdoor groups and environmental organizations.
MEC is also mindful of the environment and that includes making sure its stores are up to par with its beliefs.
MEC Queen Street uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral. Also, the wood elements seen throughout the store is all British Columbia pine.
Passionate about inclusivity, MEC Queen Street can be easily reached by foot, transit, bike, and car. There are also three levels of underground parking with spaces available for disabled parking.
MEC wants to make sure that everyone feels welcome in this space. There are fully accessible, universal change rooms on each floor as well as a gender neutral bathroom on the second floor.
There is also a land acknowledgement at the store’s main entrance that recognizes the Indigenous land that the building is located on.
In addition, there is an installation that highlights local Indigenous community partner, Outdoor Reconcili-Action.
The new space also features a 1,000-square-foot bouldering wall for in-store climbing and an open concept full service bike and ski repair shop.
MEC doesn’t want anyone to walk away feeling unsatisfied with their purchase. That’s why in-store, there are so many opportunities to test out whatever you’re thinking of buying.
If you’re not quite sure how your new potential footwear purchase will perform while you’re out on the trails, hop in the treadmill in-store and give it all you’ve got. You can even race face-to-face with a friend for a little friendly competition.
Think it couldn’t get any cooler? Prepare to be wowed by MEC’s virtual reality tent technology.
Upstairs, shoppers can use tablets that are programmed with virtual reality technology to virtually experience tents before purchasing. This technology was developed by Finger Food Studios, and it isn’t only seriously cool but it saves space in the store as tents can get pretty large.
It’s pretty safe to say that if you’re looking to spend the summer taking on some hiking and camping trips, then MEC is definitely the place to grab all the essentials!
Take a peek inside MEC Queen Street below.
All photos by StyleDemocracy
Articles You May Be Interested In:
Inside Unboxed Market: Toronto’s First Waste-Free Grocery Store
Inside Toronto’s New Japanese Lifestyle Store Where Everything Is Under $12
Take A Peek Inside The Endy Lodge, Endy’s First-Ever Retail Showroom
A Brand New Market Is Coming This Month To Downtown Toronto
Take A Peek Inside The Massive New Grocery Store At Yonge & Bloor