Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) recently opened a new store in Nanaimo, its second on Vancouver Island and 24th overall.
The Canadian retail chain said the 24,158-square-foot space, at 2517 Bowen Road, is intended to capitalize on “strong growth and renewed momentum since returning to Canadian ownership.”
“This summer brought strong momentum as Canadians stayed closer to home, fueling growth across our business,” said Peter Hlynsky, CEO, MEC. “Over the past year, we’ve invested in what sets us apart: expert staff, a best-in-class assortment of outdoor brands and deep community roots. Our new Nanaimo store reflects that strategy, opening in places with hyper-engaged outdoor communities we can support. Like all MEC locations, it will serve as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts while proactively connecting with and supporting the local outdoor community.”
The store includes a full-service bike shop, a ski service area, and a 580-square-foot bouldering room for testing climbing shoes. Community events, clinics, and workshops will be held year-round, covering ski and bike maintenance to backpacking and camping tips.
“At MEC, everything starts with serving our members,” adds Hlynsky. “Our staff leads with expertise, whether it’s advice on the right gear or sharing local trail knowledge, and that experience keeps people coming back. When customers feel supported, it strengthens the outdoor community, and our new Nanaimo store will be a place where those connections thrive.”
In March 2025, MEC was acquired by a group of Canadian investors led by Tim Gu, a Canadian retailer. Gu is the chairman of Unisync Corp., a publicly traded Canadian uniform and workwear company, and an investor in Canadian heritage brands including Tilley and Roots. In 2020, the retailer was sold to U.S.-based Kingswood Capital Management after facing financial difficulties, leading to the dissolution of its original co-operative form.
Image courtesy MEC
