MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COMPANY TO OPEN LONG AWAITED STORE IN NANAIMO, BC Central Vancouver Island outdoor enthusiasts will soon have access to MEC’s expert staff, community events, and the best assortment of outdoor gear in Canada.
Vancouver, BC – October 9th, 2025 — Mountain Equipment Company (MEC), Canada’s leading outdoor specialty retailer, will open a new standalone store in Nanaimo this winter. Building on strong growth and renewed momentum since returning to Canadian ownership, the new 24,158 sq. ft. location at 2517 Bowen Road will showcase MEC at its best: an unmatched selection of outdoor brands and gear, a hub for local outdoor communities, and the country’s most passionate, knowledgeable staff.
With a growing population and a thriving outdoor culture, Nanaimo is a natural fit for MEC’s newest store. For years, residents and visitors to Vancouver Island have relied on MEC’s Victoria location to prepare for the trails, water, and snow . The new Nanaimo location will be perfectly positioned along the main travel corridor between ferry terminals and centrally located between northern and southern Vancouver Island.
“This summer brought strong momentum as Canadians stayed closer to home, fueling growth across our business,” says Peter Hlynsky, CEO of Canadian-owned 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”.
This will be MEC’s second standalone store on Vancouver Island and its 24th across Canada. The new location will feature:
- Expert advice from passionate, knowledgeable staff who live and breathe the outdoors.
- A robust calendar of community events, clinics, and workshops ranging from ski & bike maintenance to backpacking and camping tips.
- A deep assortment of the best outdoor gear and apparel available in Canada including new brand experiences with key vendors like Arc’teryx Shop-in-Shops
- A full-service bike shop and ski service area staffed by trained technicians
- A 580sqft bouldering room for testing climbing shoes
“At MEC, everything starts with serving our members,” adds Hlynsky. “Our staff lead 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.”
Recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and a top place to work in BC, MEC offers staff the opportunity to test gear in the field, deepen their expertise, and share that passion with members. Recruitment is now underway for a variety of roles, reflecting MEC’s ongoing growth and giving candidates the chance to join a workplace that inspires and invests in staff and their career development.
Save the date for the grand opening celebrations on December 13th & 14th with prizes, giveaways, brand activations and the ever popular “First Fifty”, where the first 50 people through the store each day of the celebration weekend receive a specially curated MEC Goodie bag!
Follow @mec for updates on the celebrations.
Media Contact: Jo Salamon Mountain Equipment Company jo.salamon@mec.ca
