The Co-op's first location in Saskatchewan will bring MEC closer to more members in the Prairie region

VANCOUVER, Nov. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - MEC will open a new 20,000 square-foot store in Saskatoon in spring 2020, the Co-op's first retail location in Saskatchewan. Centrally situated at Midtown shopping centre, the store will be easily accessible for people travelling to the city from the north or south via Highway 11, to the west via Highway 14 and to the east via Highway 5.

"MEC's new store in the heart of Saskatoon will support our 60,000 existing members in the province and encourage new ones to join the fold," said MEC CEO David Labistour. "Saskatoon is the province's gateway city to outdoor recreation – our new store will bring our product selection, programs and services to more members and be closer to where they live, work and play."

MEC's new Saskatoon store will be a community hub, hosting classes, clinics and meet-ups to help and encourage more people to get outside and active. The programs will include weekly running meet-ups and in-store clinics to cover topics such as backpacking, navigating with map and compass and electronic navigation, as well as DIY bike repairs. An open-concept bike and ski shop will provide full-service maintenance and repairs, as well as bike fitting and ski boot fitting services. A full range of rental gear will also be available at the location.

Saskatchewan members can expect to see a strong offering of technical outdoor gear for camping, hiking, paddlesports and snowsports; an extensive array of apparel for cycling, running, fitness, climbing and yoga as well as footwear, outerwear, kids' clothing and casual clothing for today's outdoor lifestyles. An industry leader in product sustainability, MEC carries over 1,300 environmentally-preferred products (PVC-free, or at least 50% recycled, organic cotton, or bluesign-approved content) and more than 90 Fair-Trade Certified styles.

Construction on the new store is slated to begin in fall 2019. The space will be created as part of Midtown's major redevelopment project by Cushman & Wakefield Asset Services. The store will integrate MEC's green building standard and distinctive store design, including a timber canopy over the entrance, full height curtain wall glazing, and a new interior mall architectural treatment that will be first of its kind for the Co-op.

"We are thrilled to welcome MEC to Saskatoon and anticipate that people from all over the province will be excited to shop at the new store in 2020," said Terry Napper, Regional Manager Saskatchewan, Cushman & Wakefield Asset Services.

The new Saskatoon store – the Co-op's 25th in Canada – will provide approximately 50 jobs within the region. As part MEC's nationwide community investment program, MEC has already donated approximately $190,000 to local initiatives and has supported over 30 projects in Saskatchewan over the past ten years. This investment includes $167,000 in grants and partnerships to conservation projects, such as CPAWS, Nature Saskatchewan, Nature Conservancy of Canada, The Prairie Conservation Action Plan and Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

About MEC

MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is Canada's go-to place for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration. Combining high-quality apparel and equipment with expert advice and firsthand experience, MEC supports a wide range of activities including camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, running, yoga and travel. Established in 1971, MEC is Canada's largest consumer co-operative with over 5 million members across the country. A lifetime membership is available for $5. A strong backer of community initiatives, MEC has invested over $41 million and counting into non-profit organizations that support outdoor recreation and conservation. For more information, visit www.mec.ca and follow @mec, or visit one of our 23 stores nationwide.

SOURCE MEC

For further information: and to obtain high-resolution renderings of the MEC Saskatoon store, please contact: Press Contact, Kathleen McDonald, MEC Account Executive at NKPR, [email protected], 416-365-3630, ext. 252; Caitie Lawrence, Cushman & Wakefield Account Executive at PRESS + POST, [email protected], 587-998-6879