MEC
MEC, now Mountain Equipment Company and formerly Mountain Equipment Co-op, is a Vancouver-based Canadian outdoor retailer and brand. It sells outdoor clothing and equipment, including its own MEC-label products, through stores across Canada and online.
| Founded | 1971 as Mountain Equipment Co-op |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Stores | 21 in Canada |
| Ownership | Canadian investor group since 2025 |
| Website | mec.ca |
What is MEC?
MEC is a Canadian outdoor recreation retailer headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. It sells clothing, footwear and equipment for activities such as hiking, climbing, paddling, cycling and skiing, alongside its own MEC-branded products.
History
The business began in 1971 as Mountain Equipment Co-op, a member-owned consumer co-operative. In October 2020 its assets were acquired by the American private equity firm Kingswood Capital Management, and it continued as Mountain Equipment Company, keeping the MEC brand but no longer operating as a co-operative. In 2025 the company was sold to a group of Canadian investors, with Kingswood retaining a minority stake.
Products and positioning
- Outdoor clothing and outerwear
- Footwear
- Camping, climbing and paddling equipment
- Bikes and winter sports gear
Distribution
MEC operates 21 stores across Canada and sells online through mec.ca.
Why it matters
MEC's move from co-operative to investor ownership is one of the most discussed ownership changes in Canadian retail, and its own label remains a significant outdoor brand in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Is MEC still a co-op?
No. Mountain Equipment Co-op's assets were acquired in 2020 and the business now operates as Mountain Equipment Company under the MEC brand.
Who owns MEC?
In 2025 MEC was sold to a group of Canadian investors, with Kingswood Capital Management keeping a minority stake.