I meant to post this a while ago but apparently I forgot. They've had this sale for a few months now, and there wasn't that much left when I went last month. Some tens and packs and other stuff, but they're definitely getting low on supply. 

The staff told me they're not for sure closing their doors, but they're definitely downsizing. They hope to stay open, but in a smaller space, but nothing is confirmed yet.

If it's the end for them it will be sad to see them go, it's right around the corner from me and it's my go-to place to pick stuff up... good prices and helpful staff.

MEC has always been my 'go-to' store for most of my gear, but they have, for me at least, some holes in what they carry. I used to go to LeBaron to fill those gaps, but they went out of a business last year. Sad to see the options keep dwindling. 

Sorry to hear about Tent City. I usually make a point of going in there when I am in the area - not so often these days as I no longer work in Brampton.

My pet peeve about MEC is that it is so frigging expensive. I mean, isn't the primary purpose of a co-op to lower purchasing costs?

Last edited by Algonquintripper (4/30/2017 6:36 pm)

As a rule MEC doesn't carry junk, so their cheapest option for product x (say, headlamps) will be higher than almost anywhere else. That said, over the years I feel as though I've noticed an increase in pricing on specific items as compared to other retailers. In the past MEC usually undercut other retailers on same Brand/Model items (co-op buying power). But since internet retailing has exploded in the last decade or so, reputable brands have had to come up with ways to protect their dealers (specifically brick and mortar). Many companies have instituted Minimum Pricing rules, which prohibit a retailer from selling a product below a certain price. This protects all retailers from a race-to-the-bottom WRT pricing, and assures everyone a "fair" margin for retailing the product. I expect most of the brands that MEC carries have some form of a minimum pricing policy. These days it seems that MEC's pricing is generally equal to other retailers. I used to work in the bicycle industry and this was a huge issue as online retailers gained traction.

On top of that, in my opinion MEC's house brand used to be less expensive than an equivalent independent brand's product, while offering about the same quality in many cases. Or at least sufficient for the price. These days I feel that their house brand usually costs at least the same as the other established brands, while not offering nearly the same quality or workmanship as in the past. That has been a disappointing change. But otherwise if you have a specific product in mind, I still haven't come across many cases where MEC isn't the cheapest, or equal in pricing, while offering excellent shipping rates and the best (to a fault) return policy.

I've picked up the occasional piece of gear at SAIL. The stores are big and they carry lots of quality equipment. Their website I find a bit of a mess - it can be hard to find what you're looking for. 

I just went into the new North York MEC for the first time yesterday. The most shocking change from the downtown location was that it was virtually empty of people. Granted I was there at 9 AM on a Sunday, but at that same time the King street store would already have 50+ people in it. 

I too am from the London area. Love MEC but often can't afford it. Amazon and other online retailers are my go to now, with MEC, Atmosphere or Sail (if I happen to be in Cambridge or GTA) for last minute stuff or sale items.

 

spicol wrote:

I too am from the London area. Love MEC but often can't afford it. Amazon and other online retailers are my go to now, with MEC, Atmosphere or Sail (if I happen to be in Cambridge or GTA) for last minute stuff or sale items.

 

I have had great experiences with Altitude-Sports, their membership is well worth it. The returns really are free and most importantly EASY. In addition they have frequent sales of 20% or more off of many items.
 

+ 1 on Altitude-Sports always running at least a 20% off sale and membership gives you an extra 5% so rare not to get at least 25% off. Free very fast shipping over $50. 

Last edited by ShawnD (5/10/2017 8:49 am)