MEC Vancouver image

MEC Vancouver

Clothing store Sporting goods store Sportswear store Bicycle store Outdoor sports store Camping store Bicycle repair shop Ski store Running store Sports equipment rental service

One of the Most Reviewed Clothing stores in Vancouver


Address

111 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1B4, Canada

Website

www.mec.ca

Contact

+1 604-872-7858

Rating on Google Maps

4.10 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: store (40) service (21) find (19) staff (17) outdoor (15) bike (15) customer (15) jacket (15) price (13) time (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Neo C. 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    Literally impossible to shop at. I never really liked MEC all that much, but removal of almost all of their price tags "because we change our prices very often" (a staff quote, not mine) is unacceptable. I should not have to constantly approach a staff member (which I had a hard time finding on the floor) for any given thing that catches my interest. I am there to shop and buy, not to play hide and seek repeatedly with your staff. I get plenty enough exercise on my outdoor adventures; I do not need to add walking your store end to end in a quest to find your employees to my fitness routine. You're a retail store. That means posting your prices so that people can know what they're paying in advance, and commits you to abiding by those prices in the event of a misprice. People deserve the right to comparison shop and know the cost of something before they get in line to buy it. There is a solution to tricky price environments. Digital tags. Other retailers use them. Look them up. And put them into use if you can't be bothered to pay staff to keep up with your pricing changes. If zero stars were possible, you guys are one of the few instances where I would have used that option.
    148 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 May Z. 4 months ago on Google • 562 reviews
    If you’re a big fan of the outdoors, MEC has two floors of products for every type of outdoor activity you can think of. I love browsing the products in this location as the store is spacious, bright, and you can easily find staff to help you out. I love the extensive selection they have of good quality socks, many brands which you can’t find anywhere else like Darn Tough. I also enjoy looking out for sales and even got a hydroflask bottle for less than $30 due to a sale on last season’s colours. There is so much for everyone to browse and check out. Be aware that online prices may not apply to those in-store.

  • 5/5 John P. 5 months ago on Google • 328 reviews
    Big, bright, and spacious. This is a fun place to shop. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Good price markdowns after Christmas. Public pay parking if you follow the signs. Dog Friendly, too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sarah B. 10 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    I’ve been visiting MEC since I was a child and as a family we have so many MEC products spanning decades so it pains me to leave this review but after yet another incredibly frustrating visit I just don’t think I can visit the store again. Any MEC brand products are now horrifically overpriced and any discounts for damaged items are an absolute joke. There seems to be no logic to how the store is laid out so it’s impossible to find what you’re looking for and then even on the shelves you will find (as in my photograph) a pen below a walkie talkie next to a flashlight under a knife sharpening kit next to a phone stand on the rack you thought was all compasses. But above all the most frustrating thing is the pricing. THERE ARE NO PRICES. Some products may have a price on their tag however not all and like in one of my photographs there are signs saying SALE but do not mention what the discount OR the price is so all you have to go on is the price on the tag which is presumably the full price. Good luck finding someone to ask about it. A real pity because those particular camping cushions are so comfortable but by that point I was so infuriated I just walked out.
    34 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cameron G. 1 year ago on Google • 164 reviews
    I love MEC, particularly this location, for the remarkable individuals who work here. During my recent visit to purchase a bike, the entire staff went above and beyond to assist me. They were exceptionally helpful in finding me the perfect bike and securing an unbeatable deal during the sale. The support team, in particular, deserves a special mention for their outstanding contribution. Both Ricardo and Sam provided invaluable assistance in highlighting all the available deals and discounts, and ensuring I found the right bike that suited me perfectly. Sam did a phenomenal job in securing the best possible deal, while Ricardo provided exceptional support to ensure that I got the most comfortable fit. If you choose to visit this location, you can rest assured that you will be in the best of hands with their incredibly helpful staff!
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alan T. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s gone way downhill. It’s no longer a co-op and is now privately owned. It’s worth noting that one casualty of this acquisition was their “rock solid guarantee”. They decided to keep it in name, and even the wording of it is almost identical except that after the part where they say if the gear doesn’t meet your expectations you can return it, it now says that it needs to be in resaleable condition, like new, to be eligible for a return. What kind of deceptive joke is this. How is one supposed to even know if the gear is going to meet their expectations without testing it out first? They have even buried the new details of the guarantee in their website as it needs to be found with a google search but on the other hand they are still openly advertising the guarantee without any details or mention of the changes! How many people are going to purchase something thinking they have something like the old guarantee and then find out otherwise. The change would be acceptable if they didn’t go out of their way to hide this information and be deceptive here. There’s better and more ethical outdoor retailers around. Also their online holds pickup section is poorly run. It took multiple trips to the store to get my item because they said it was there, then they lost it but instead said it hadn’t arrived yet even though I had their message that it was waiting in store for me (not just shipped). I wait and call again to be told that it was there all along. During this whole process they almost never answer their telephone making the whole process very frustrating.
    23 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Foodie V. 5 months ago on Google • 174 reviews
    The expansive shopping area provides a wide array of products, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its comprehensive selection. From gear to accessories, it caters to every need, making it a perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities.

  • 1/5 S D. 1 year ago on Google
    I was a member of MEC when it was a Co-Op since 1994 (I still have my paper membership card). What it has turned into is nothing less than an abomination. The previous board screwed up so badly by expanding fast and spending money that they eventually got in so much debt they were forced into selling to private hands. It’s a tragedy that it’s come to this. The locations across the country may be larger than they used to be but somehow they have managed to sell less of a selection of what is actually needed by actual outdoors people. What used to be a place to buy reasonably priced MEC brand goods and targeted technical gear is now a poorly curated array of outdoor “lifestyle” goods presented in a very glitzy package. Their staff is virtually clueless these days compared to the knowledge they used to have. They don’t know where anything is in the store and what they stock is typically low quality. It saddens me to see a Canadian icon go down like this. I used to be a very regular customer now it is rare that I find myself darken it’s doors.
    19 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 David G. 10 months ago on Google
    Check out is always painfully slow. There will be a whole lineup but only 1 till is working while 3 employees chat amongst each other. Finding the price is also impossible for some items. Why can't you show prices?? Every other store has mastered this, you should too.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jesse 5 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    The only amazing thing here is Ian, who works in the shoe department, he literally helped me out from walking in there, having absolutely no clue what type of shoe I was after, other than I'll be working in a ski resort, Ian helped me pick out two pairs of shoes, he is so knowledgeable about feet, egernomics of the shoes, and he will go through the fitment, tying of shoe laces, and testing them on your feet to make sure they are 100% what I was after. Otherwise, yes the shop is a big of a mess with its layout, I was overwhelmed walking in, and half my time was trying to figure out what department I was in.

  • 2/5 Ryan M. 5 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    The only thing rocksolid about the "Member Rocksolid Guarantee" is my bike seat after purchasing a pair of MEC padded bike shorts. Don't be fooled, it's nothing more than a glorified return policy. "for the most comfortable cycling shorts ever" - MEC Ace Liner Shorts While I fully understand a bike short would be an excluded return item, I would expect MEC to take some accountability for their own defective product that is far from meeting expectations for myself and many others. Even if you check their website for product reviews, double check for duplicate versions of the product. At this time there are two pages for MEC Ace Liner Shorts - Men's. One with a single four star review and another with 16 reviews averaging 2.9 with many complaints regarding insufficient padding/comfort. My review does still not show on the latter so they may be filtering too. One extra star for staff not summoning Stone Cold Steve Austin - search "Caught on camera: Customer choked by security guard while trying to make return at MEC"
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oscar P. 9 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Rachel is the star! My partner and I were planning a 3-day, 2-night hike at Garibaldi Lake Panorama Ridge, but we had minimal experience with multi-day hikes. Rachel not only listened to our hiking needs but also patiently compared the pros and cons of 4 or 5 different pairs of boots we tried. She was professional, approachable and most importantly, super patient (seriously… we spent 90 minutes trying and comparing all the boots 😵‍💫😅). Given our newbie status in the hiking world, she provided us with valuable advice and lightened the mood with her cheerful and caring attitude, making us feel at ease. We ended up purchasing two pairs of Zamberlan boots. Can’t wait to put them to the test on the trail. Great experience!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jake w. 1 year ago on Google
    Lauren was very helpful at this Vancouver store, very patient, and knowledgable. We ended up buying a sleeping bag. MEC is a go to place to provide possible needs for hiking, camping, backpacking, I enjoyed the visit
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cecilia M. 1 year ago on Google
    A large 2-floor MEC location. Came for Boxing Week sales and happily found a new winter jacket in the youth section! There were also some good deals for footwear but didn't have my size. Surprised to see they had lots of staff around to help. Check out was fast and smooth. They have a separate area for returns.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chloe P. 1 year ago on Google
    Today visited MEC store for bike enquiry and met one of your team member Sam, he is so knowledgeable about bikes and bike parts he convinced us to make our choice then and there. He is Very polite very patient. Best of luck to him. Very well kept store.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Spencer G. 2 years ago on Google
    I think my experience today just shows how MEC has gone downhill in the customer service area. I went to get a new pair of hiking boots, and the man helping clearly had no idea what happens with hiking. At one point, he asked me if “15km was a long hike”, displaying he had no actual knowledge on what he was trying to sell. I don’t blame him, I do however just think that the old magic charm of MEC is gone and that I need to find other shops to get goods from.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew I. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a nice store. If you are familiar with MEC, than you will have no issues other than they seem to be light on displayed items. MEC sell all types of outdoor gear... I mean all types. Camping, hiking, climbing, biking and so forth. They sell the specialized gear but they also sell the lifestyle. They have a large selection of branded clothing, food, water bottles, and it goes on and on. The house brand has been treasure by MEC's patrons for years, as they are a great value. Personally, I think all of the light, extra rugged gear is great for a commuters and not just for deep forest adventures
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 FR T. 8 months ago on Google
    If I can give zero stars, I will. This is my first time ordering from MEC online. It has been 11 days and no update on my order. They said chat customer service is available on their website but that is not true. No email as well. I am now on hold on the line to speak to customer service. I'll definitely not coming back to purchase again. Horrible! I WAS ON HOLD FOR 45 minutes. Then to finally be told the items I ordered and waited for 11 days for an update is back order and I if I still want it then Ill wait for90days. Then if it is still not available, then they will cancel it. 90 days!! Who in retail does that? Don't buy here. Don't work for this company. BAD, BAD company value!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arnaud B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nicholas from the bike shop is amazing! He took his time despite a very busy department to see what was wrong with my bike! Being able to multitask like that is really impressive and I think he really deserve a big thanks! He is the best example of what costumer service at it's best can be!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kostya Z. 10 months ago on Google
    Very spacious store. A lot more selections than North Vancouver or Langley store.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Diana K. 8 months ago on Google
    I wanted to buy hiking shoes, but it was very busy. I was number 14 in line, so the wait time would have been around 2 hours. I figured ok, I will come back when they are less busy. On my return visit to the store, I was 5th in line, but only one person working. After 30 minutes, I was 3rd in line. This level of service is not acceptable when trying to buy $200 hiking shoes. I went to my local running shoes store, and I got served right away, with a very personalized level of service (and free parking). Their new flagship store is difficult to browse and has an ugly industrial design (previous location used to have beautiful sunsets from the parking lot). Whenever I look for help, no one is available. To top it all off, they removed their price tags off their products. Huh? I couldn't even buy socks, unless you want the price to remain a mystery until you check out. It seems they are actively trying to chase away their customers. l will definitely not be returning to this location again. I bought a $200 rain jacket as a gift for my dad, but it was the wrong size. We decided to return it after all, but the customer service representative scolded me (a female) for returning a men's jacket. Supposedly my dad should have had his own membership at MEC in order to receive a gift from me. Funny enough if it was for my mom, they wouldn't have known? Apparently your gender is super important to them. There are other businesses in your area that offer similar services. Look them up! (Sporting goods stores)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Laird H. 8 months ago on Google
    Ever since the board sold out the coop to the profiteering American private equity firm, all the good things that made MEC unique have disappeared. Customer service is one of those, and when I tried to return an item and it went so poorly I have resolved to never shop there again. I get the sense the company is milking MEC for all its worth. It is such a shame to see MEC being systematically dismantled by a bunch of profit greedy execs, all the while coasting on decades of cooperative legacy. It's a tragic loss, and I am never going back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Eric G. 7 months ago on Google
    I recently got a gift card from mec. I haven’t been at the store since it changed ownership. I did noticed what everyone is saying about the customer service. I had a hard time looking for someone about a size on a hiking boots I wanted to buy. I miss the old coop mec. It is now an overprice store with poor customer service. Everyone is also saying the warranty is now a joke. I guess I won’t find out as I won’t be shopping here anymore.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 BOHRERBROS 4 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    I ordered a down jacket (MEC APEX St Elias Expedition) at clearance price from MEC online, but they didn't fulfill the order even though the jacket was available in many stores when I did my order. My brother bought the last large clearance jacket in the Vancouver store. There were 2 jackets available in the North Vancouver store but the staff told me to just order online to save me from driving to North Vancouver. I waited 10 days and the order wasn't processing so I phoned and they said still trying to fulfill the order. I waited 15 days and decided I will try to locate a jacket myself. I found one jacket in the Quebec store. I phoned the MEC BC warehouse and told them I located a jacket. They said great we will now send the jacket from Quebec, WHICH I HAD TO FIND MYSELF. However, they still have not processed the order, no confirmation email, no money taken from my account, nothing. It has been 19 days and waiting. Horrible customer service. I do not know what their problem was, I was very polite on myside at all times, I was never rude. MEC just isn't concerned about fulfilling my order, again terrible customer service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melon O. 1 year ago on Google
    I went to get my bike fixed and I had little knowledge about it but Simirjit was very knowledgable, super helpful, and so so kind! His customer service was outstanding! He made my shopping experience memorable and the best! It was literally the best service I've ever had in my life. Thank you so much! Also shout out to Ricardo for helping me pick out my bike tires! And all the other bike staff seriously rock. You guys are the best, keep being awesome. Yes some stuff is fairly expensive here, but it's worth the purchase when the service is top notch. Definitely coming back here for more things. 11/10.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 punit alagappan (Vasilios e. 1 year ago on Google
    I had gone for the shoes, the people are really helpful even if it's too crowded and they have this to climb, walk up on so you can try them, just there is no icey terrain but can't complain, shoe and other things are plenty of what you need, be sure to check their website we you would like to get an idea of what they have, just ask them anything people are helpful so don't worry you will find out what you need
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Adam T. 2 years ago on Google
    Disappointed and left empty handed. First time visiting in about a year, and first time visiting since MEC was bought out. The flagship store still seems to be just a smattering of odd styles and sizes for most things. Felt more like a high-end outlet store.Couldn't find a basic t-shirt under $50 in my size, hydration tablets sold out, and clearance shoes way too pricey given Mody have been used (and visibly more than the tags state). Overall, I really don't know if I'll go back ever again. Not the brand I remember...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian K. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge location. Thank God for the underground parking. There's absolutely nowhere to park in this part of Vancouver. I liked the layout of this store. Lots of selection. My girlfriend bought some bike parts that she couldn't find anywhere else. I enjoyed browsing around. Need more canoe repair stuff though in my opinion.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia R. 1 year ago on Google
    Came in for a last-minute need to buy a multi-day backpack. Immediately was approach by Byron (i really hope that was his name) who was so helpful. He took the time to help me try on multiple backpacks to ensure I found the right fit for me. He was super knowledgeable, knew every backpack by name from a quick glance. He has helped me before in the past, and always goes above and beyond! Major asset to the team! Was stoked to get a $50 gift card at the end too :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Erik M. 2 years ago on Google
    A very well laid out store with appropriate and sensible product placements. However, their customer service was quite disappointing; particularly with their pickup service, I waited in line for 30 minutes and talked to 3 different workers regarding an order I was told had been was ready for easy and accessible fast pickup. Furthermore, their COVID measures were woefully lacking with a startling lack of hand sanitation stations, and the one at the entrance being empty despite it being the middle of the day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sandy Z. 2 years ago on Google
    MEC has always been a great place to shop for all things outdoor, biking, and dog-related items. But the store isn't dog friendly?? How can other outdoor stores (like Arc'teryx) welcome dogs, but MEC doesn't?? Odd! I went to this MEC to shop for a daisy chain so that I can tie my dog to my waist; the climbing associate approached me (without me prompting him) and asked what I was going to use it for. When I told him, he responded condescendingly, "that's legit". Wow! I've always found the staff at MEC to be always helpful and informative, but seems that things have changed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Alex J. 2 years ago on Google
    I made a massive online order with MEC and paid for expedited shipping for my vegan meals to arrive on time. (Because they rarely ever stock vegan/veggie meals) The only item that has arrived on time is a single lip balm. 1 lip balm that was shipped, by itself, across Canada!! I thought an outdoor company would care more about their environmental footprint.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Quirin H. 2 years ago on Google
    MEC has really gone downhill. A few years ago they made any effort to sell high quality gear and repair items for you and now it's all about the profit. No more repairs, boots fall apart after 6 months.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lorne G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection of outdoor equipment. Best place to get inner tubes for my bike. They are cheaper than at other stores, and folded in such a way that I find it much easier to install them in the tire then other inner tubes I've bought.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark H. 10 months ago on Google
    I've always been a fan of MEC, and their flagship store is great! Their gear is well made and they have a fantastic return policy. I had a good experience today, where Simarjit helped me return four pillows that were firmer than we'd expected, got a price match on an item we bought a few weeks back but was now on sale, and had to rummage around the warehouse to find a product that was in stock but not on the floor. Despite other reviews I've found the staff to all be friendly and knowledgeable, and Simarjit went out of his way to help. While some of the MEC products cost a little more than online retailers, they've always had an awesome return policy if you're not satisfied or have problems with your purchases.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kunal S. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s late in December, and everyone is buying their last minute snow gear! My wife and I were looking for a specific type of gloves, and Simarjeet at the Returns desk was extremely patient and helpful as he helped us find the right size in the design that we were looking for (there was a crazy pile of gloves that had already piled up!). A great shopping experience overall!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Yash B. 1 year ago on Google
    It was first time visiting this MEC store. It felt like MEC does not want you to shops there. First of all, it’s difficult to enter the store from the Parking, the elevator inside the store does not go to the parking (and the staff is unaware of it). We were looking for snowboarding apparel and it was so difficult to find it as the store staff was less then helpful ( until we got hold of a sales person from the climbing section to help us). You’d think that they will have the winter active wear at one place but the products are randomly displayed. I don’t think I’d like to go back to this store again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shweta G. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge store! Love the vibe! I came in last minute for a specific mountaineering boot and fit. James helped me out with that. He was friendly professional and knowledgeable. His energy and genuine interest to help customers is amazing!

  • 5/5 Michael L. 1 year ago on Google
    Arguably the best in store shopping experience for me in Vancouver. The store is very spacious and products are well organized. You can enjoy exploring so many different types of gears, shoes and clothing in a relax way, and the staffs are always helpful when you have questions.

  • 2/5 Paul P. 2 years ago on Google
    IMO there is now a limited selection compared to the original MEC Vancouver, at least for men, and prices were much too high. Since MEC is an American store now, I decided to order off Amazon instead. Cheaper, easier, more selection, and delivered to my door in 2 days. Sorry MEC. You lost me.

  • 1/5 Fadi D. 7 months ago on Google
    I am still confused. I bought my jacket two years ago and as a member,I was informed I will have MEC Rocksolid Return Policy if the quality is not up to standard. after two seasons, the liner of my jacket started peeling off slightly and I freaked out as the jacket was pretty expensive and the most advanced technology in the world. Shockingly, I approached MEC and they rejected to return because of their Quality!!!!! what irritates me is I am the Customer Experience Leader in two companies one of them is Home Depot, and as a major brand, we will Not accept having sad customers but MEC with a network more than Home Depot, rejected returning the jacket. so I called the customer service line, she was nice and asked me to send pictures and I told her you would not be able to notice that it is used or there is any damage to the jacket because I care about it a lot. and I have sent 5 emails so far with no answer, it has been two months and I am still waiting. can anybody confirm to me if MEC customer service does exist by any chance? I think I have to take a day off from my two jobs and sit in front of their head office in Vancouver to find someone to talk to. but what I am sure about is advising all my friends not to buy from MEC and try to find a different brand with better customer service and store managers because at the end of the day, we are not paying for the product only, we are paying for customer service and flexible return policy. My recommendation is Helly Hanson, they came out clean.

  • 5/5 Alnoor 9 months ago on Google
    Lots of selection of many brands of outdoor clothing. Their sales are genuine and can pick up some great items at bargains. It truly is a one stop shopping for outdoor activities. Their house brand is good quality as well.

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection of outdoor wear, quality; price; and brands. Special mention to an employee named Chris who gave me loads of tips and helped me find the right pair of shoes. I tried on a lot! Ended up returning the gloves that I purchased without issue as they just weren’t quite right. MEC’s own brand warm base layer is holding up well after three weeks.

  • 4/5 Angelia M. 2 years ago on Google
    They are having clearance sale now! Such a complete store which provides huge range of selections for outdoor sports and activities


Call +1 604-872-7858 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ In-store pickup
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
    • ✗ Same-day delivery

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