On April 22nd CMHDS members joined host Alan Fitterer, a long time CMHDS member and former Executive, as he lead the tour of Mountain Equipment Co-op Distribution Centre in Surrey, BC.
Located on 16 acres this 182,000 sq foot facility boasts some of the latest pick to light and environmentally friendly technology. The facility employs 50 people and services MEC’s 12 stores and a thriving online catalogue orders, handling over 19,000 SKU’s! The facility is a combination of a refurbishment of an existing on site building as well as a new built to suit addition.
About MEC
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is Canada’s leading supplier of quality outdoor gear, clothing and camping equipment. MEC was conceived by a small group of Canadian climbers who wanted a place to buy gear not carried by conventional retailers: gear for mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring, and hiking. In August 1971, these six initial members founded Mountain Equipment Co-op. Today MEC supplies outdoor equipment to over 3 million members worldwide.
Directed by the members, MEC fulfills its core purpose to help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. They do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services.
MEC is a co-operative – a democratically owned business structure in which members pool their resources to obtain a benefit. At MEC, members use their shared purchasing power to obtain goods and services for outdoor activities. Anyone can join MEC by buying a $5 membership share and those shares allows members to make purchases and vote on how the Co-op is governed.
MEC is the largest retail co-operative in Canada and demonstrates what can be done through collective democratic ownership. They are committed to green building, community grants, ethical purchasing, product sustainability, and promotion of Canada-wide parks and protected areas demonstrates the best of what business can be in our society.