Monday, June 15, 2009
OH CANADA! CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE CONTINUES TO GROW Mountain Equipment Co-op reaches three million member mark and grows operations
Vancouver, BC: As Canadians prepare to celebrate the country’s 142nd birthday, Mountain Equipment Co- op™ (MEC), Canada’s largest co-operative and leading outdoor retailer, is celebrating a milestone of its own – surpassing the three million member mark.
On February 23, 2009, MEC registered 426 new members to reach three million, reaffirming the consistent growth MEC has seen since its inception. On average, 10,000 people become MEC members every month. In fact, the Co-op has seen an increase in new member sign-ups in the past five years, achieving a growth rate of eight per cent. This rate remains unaffected by the recession, demonstrating the strength of the MEC brand.
“Since 1971, Mountain Equipment Co-op has existed to help members realize and enjoy the benefits of self- propelled outdoor recreation,” said David Labistour, CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op. “Today one in ten adult Canadians is an MEC member. These figures clearly demonstrate our success at attracting and serving our members by providing a wide selection of quality outdoor clothing and gear.” Tim Southam Mountain Equipment Co-op MEC will continue to expand its operations to meet the growing demands of its membership base. The Co-op 604-707-4480 (direct) opened its twelfth retail location in late-November 2008 in Burlington, Ontario, and is currently constructing its [email protected] thirteenth in Montreal, Quebec on the city’s South Shore. In addition to its retail locations, MEC operates Josie Haynes mec.ca, its e-commerce website (English/French). Optimum Public Relations 416-934-8012 (direct) “MEC remains committed to opening stores where there is a sizable membership base and a proven propensity 416-909-0889 (mobile) to participate in the activities we support,” said Labistour. “Given that we recently exceeded the three million [email protected] member mark and are enjoying healthy sales, MEC is in a strong position to make decisions that benefit our members.”
Since 2003, MEC has experienced year-over-year sales growth. MEC exceeded its sales forecast in 2008, reporting $247.7 million in gross sales. It is projecting modest same-store sales increases in 2009.
Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. Members are entitled to buy clothing and gear and are eligible to vote in the annual Board of Directors election.
About Mountain Equipment Co-op Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada’s leading retailer of outdoor clothing, gear and services for self-propelled activities. Established in 1971, MEC has more than three million members throughout Canada and around the world. MEC-brand products are designed to meet the functional requirements of members and account for 50 per cent of its sales. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability – economic, social, environmental – MEC is a member of One Percent for The Planet and supports various community-based environmental initiatives through its grants program. Additional information about MEC is available online at: mec.ca.
– 30 –