MEC North Vancouver

Yesterday I was in the store looking for some advice and gear for ski touring. I was given excellent attention and advice from a knowledgeable person that actually utilizes the products. His name is Steven, he was fantastic and after a few bad experiences of being talk down to elsewhere because I wasn’t experienced enough, I was so grateful for the time and attention I received!
Thank you Steven.

Website details for items in stock are not accurate, item was not there when I got to the store. Staff do not pick the phones so you can't confirm beforehand.

Poorly organized store. The MEC branded items are all in the front and are equally or more expensive than the brand name items. No price tags on the items I was looking at.

Only come here if you know exactly what you want. The staff are not helpful at all. If you ask about any product, they will send you to the website to look it up yourself.
Always check the right sizing.
I got a pair of shoes after many troubles, and was given two different-size shoes in the correct box. After coming to try to find the appropriate shoes, I was told to go find them myself with 5 staff watching and standing there.
Worst customer service of any store I have visited.

No price tags anywhere you gotta ask for every single thing then there's no staff to help you because they are all getting prices. It's definitely a bruh moment.

Lots of products but don't expect anyone to actually help you or have any knowledge in the products their selling. May as well research yourself and buy online for cheaper.

I’ve been coming to MEC since its inception. The service over the past few years is in a steep dive for the bottom of the barrel. They don’t know their products, they don’t know what products they do have, do not have the ability to make an order, they do not have the ability to get an order right, they do not answer their phones and service is slow on the best of days. Employees and managers need to be coached by the clients in order that they may be able to complete a simple task. Managers look at you like a deer in headlights when spoken to. It’s like talking to 5 year olds.

On the plus, they still have a great return policy and great outdoor kit. Just don’t ask don’t anyone anything and your shopping experience will be great.

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.

MEC has gone down the drain. Bought some protein and energy bars that were still in sealed boxes. At the teller, the lady told us she had to open the box to scan the bars. And then proceeded to destroy the box so much that pieces of it was on the counter. Who the heck taught your staff to open boxes like that? ! I'm glad there is now some competition on the North Shore, MEC is not worth it anymore.

Katie is the best! Helped me find the perfect product! This girl has the customer experience skills! She deserves a raise! Will be back just to see her again!

Had the most uncomfortable experience with a front desk personnel at this location. I was there to pick up a package I ordered to store that was labeled "arrived" on my MEC account. When I got there the front desk person asked to see my confirmation email, and I promptly showed it to her. She then told me it was not the "right confirmation email" and I need to wait for another email, to which I responded on my account it says these items has arrived. She simply said my items were not in store and I need to come back with the "right confirmation email". I called the MEC store directly today and another, much nicer, personnel confirmed my items arrived on October 30! So my items were already in the store when I first came by to pick them up. I do not understand why this person would not give me my items and refused to help me, not impressed. I really wish I got her name because it felt very rude and dismissive the way she has acted.

Be aware when getting a bike or ski service it’s impossible to talk to anyone over the phone. It’s happened for me before with a bike service and now with ski (should have known). They called. I tried calling back. No one answered. Tried many times. Tried next day. Many times. Finally get through and ask to speak to ski service shop. Put on hold. It eventually sends me back to ring the main line. So I drove down. While phone ringing I walked in the store. It was a quiet night and the Store was dead. I am very serious. Staff chatting behind counter. No one answering phone. Perhaps I should have said something at the time. But they’re still servicing my skis and the last thing I need is trouble. I just won’t go back. EVER. I have a great local bike shop now that I use and I’ll have to find a local ski shop moving forward.

5 stars for Hayden. Had a terrible experience with another staff member (bearded/glasses/pride flag pin)
Hayden is a great manager, told the other fellow to step aside, listened to my issue, and took the time to offer me something that was more than I had initially requested.

Steven assited us and he was fantastic, great knowledgeable input with a relaxing comfortable approach.

I went to Military Equipment Company ystrdy (owned by a Richard ‘Dick’ Cheney supporter) and reluctantly bought two sleeping bags. Used a gift certificate and was about to pay but the masked dude behind the petrol-based plastic screen said I owed 2x what I expected. Walked to the sleeping bag section to show him the deal. From paper slips inside the sales tag he chose the lowest savings. I chose the highest savings one. He then asked me what date it was. I didn’t answer (I’m not the one working). He realized I was right. Walking back to the cash he tells I’m lucky. “I didn’t need luck when it was a co-op, ” I replied. Back at the cash register he tells me he already entered the previous $237, and now needs me to pay that amount and will refund the balance. I have to do the math on paper to MAKE SURE I’m not getting ripped off by a guy who doesn’t even know what day it is.

Anyone who thinks Mountain Equipment Company has anything to do with its 1971, West Fourth Volkswagen Westphalia roots is kidding themselves. They stole our $5 memberships and gave us back a corporation.

Got my bike fixed up and back on the road so I could get home. Quick, effective, no complaints.

The customer service that I received from this store was incredible. I'm a loyal MEC customer as they continually amaze me, but my most recent experience was even better than I could have imagined. Why shop anywhere else? They have the best prices, beat selection, beat customer service, beat store design, etc.

Ever since the letter “C” changed the Rock Solid Guarantee is no more. Don’t make your purchasing decisions based on it. You’ve been warned!

I was looking for a quick turn around on a bike repair and north shore MEC was able to get me in and get it done within a week! Mechanics are super informative and very friendly to deal with!

What's with the security guards with tactical vests? They look ominous. They scan me every time I go in and keep they eyes locked on me. I really feel uncomfortable. I have been shopping at that store for years and never felt the need for stern-faced, tactical geared security guards. Is there something happening or that has happened that we need to know?

Service is good as usual. The security guards could be more discretely attired. They seem out of place and un-needed. I might go shop elsewhere, they make people nervous.

Back to normal business operations. Pandemic stuff is over. Prices are up but where is that not the case. Still wish it was the Canadian Co-op we all grew up with.

I've been to this store twice. The first shopping experience was good. But the second time when we checked out, a wheat-skinned Asian cashier gave us unequal treatment.

I came in to shop and asked an employee about the price of shoes for my toddler. She replied by asking me to look it up on my phone and then started talking to other customers instead of directing me to someone who could help me. I would have purchased the shoes at this location if someone had helped get the correct size for me. Left the store very upset. Would give no stars if I could as not one person asked me if I needed help the entire time I was there almost 45 minutes!

I called during the week to see what the turnaround time for board waxing was and was told it was about 48 hours. I dropped off after work on a Thursday and shortly after I got home, got a call saying it was ready for pickup already! Had I known it would have been an hour, I would have just waited.
I tried calling all day Friday and Saturday to see if I could authorize someone else to pick it up but I couldn't get through at all. So I showed up on the weekend and waited 15 mins in line while 1 staff helped someone with bike alignment. Finally the staff called for her colleague to come out and assist the rest of the people waiting in line and the staff spent a long time describing different board waxes and edges to the person in front. When it was finally my turn she apologized and said she shouldn't have made me wait since I just had to pick up (it was already paid for, and I was waiting with my empty board bag and pickup receipt in hand). I'm just not sure why she made me wait if she knew and agreed that I should have been helped first?

I had a base layer hoody sent to repair at the North Van location right before the pandemic. When picking up Sunday, I was told it had been donated on my behalf. I had talked to the store manager and no apology was made. She insisted that the store had called me four times for pick up. In fact, only one voice message had been left. I have been a member for many years. With today's technology and my personal info on MEC's file record, I cannot imagine without my informed consent how a store can donate your property on your behalf. The store manager has handled my case very poorly. I also called the general customer service line from MEC but was told the issue has to be handled at the store level. What a company to deal with!

Mediocre customer service, minimal options for sizes, combative employees regarding returns. MEC used to be much more about the customer and the community.

Need to clean er up a little but good location and lots of gear. The woman helping me find hikers was top notch!

Always has things in stock that wouldn't be at other locations! Got my backcountry ski set up and super knowledgable staff!

I have been a member for a very long time and have seen the store go from totally functional to sort of functional with a major in fashion and higher end prices. Still a good store just wish they would get back to the roots of getting good gear at a decent price and getting people out into the woods without empty wallets.

This is a great store. The exterior is really cool and funky. They always have a great display in the front, normally a mt. Bike. In sure the layout is great and flows nicely. They always have a great selection. The bike section is fantastic. The staff is great anytime I need something staff is always close by. I feel they go out of there way to help out.

MEC is always nice to shop in. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The store is spacious and organized. I do wish they had more stock of equipment (a lot more space dedicated to ‘fashion’ than in the past) but they are still the best go to store to find hiking gear.

Went to MEC to look at camping supplies and backpacks. The store was busy but clerks were available to help with questions.
The camping supplies we were looking for had multiple price points - appreciated for a limited wallet. The selection of backpacks is huge! All brands that I saw were high quality, with a great range in capacity. The store had a section that was all Yeti products - expensive, but very high quality.
Payment was done quickly and the cashier was polite and helpful. Reusable bags were $2.24 after tax.

I can't say enough amazing things about my experience. I went in looking for smart watches and satellite phones for all our back country adventures, I had no idea what I was looking into and we were lucky enough to have Phil talk us through EVERYTHING he made sure we were getting the perfect product for exactly what we needed. So thorough, so informative and we left feeling like we had the perfect products for everything we needed.

This place was supposed to have the best return policy. It changed in the past few months and their customer service became awful. Beware of changes in return policy before shopping.

MEC's return policy and Rock Solid Guarantee is not clear. While their website states that almost all products can be returned if they are clean, not used often and are in a resaleable condition, an employee at the North Vancouver location initially refused to accept my attempt to return a hiking shoe since I had worn them outside and they could not be sold. He instructed that the shoes need to be in mint condition and cannot be worn outside which is not mentioned at all in MECs return policy whatsoever. I made sure to clean the shoes as best I could and box them so they could be resold. I only used the shoes for two hours outside. This employee argued with me for five minutes that he could not accept them and lectured me that I had to make sure not to wear any MEC shoes outside. However he finally accepted the return as a one time favour and told me he put a note on my account that he had informed me that all MEC shoes could not be worn outside and had to be in mint condition. I will not be shopping at MEC anymore because of this incident VPO and Atmosphere have better and quicker service and I will spend my hard earned dollars there from now on. Also ridiculous that he wrote a "note" on my account as if I was trying to return an item that could not be resold.

Today (Sep 5 between 1200-1400) I completed a return with “James”. He was obviously having a bad day. Prior to my encounter with him, I witnessed him be completely disrespectful to a first-responder regarding their discount they’re entitled to. When I tried to process my return, “James” was extremely disrespectful and completely lacked any customer service. He was the rudest person I have ever dealt with at MEC. I’m sincerely worried about him. I hope some checks in on him.

Very unprofessional.
Spent time choosing my new hiking boots. Got helped by a staff member. Found a nice pair that cost $240. At the counter found out that in fact it costs $300 (without the tax). Asked why is so, and it took a fair amount of time for the staff to figure out that same model, but different color costs $60 dollars more (and they only had one color of my size). Just left the store as I didn't want to be fooled.
Why MEC advertises smaller price only?
And why the staff didn't tell me about the price difference in time?

I like MEC, the price of clothes and other goods is relatively expensive, but instead they are of excellent quality

I recently purchased an Osprey backpacking bag and after taking it on the trails I found it bruising and rubbing my hip. Both Jonah and Rhett were extremely helpful making sure it is fitting properly to my body, finding the issue and figuring out a solution without having to purchase a new bag. Thank you both so so much!

This place is the worst.

The customer service is lazy and non-existent. Sold out of almost everything. Bought by an American corporation.

Go support a local store that actually cares about their customers.

No surprise anything you need for the outdoors is here. Always busy but they doing great job monitoring head count. Was shopping for back country back pack. Awesome service and very happy with the recommended pack.

Awesome service. I came here to grab some hiking boots and I was greeted by the most sweet and kind lady working in the footwear section.

Great store, friendly staff. Smaller than a typical MEC but they have everything you need. The store has more in stock then they show online. Definitely recommemd

Was back in a MEC after probably 15 years! As exciting as it was years ago. I didn’t buy anything as they didn’t have the shoes I wanted in my size, but they have a good collection of lots of things you didn’t know you needed for your camping/sporting by trips. Their online store is way more complete, at least as far as shoes and boots are concerned but I would make a point of visiting the store every few months just to discover new things!

The very first (and usually the last) place I visit when I need any outdoor equipment. Great service, and bike repair shop is amazing as well. Great price, great service.

The employees here are above and beyond excellent. Every single one of them went out of their way to help me find what I needed and had good knowledge about each product I was insterested in. One of the employees didn't know the answer to one of my questions and then went and found an employee with deep knowledge of the product instead of just saying I'm not sure sorry. I love seeing that. I'm only giving it 5 stars because of the employees. The employees are so kind. I'm kind of sad about mec selling out though. Poor co-op members got shut out. Guess money is more important than the people who made mec what it is.

Decent variety of gear, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Could be a bit better with having more rain gear brands

One of my favourite MEC stores, glad they opened up. While they may be smaller than the downtown location, they more than make up with the knowledgeable staff.

One way traffic isn't fully enforced, however the store isn't busy. Hand sanitizer provided at entrance. Separate entrance & exit.

I find the staff at this store more helpful than the Vancouver location. Specifically today, Pat in cycling helped me out and he was awesome.

Always check sales for MEC before going, saved about $150 today on rain gear by looking regularly.

MEC north Vancouver. Variety of outdoor clothing and equipment generally at higher quality/ skill level. Biking, hiking, skiing, back packing. Been customer for 30+ years. Knowledgeable staff. Had been a co-op and recently bought by private equity. I had noticed lower stock levels earlier this fall as looked for gortex boots and jacket.

Been going here forever. Wanted to buy some new bike tires today. They wouldn't let me in without a mask and didn't have any on hand to provide me. I'm truly appalled and will never shop at any MEC ever again. The fact that they have now been sold to an American company doesn't help either. Good riddance

David helped me find the gear I needed for the upcoming back country ski season! Amazing customer service!

I love shopping here this place has a great selection of outdoor gear and the staff a very friendly as well.

Not a lot of inventory here as in the other MEC locations. But much better staff assistance and service. I do not understand what they are still requiring ppl to pay $5.00 to become members when MEC will no longer be a co-op soon. Good C19 protocol in place and staff at the door for crowd control. You can't try on the clothing in store but you can buy it, try it at home and return it. This also does not make much sense as clothing can be sanitized in the store after it is tried on.

Came to find a rain jacket and you aren't allowed to try any of them on unless you buy and return it. Not going to spend $800 on a jacket I haven't worn.

Helpful staff at this location. Social distancing measures are in place. I come here for the deals that are advertised online.

They need to stop selling or significantly reduce the MEC line of clothing, designs are terrible and subpar quality, it was alot better before when they were selling assortment of clothings from different brands, now those selections are so limited, I dont even bother to look at the MEC clothes. But other than clothing they do have a good selection of outdoor gears.

Bought a pair of trainers and a charger, but wasn’t happy with my purchase. They were very understanding even though I bought the items a while back. Fantastic customer service with a big smile (behind the mask).

Major fail at the North Van store. I went (with my mask on) to buy a $$$ bike and was told my young child could not enter without a mask - that I can understand but it was suggested to go to my car to get a sweater to old over her mouth and nose while we shopped. Very disappointing experience.

I used to love MEC but I am always disappointed when shopping there. Today I went because their website said they had the shorts I wanted in stock in every size. When I arrived they only had XXL and XL. I asked a staff member if they had stock in the back. They were not pleased to have been bothered, but politely told me no.

They've got some nice gear - but there were quite a few shelves bare - almost like they are not stocking the store anymore.

Did not appreciate the mask policy with no masks to give your ‘members’ given that you’ve a very over priced cooperative! Very messy inside the sore with not much stock. It’s like you’re closing down! I went in for 8 things and you only had 2 out of the eight things that I needed. Very bad customer service. No one around town help or answer my questions about products. Will not return to this store. And contemplating if I’ll ever go back to an MEC, think I’ll rather support my local camping/outdoors store from now on.

Went to pick up an order and they gave me 1 box but it only 3 of the 5 items ordered so I had to go back. Would have been best to have the stuff delivered.

Excellent customer service! I was purchasing some climbing shoes and the associate in the shoe department was very knowledgeable about all the different brands they had to offer. He even measured my feet and explained all the different pressure points, and what type of shoe would be the best fit based on my high arches and wide feet.

Very disappointed with MECs recent promotion, the customer service I received was horrendous. Basically, a bunch of associates telling me I'm sorry, I feel for you but there is nothing I can do.

I ordered a 600$ watch from MEC the day before they launched their buy 100 get 10 back promotion. I thought no big deal I'm sure theyll honour it. I spoke to an advisor and was told I would receive a call back and that they understood where I was coming from.

The following day I get 5 calls back to back from a customer service rep, while I'm in meetings. My phone is ringing off the hook while I'm in meetings for something that in the grand scheme of things is not very important.

I figure the call is to let me know that the promotion will be honoured. No the guy gives me the runaround for 20 minutes the whole time and says "I feel for you but I cant do anything" and doesnt apologize me for power calling me like my house is burning down.

Anyways i always thought of MEC as an excellent place to shop but this recent experience has left a bad taste in my mouth and I dont think I'll be shopping here again.