MEC Kitchener

Rick assisted me with camping mattress and sleeping bags, I walked in not knowing what options do I have and without any trouble I got all the information and options I have. Amazing.
Cheers!

Top notch service and patience from staff while I ordered and returned rock climbing shoes multiple times before I found the right size. I walked out with a quality product in the end.

A really great store with an excellent selection of high-quality products and very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

This is a great store. The staff generally leave you alone if you don't look lost, and help if you need it. It is clean and tidy.

If you are looking for rock climbing shoes, avoid MEC Kitchener and go to MEC at Burlington. They have little to no stocks for rock climbing shoes in this branch.

I bought climbing gears here.
The stuff are so kind, and the price is also not bad.
I would regret if I bought at online store like amazon, the shoes wouldn't match my feet, the price is expensive.

Overall good experience! Big store, staff are friendly and know their stuff. Found good water shoes, outdoor clothing and some camping gear here.

Employees are extremely rude and unwelcoming and have some kind of issue. This isn't God land, it's just a store where people need good customer service.

I accidently wore cargo shorts to this location and was immediately asked if I wanted a Tent, and to make arrangements for a fun outdoor adventure.

Got my first pair of climbing shoes from here! Imtiaz (i hope i’m spelling it right) was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and passionate. Rick was also incredibly friendly and kind! This store is massive, very clean, and has extremely kind and helpful staff. I’d highly recommend!:)

I've been a MEC customer for about 20 years and never have had such a disappointing experience. I ordered for store pickup during a boxing day sale and have not had any updates about my order. Whenever I call for an update I'm just told that there's a delay. No communication, no offers for refund/compensation. Nothing. With all the other shopping options out there, I don't know why anyone would tolerate such a long shipping date, especially when sporting items are season dependent. I've also tried to escalate to anyone above store front but been unsuccessful.

Unlike the region of waterloo this location doesn't accomodate individuals with disabilities. Relegated online.

The service is really great. The staff are knowledgeable and they care. The return policy is excellent. The selection these days is pretty meager because of supply chain issues but I don't fault the store for that.

I find the 5 dollar membership rude. I will never give my business to this place. This is not some elite store. You can acquire these products anywhere and the bikes are cheap.

I purchased a water bottle online for use on an upcoming trip. I was advised it would arrive and be ready for pick up at the Kitchener location in 2 - 5 business days. I went in to check the status of the order and spoke to a representative at the front desk, a tall guy named Andrew. He advised the ETA is now June 3rd which is well past 5 business days. I will not have the water bottle I purchased (for $50) for my trip.

I realize that Andrew has no control over the ETA and and cannot get my order to arrive sooner, but when I asked why my order is going to arrive well past the given ETA Andrew continuously shrugged his shoulders and repeated it's already with Canada Post. He seemed annoyed by my question and I eventually walked away.

I work in customer service, and it's disappointing that a MEC did not deliver my order in the time frame provided, did not advise me of the delay (would not of known had I not went to the store), and the only store representative I spoke seemed annoyed by my questions.

I chose to make my purchase through MEC due to the fact that it is Canadian owned and from what I have read they have a commitment to environmental protection. Unfortunately due to this experience I will not be a returning customer.

Every time I’ve gone here, I’ve had excellent customer service. I’ve been here quite a few times and whenever I’ve asked, the staff have been knowledgeable about the products and can give explanations from their own experience. It’s super helpful to have staff members that actually use the products they sell. I’ve gone here for winter, camping, rocking climbing, and biking gear and I’ve been satisfied with the quality of the products and the service. Love this store.

Went in lookingfor a nice pair of biking pants. Easily found what i was looking for. Took 2 different sizes to changeroom. Quickly the attendant unlocked the door so i could try each of the 2 on for size. The one was a perfect fit. Paid up front and left. No fuss. Well laid out floorplan. I was asked only once if i needed help and politely left alone once i let them know i was good.

The staff here are amazing and super knowledgeable and friendly. My boyfriend and I recently got into rock climbing, as a result we need new climbing shoes once in a while. Staff are super patient with us trying different shoes, and also offer a great return/exchange policy should we run into any issues.

Very helpful staff; very friendly and knowledgeable. Great selection of coming-season products.

Bike department staff are a joke. I literally had one of the bike guys [taller heavy set guy name John, "said he was a senior manager"] tell me that a bike helmet does not need the pads in it and serves no purpose. Because there is an optimum placement position for the helmet on the head, having padding that helps keep the helmet in place, or makes the helmet more comfortable to wear, directly contributes to the safety of the helmet. But aside from a very minor absorption of force during the moment of impact the padding really has a purpose.
They need to stop hiring former Walmart employees and hire actual intelligent and well informed staff who know the product, department, and sport.

I would have actually gone lower but Zack saved the day in this location. I’ve been to MEC Burlington, Toronto, London and Kitchener over the years and have never had good luck with customer service. In fact, it’s always poor, and in a store where there’s a trillion products, help is always nice, and help WITHOUT having to search/chase staff down.

I went in this morning and for sure needed help with the Osprey packs. I was literally the only person in there, and there must have been 8 or so staff I saw doing inventory I assume, none of whom looked up as I walked in or said hi. Super.

After 10 or so minutes, as I was leaving, Zack, the friendliest and most helpful dude, saw me and stopped me and answered all my questions (and had some great recommendations too!) Will for sure be back to chat with him when I need tips or have product questions.

Thanks!

Friendly, knowledgable staff. The new store has a great layout and only the best gear. Fair prices for quality gear!

Their staff is friendly and helpful. MEC gear is some of the highest quality stuff I've ever owned. As a corporation they seem to work really hard to source their products ethically.

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Small store. Clean and organized. MEC pricing has gone through the roof, quality hasn't! Parking is horrible, especially in winter.

MEC is quintessential outfitter. Watch for the goods online in the clearance area, order to the store. The Kitchener location is a solid choice for cycling and running gear and clothing. Good selection of packs and backpack consumables as well. Staff have always been good to me.

They lost my acct. It's only 5 dollars but an unnecessary system to begin with. It's not Costco. Why do you need to charge me more money.

First time in this store. I wanted a crossover bag x 2 and was not sure how to fit it for sizing.
I was there approx. 30 minutes. No staff member approached to offer assistance. There were plenty of staff around who enjoyed each other's company but seemed to forget why they were there. I voiced my feelings to the manager who was understanding. Can't imagine going back. There are choices.

Best place for outdoor gear. Fixed a zipper on a twenty year plus piece of MEC clothing today. Good as new!

Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Appreciated the expertise they offered, especially as I had a tall order. Was a bit disappointed in the lack of sizing available in shoes (nothing between 9-11) in woman's winter footwear!?). Only thing keeping me from a five star review!

Its always a great experience at MEC. They always have great stuff and an amazing return policy. So go ahead and feed your wild side without any worries.

This is a great place, you could spend a ton of time and money here. Staff was helpful and friendly. Place is clean and spacious, need to go back pick up a few more things.

I'm impressed about how well the employees there know about the stuff they are selling.wish more stores were like this.

I went in there today looking for a backpack. Shawn, one of the full timers, was super helpful. He took his time and explain to me what he thought I needed, based on what I told him. He wasn't trying to quickly sell me just anything. In fact, he pushed me towards a product that they do not have in stock and may not even have on order. He was really looking after my best interest. Hopefully they do have the bag and I'm able to get it shipped to store. I should find out in a couple days. Thanks Shawn. UPDATE: they ended up having the bag. It got shipped to the store for pick up. Shawn made sure it fit me just right. Thanks again!

This is a great store! I love the location and the range of products. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. The problem is I spend too much. I enjoy browsing the discounted items. There, I said it. I always find something which I wear a lot. Great value for the money. Enjoyable experience!

Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Plus they have an amazing selection.
Canada Parks Pass is also available here. You should get one

Knowledgeable staff worked with me to find the gear I needed as a beginner. Lack of upselling left me feeling better than usual with sales associates.

Lots of choices for everything you could ever need for outdoor sports and activities. The helpful staff know their products well.

I came in to exchange an online order and all the MEC staff were super friendly and helpful! This store is very organized, clean, and well lit. 10/10!

I like the Kitchener store and found it to be stocked reasonably well and staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people.and now for a more broader review for MEC as whole.

I've been a MEC member since 1990 and for over 2 decades they were my go-to retailer for quality outdoor gear and apparel. However in the last 7 or 8 years they have made a steady transition into a " lifestyle " retailer and the selection of both outdoor gear and apparel has suffered. Instead of a pair of tried and true Rad Pants which MEC offered for years.and then discontinued.i can now choose between several pairs of yoga pants. Pricing has also increased to the point that Sail has seen more of my outdoor recreation $$$ over the last 5 years. They still have good gear but less selection and mediocre pricing means I'm often looking further afield.

We asked a staff member where the Kelly kettles were. The staff member was quite snotty when he answered the store didn't carry them - we couldn't believe it! - and directed us to an item twice the price. We found the store very expensive but were buying a gift for my brother. The cashier was one of the most helpful people we encountered) MEC used to be a more friendly store.

I love this store! The staff is so friendly, and helpful. Whatever the question they have an answer and if they don't they will do everythimg they can to find an answer. The kitchener store is one of mt favourites!

Great store with lots of selection things u won't even think of friendly knowledgeable staff. Bring ur wallet it's pricey

MEC would most likely be my favourite store in Kitchener. I trust this store for clothes, for outdoor equipment and their staff are helpful. The reason why I might believe I'll last a Canadian winter is partially due to this store.

Great store but terrible customer service. Was helped by a guy named Clay who didn't seem to know anything about the product I was looking for. Should look more into the people you hire. This is my second time experiencing terrible service at this location.

I love the store but there wasn't great service today. When I was looking at boots, two employees were chatting together instead of assisting. Boots and shoes are those items in which a customer cannot shop without assistance. When eventually I did receive assistance, he didn't last long before he moved onto another customer. I left without buying boots.

They stand behind their products. I had a seam open on a mitten after a year and a half and they replaced it, no hassles, no questions. Fabulous, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff!