MEC Edmonton — Attraction in Central Core

I ordered a Parka, as a gift, from MEC's online Black Friday sale. Having been in the Edmonton south common store a few days before, and observing many in stock, the deal was too good not to order. As I placed my order, it indicated that the downtown store was “Next Day Pick Up”. Given that I wanted to pick up as soon as possible, I selected the downtown store, even though the location is terribly inconvenient for me. Approximately 24 hours later, I called the downtown store, whom after about 25 mins on the phone with various people, told me they had no record of the purchase. Of course, I couldn’t go pick up the jacket, the next day, at a location that was inconvenient, because MEC hadn’t even processed the Order as of yet. Great. I called the customer service line and spoke to a male who told me “this sale has caught us completely off guard and we’re overwhelmed”. No kidding?? The male told me that there had been staff cutbacks this year, due to how slow it had been, but suddenly the sale has regenerated sales that have overwhelmed the existing employees Ok ... the spokesperson then told me that my jacket was in Winnipeg and had to be shipped to Edmonton! What is going on here, MEC?? You hold a Black Friday sale and you’re overwhelmed??? Then my next day pick up, at this inconvenient location, is in Winnipeg???

The kicker is December 16, 2024, I received an email from MEC telling me that my order has been cancelled. My goodness. I’ve been a supporter of MEC for over 25 years, and have never seen such awful customer service or a absolute lack of responsibility in fulfilling an order - for that matter, I don’t think I’ve ever had a more disappointing exchange with any store, ever, than this experience. I will never again shop at MEC. Shame on you, MEC. Not the...

I am disappointed by the new MEC. Their products are no longer nearly as good as they were when they were they were Mountain Equipment Co-op, and their warranty is worse. My old backpack was at the end of its life, so I was gifted a new one from family in the fall. I used the new one 3 times and the shoulder strap buckle broke. The shoulder strap buckles on the new Vista 70L backpack are too small and made of a cheaper plastic, meaning their not nearly as robust. I went in to get it exchanged and was told by the employee there that because the bag was "well used" (it has been used lightly 3 times) and I have had it for "multiple months" (since October) that they couldn't resell it and therefore would not exchange it. I could understand if the bag I had was many years old, but it is still on the shelves because it is the most recent model of that bag. Also, the employee stated the buckle breaking was "normal wear and tear", when clearly it wasn't made to last. This is a massive departure from the way MEC used to operate, and should be a large warning sign for anyone looking to purchase their products. Their warranty is pretty much none existent and the moment you buy it, they will make up every excuse not to exchange the product if their shoddy workmanship fails before the expected end of the life of the product. This is extremely frustrating because the new MEC seems to not want to honour their past or even work to help the customer when they make a lacklustre product that is now more expensive than ever. I eventually took the bag to Totem Outdoors on 99st who promptly replace all 4 shoulder buckles, agreeing that they were too small and not robust enough. I would recommend them over MEC anytime, as their customer service and eye for detail is exponentially...

I went to MEC South for thin merino beanie which I use instead of sweatband. Also for merino hoodie and long johns on sale. Disappointment x3 so I went online to OR ... awaiting delivery but I'd suggest somebody innovate...1. It's my understanding Alpaca fibres are hollow and superior for your customers due to warmth, lightness and fast drying time. My sister says you can buy them in South America for $15. The point being you could innovate with Alpaca.

I have described many outerwear innovations on YouTube, attached.

Secondly, your website could stand out as a retailer by providing specifications such as fabric weight per metre, total weight of garment, wind and rain resistance and drying time. You'd need standard metrics, validated. And, content of fabric of course.

Scuba hoodies, Alpaca or Merino which cover the neck and chin are most efficient for warmth because people lose heat through the chimney, the neck and head. Your models should model fully zipped up or bound hoodies.

Velcro is cheap and effective to prevent smartphones dropping from pockets. Every garment should have smartphone, wallet and keys pockets.

I am prone to sores from sweaty cotton so I am converting to merino. Very important for athletic activities.

Military grade wool socks from military suppliers are best. The rest suck.

You should indigenize your business. Thus "OR Canada", our supply chain employs x Canadians, and our head office is in Vancouver. "OR France" Nous emploi x Francais" etc And international corporate structure as partnership due trade wars. Also source in each country according to the trade agreements so Chile supplies Alpaca duty free...