Despite a challenging retail environment, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is forging ahead with a new 20,688-square-foot store in North Vancouver.
On Monday, the City of North Vancouver approved the outdoor retailer’s plans to build a new store at 212 Brooksbank Avenue near Park & Tillford Shopping Centre.
“The public process that culminated in council’s approval last night resulted in numerous improvements to our original proposal, and we are excited about the prospect of the new store being the hub of outdoor recreation on the North Shore,” said MEC CFO Sandy Treagus.
MEC spokesman Tim Southam said the company, which operates 14 stores in six provinces, needed a green light from city council to rezone the proposed site to allow for retail development.
“This particular property on Brooksbank Avenue was one of the last pieces of property [in the area] that was not being used for retail purposes, so we felt it was a good use of the space,” Southam told Business in Vancouver.
Construction is expected to begin later this summer.
Southam said the building would not only be built to high environmental standards, but the company has also committed to upgrades at nearby Lynmouth Park, stewardship funding for Lynn Creek and bicycle infrastructure improvements.
The new store would replace the company’s existing location at 1341 Main Street in North Vancouver, an outlet that opened only seven years ago.
“Quite frankly, it’s been too small from the day we opened it,” Southam said of the company’s existing North Vancouver location.
He added sales at that store have increased in the last year despite a tough retail environment.
The new store is expected to employ up to 75 people and open next spring.
Joel McKay