Mountain Equipment Co-op to open Kitchener store next spring

Mountain Equipment Co-op says the Kitchener-Waterloo area is one of their fastest growing markets in Ontarioand they plan to open a new store here in spring 2017.

The company, which recently rebranded asMEC, said it will open an 18,000 square foot store at 10 Manitou Drive in Kitchener, near Fairview Park Mall and a planned LRT station.

"The tri-cities is one of the fastest growing regions of Ontario, with many millennials among the area's newcomers," MEC chief financial officer Sandy Treagus said in a release.

"These are young, active, tech-savvy individuals who we believe are well-disposed to MEC's unique retail offering," he said. "We are keen to welcome new and existing Tri-Cities members to MEC's 'tent.' "

On-site bike, ski repair shop

MEC sells clothing and products related to outdoor activities and said its Kitchener store will also offer support for cyclists, runners and paddlers.

There will be a full-service bike repair and ski-tech shop, as well as equipment rentals for boats, skis and camping gear. There will also be a community meeting room for local outdoor and environmental groups to use.

The release said the company is seeing "an unprecedented period of growth"

"Work on the new purpose-built store is underway and will continue for approximately nine months. Then, once product merchandising and fit-up are complete, the store will open sometime next spring," the company said.