2-2 Forces and Competition

Mountain equipment coop or MEC was founded in 1971 and started as a  small store in Vancouver, MEC growth ahs been very slow and strategic over the last 30 years. “Mountain Equipment Co-op provides quality products and services for self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation, such as hiking and mountaineering, at the lowest reasonable price in an informative, respectful manner. We are a member-owned co-operative striving for social and environmental leadership.”

MEC started as a company that was known for not liking to outsource to other countries due to them knowing the manner of how the good are produced. MEC is a strong supporter of our environment they produce their products using materials such as recycled polyester and plastic bottles. Over the years with the changes in the global economy it is has made it very difficult for MEC to continue with the same products.

MEC is a very firm believer that of getting feedback from there clientele. While looking at there website it is very apparent that MEC does take there customers feedback very seriously. Many MEC customers are upset that while they are in the store they are seeing more and more products that aren’t locally produced in Canada. On the website MEC responds to this by saying “Due to the nature of todays economy, managers must review all areas of business such as overseas manufacturing in order to continue to maintain high product standards as well as at a price point which consumers want to spend.”  This is tough to try and bring high quality products at the lowest price available while still maintaining products only produced in our country. If MEC doesn’t look to get more affordable products with the same quality then someone else will and people will likely ship there instead.