Which retail outlet that sells Coghlan's camping gear bills itself as Canada's largest supplier of outdoor equipment?
Mountain Equipment Co-op Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is a Canadian consumers' cooperative that sells outdoor recreation gear and clothing exclusively to its members. MEC is notable for its commitment to environmental protection and other causes. As a co-op, MEC sells only to customers who hold a lifetime membership, which is technically a share and can be purchased by anyone for $5. MEC bills itself as Canada's largest supplier of outdoor equipment. Since its founding in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1971, MEC has expanded across Canada and now operates stores in 22 cities. Once catering to mountaineers and climbers, MEC now targets a broader clientele. This is evidenced by changes in its marketing imagery, which historically focused on high level climbing and alpinist imagery. MEC has over 4.3 million members in Canada and internationally.
West 49 West 49 Inc., is a Canadian specialty retailer of fashion and apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment related to the action sports lifestyle. The retailer operates more than 100 stores across the country and is Canada's largest skateboard and snowboard chain. In 2005, it was ranked the 82nd fastest growing company in Canada. West 49 Inc. operates stores under several names: West 49, Billabong, Element Canada, and Amnesia/Arsenic. On November 4, 2013, YM Inc. was confirmed as the new parent company of the retail chain.