I want everything in the store.
It's a great place for all the outdoor enthusiasts.
Everything is good quality and you walk into the store wanting everything. And i mean that.
if anyone gave me a birthday gift or stocking stuffer from mec, i would love them.
They have occasional sales which makes it a little better.
The reality is, it is a little on the pricey side despite being a co-op. You have to be smart about it and think about the ROI you will get. For example, you can buy sleeping pad for $100 - $200 at Mec. You can go accross the street to Europe bound and find one for $60 - $150. It's just the MEC product will last you much longer - so think about what you want out of the product.
Also going to MEC versus Europe bound is like going to Loblaws versus No Frills. You'll find cheap stuff at Europe bound, but you won't get the full range of products to choose from. At MEC you will.
I've shopped at both and have made my decisions based on the estimated usefull life of the product i am buying.
I also support MEC more now because of how environmentally conscious they are and how much they support local charities. I never see this kind of genuine dedication in businessess anymore. They are legitimate and not just green washing. Good on them.
Also helps that the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.