Quote:
Originally Posted by Wormius
I thought all of this started when they got bought out and ceased being a co-op.
I did really enjoy that place and their sense of community. The gear swaps they’d host or the even having their own used buy and sell section on their page. Also the almost inevitable parking lot interactions where you gave your parking receipt to the next guy coming into the lot as you’re walking to your car.
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I think it started more like 2008-2010 when MEC started to bring in more 3rd party brands vs designing and sometimes making their own goods. Give me a MEC designed backpack at 30% less than a Timbuk2 or Jantzen one any day. You used to just know that the MEC one was just better and would be 30% less, and that if anything went wrong they'd warranty it (within reason). It seemed like the "we need to be more corporate" Board members infiltrated the Board until it was exactly that - corporate. Call it a takeover.
All of that is of course gone now. Not sure what MEC brings to the table that a Atmosphere / Sport Check / Sporting Life doesn't.
Arcteryx used to be like this - zipper go on an expensive Sabre AR jacket? Send it for a new one. Now - I've had quite a few claims rejected (i.e. taping on goretex seams all peeled off). Not worth full price anymore - I'm increasingly looking at North Face for gear as it at least goes on sale once in a while.