Arc’teryx appoints former Lululemon exec to VP, store development 

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 7, 2021

Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx Equipment announced on Wednesday the appointment of former Lululemon executive Chris Pelyk to VP, store development. 

In the new role, effective immediately, Pelyk will oversee the global expansion, real estate, store design, and construction of Arc’teryx retail stores. The brand currently distributes through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, of which over 115 are branded stores. He reports directly to Delaney Schweitzer, chief commercial officer of Arc’teryx.  

“We are excited to welcome Chris, a highly respected industry leader with extensive experience leading global store operations at leading consumer brands, to the Arc’teryx team,” said Schweitzer. 

“His expertise will be invaluable as we extend our retail store footprint in support of our vertical future ensuring we get the best location, at the right time, in strategic markets.” 

Pelyk, a Canadian native, joins the company from Lululemon where he served as senior director of store development in Asia overseeing the development, design, and strategic planning of retail concepts throughout the region. Prior to that, he established strategic real estate plans and oversaw the opening of retail concepts for Fossil, Adidas, and Apple throughout Asia. 

Pelyk holds a BA in Applied Geo Statistics from Ryerson University and an EMBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario Business.

“Arc’teryx has long been a company and brand I’ve admired, and they align perfectly with both my values and passion for outdoor sports,” Pelyk said. “I am excited to be joining the team and to bring my experience and expertise in implementing and executing strategic retail development plans to help the brand continue to spread its wings globally.”

Last month, Arc’teryx debuted a new retail store in London's Covent Garden for its Arc'type collection, marking the first European opening for the brand’s micro store concept, centred around the Arc’types.

The Canadian company, which specialises in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, is continuing its retail expansion in Europe, as well as in the United States, where it opened a Manhattan store this summer.