Words by: Lisa Richardson
Header image by: Robin O’Neill
Now is the time to pause and reflect.
Like, actually, stop and go look in the mirror. What do you see?
Most of the time, we’re looking to make sure it’s our game-face grinning back, right? Yes, still me in charge of this skinsuit! Good, no toothpaste on the face. Hair brushed, toque in place. Sunscreen fully rubbed in. OMG, how long has that piece of spinach been stuck between my teeth?
Sometimes, though, some wild magic is at play, and it’s not the game-face you see at all. Instead, you’re met by someone who only shows up when the endless momentum of habit, social pressure, deadlines and business-as-usual is powered down. In that pause, recall that you are the sum of all your ancestors’ dreams and spent pleasures and collaborations, you are a container filled with every experience you’ve ever had, you are seven octillion atoms, gallons of water being endlessly recycled, tiny particles of gold, the ancient dust of stars that went supernova.
Photo: Jeremy Koreski
You were never just you, completely alone in the Universe.
We have always been intricately infinitely interconnected.
We have always been each other’s best mirror of what is possible, what is remarkable, what is achingly breakable, what is holy.
Sometimes, we just feel that more than usual. Like now, as the COVID-19 global pandemic invites us to pull the emergency handbrake on business as usual and individually and collectively, accept the choice of hitting one of two buttons: the panic or the pause.
Photo: Angela Percival
Let’s embrace the pause. Allow that glimpse at your reflection to remind you, on a deep cellular level, that in the midst of great uncertainty, we are in this Together For What’s to Come.
We can be organized, responsive, collaborative, even if we’re not touching each other. Take care of yourself. Go for a walk outside if you can. Plan your next hike. Connect with family. Clean your house. Stretch. Wash your GORE-TEX. Take stock of what you have. Find a moment of peace within the unusual.
Even in your self-isolation and social distancing, tele-commuting and homeschooling, adapting and responding, may you feel deeply connected and supported. May you do your part. May you find sanctuary in your breath, in the trail, in looking up at the sky, in the air outside — even if simply from an open window or balcony, in inspiring books and images and in the actions of those who choose to shine from the deepest knowing: We are. Together, For What’s to Come.
TO OUR COMMUNITY
To our Arc’teryx community around the world,
We care deeply about protecting the health and safety of our customers, staff and community.
As the public health environment steadily improves and businesses start to resume operations, we step into a new unknown with spirit and strength. We will continue to diligently monitor alerts from health authorities to stay current, while also observing any shifts that take place within our communities. We will actively communicate updates as they become available.
Below you will find the current precautionary measures we have implemented. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate through this challenge together.
Our Retail Stores
We are happy to announce that effective May 9th, we are re-opening the doors of our Arc’teryx Kitsilano store. The decision to re-open Arc’teryx Kitsilano was made with four factors in mind: the status of our local health environment, guidance from public health authorities and government officials, community sentiment, and store readiness. We will communicate updates about other store openings as they become available.
The health and well-being of our people will continue to be our top priority, and to ensure this, we are introducing a handful of enhanced safety measures. When you enter our store, you will find:
ENHANCED CLEANING AND SANITIZING
-Hand sanitizers are available at high-traffic areas, including the store entrance, cash area, and all workstations.
-We’ve increased the frequency of our cleaning and disinfecting schedule in common spaces (restroom, fitting room, staff room), commonly touched surfaces (workstations, doorknobs, keyboards, scanners, light switches, credit card terminals), and exposed surfaces (countertops, clothing displays).
PERSONAL SAFETY
-All on-site staff are supplied with face masks and gloves.
-We’re embracing a “cashless” payment system for the time being.
-Our staff will do their best to sell new, unopened products from backstock inventory.
-We’re displaying signage throughout the store encouraging customers to have gloves and masks and to continue their shopping experience at www.arcteryx.com if they have flu-like symptoms or feel unwell.
-At the moment we’re unable to accept in-store product service requests.
STORE TRAFFIC
-We’re stationing an Arc’teryx staff member at the front of the store to regulate traffic and ensure a maximum number of customers (1 customer per 20 sqm/215 sq.ft of selling space).
-We’re blocking off space for customers to line up alongside the exterior of the store, and we also have tape and signage to indicate 2 meters spacing between customers waiting in line.
-We’re reducing the number of fixtures on the floor to allow for more space.
-We have signage displayed throughout the store to indicate 2 meters spacing between customers and staff.
Our People
All employees at our North Vancouver headquarters are strongly encouraged to work from home.
For our employees, we will be offering online yoga classes to replace the usual in-house, live sessions. We also offer employees free guided meditation with the Headspace app, as well as confidential Lifeworks mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Our Operations
Our ecommerce channels will operate as normal and we will continue to receive and ship all orders.
Our Vancouver distribution centre remains open. The nature of the facility and its work practices mean there is already high social distancing and minimal group sizes.
Our Community
We have postponed or cancelled all retail events and have hosted many digitally when possible. You can find more info here or by following our local social channels.
We are continuing to connect with our community online through live sessions with Arc’teryx team members, athletes, and ambassadors available on our social channels.
We have actively assessed ways to protect and support our community during this time.
After collaborating with local health authorities and a few key neighbouring manufacturing and design partners, we came together to prototype and develop a reusable medical gown to address the current shortage as a result of Covid-19. A total of 90,000 medical gowns have been produced between Arc’teryx and our partners Mustang Survival and Boardroom Clothing. Learn more here.
We are in this Together, For What’s to Come.
Be well,
Your friends at Arc’teryx