June 2009 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 89 • June 2009

WHY ROOTS CARES Dr. Jane Goodall helps launch new ‘Roots Cares’ employee environmental program at Toronto event

Issue 89 - June 2009

The Source • 1

I N S I D E ISSUE89 FROM DISTANT SHORES South African retailers visit Roots in Toronto TAKING TO THE ICE Edmonton hockey fans show their Roots THE HILLS ARE ALIVE... On the slopes in a wedding dress for charity

STYLE IN THE AIR Extreme sports enthusiast wears Roots in BMX race

Ilich Mejia

THE CALL OF HOCKEY Former NHLers take on Team Roots for a good cause

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS Naturally produced skincare and hair care line takes off

SPECIAL DELIVERY

MAKING TRACKS Roots sponsors Mississauga Marathon for charity

A PLEASURE OUT EAST I’m writing you because I want to tell you that it’s such a pleasure to visit your store at Bayers Lake in Halifax. I’ve always found the staff very courteous and helpful, especially the manager, Lisa Moorhouse. I go to the store often and Lisa is always so pleasant and ready to assist customers. You are fortunate to have her working for Roots. Wendy Offman Halifax, Nova Scotia

THE MAKING OF A GOOD SWEAT More than meets the eye with Roots fleece

Departments FINE PRINT GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS STAYING POWER

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Interns CAROLINE IWANOWSKI PAVAN SANDHU NICOLE SMITH The Source is published by Roots Canada Ltd. We welcome letters from readers for publication. Please address all correspondence to The Source, Letters to the Editor, Roots Canada, 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M6B 4C4 or by email to thesource@roots.com Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Each issue of The Source is also available, in an abridged version, on the Roots website at www.roots.com

2 • The Source

A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots

ROOTS HOSPITALITY We would like you to recognize one of your employees, Sharon Holmes, for her patience and understanding as we lost track of the closing time when we were in your East Point Outlet store in Saint John’s, Newfoundland. We went to Roots because a friend visiting from Australia wanted to get items with Canada on them to take home to her family. Sharon was excellent in helping to find the items our friend was looking for. When we realized that the store was actually already closed for 20 minutes and apologized to her, she was most accommodating and told us not to worry

about it. Sharon didn’t rush when ringing in the purchases even though it was well past the time she should have been finished work. Please pass on our appreciation to her. Lyn and Dorothy Miller Saint John’s, Newfoundland KUDOS TO ANNE I would like to express how impressed I am with your customer service representative, Anne Theriault, and her resolution of a product issue I had about the Roots Midtown Bag. Her response was prompt, courteous and sympathetic. In an extremely professional manner, Ms. Theriault went even beyond what I have to come expect from Roots, considering their already solid customer service reputation. Lisa Sanche Toronto, Ontario CAPITAL GAINS I’d like to give you some positive feedback about two of your retail employees. While in Ottawa recently, my husband and I dropped into the Williams Street store to do some shopping. It was a Saturday

evening and when we entered the store we were greeted by Wendy Chain and Sydney McLennan, two sales representatives. First, they were both extremely personable and helpful, which made our visit to Roots quite enjoyable. Second, as we were unfamiliar with the area, I asked if they had any suggestions for a good restaurant. While both were willing to offer ideas, Wendy went above and beyond by giving us several detailed recommendations, including her favourite restaurant. We went there and enjoyed a fabulous meal. We couldn’t have asked for a better end to our day. I’d just like you to know that in Wendy and Sydney you have two employees who not only represented your store well, but they also embodied the spirit of Winterlude for the city of Ottawa. You can be assured that with customer relations such as this, I will continue to shop at Roots in the future. Michelle Hudon Hamilton, Ontario • The Source wants to hear from you. Please send your letters to Robert Sarner at thesource@roots.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Issue 89 - June 2009

WHY ROOTS CARES

True to the core values of the company, Roots launches an exciting new program for employees to benefit the community at large. BY ROBERT SARNER

s “special guests” go, this one was certainly most deserving of the label. It’s not every day that one of the world’s leading humanitarians and environmentalists (who’s also a UN Messenger of Peace) spends a morning in a Roots store, taking part in the launch of a new initiative for the company’s employees and the community. But that’s exactly what happened in midApril when Dr. Jane Goodall helped with the official kickoff of the Roots Cares employee engagement program at the flagship store in Toronto. The event took place in the store’s upstairs Algonquin Lounge where journalists, customers, and staff of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada joined Roots directors from the Head Office, managers of Roots stores in Toronto and company Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman for the official introduction of Roots Cares. The MC was Peggie Pelosi, founder of Orenda Connections, an expert on such initiatives and who has worked closely with Roots on developing the new employee engagement program. It was the culmination of a process that began last year when Don and Michael approved the concept of developing a company-wide communityrelated program that Roots

With tens of thousands of youth in almost 100 countries, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world.

would develop and promote in partnership with a specific charity. In the fall, a committee comprised of 11 Roots employees was formed representing various departments and stores across Canada. Its purpose was to develop a community-giving program that all employees could participate in, with the support of Roots.

(From left to right), Jeff Ingram, Janet Braam, Liz Doggett, Jane Goodall, Don Green and his daughters Deeva and Sophie 3 • The Source

After reviewing presentations from several non-profit organizations, the committee selected the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) of Canada, specifically the JGI’s Roots & Shoots program, as their charity of choice. Roots & Shoots is an environmental/ humanitarian education program and global network of youth from more than 100 countries. The new partnership will see Roots employees raising funds and providing volunteer time, with the support of Roots, to help the JGI develop Roots & Shoots projects throughout Canada. Employees will also be directly engaged in initiating and contributing to projects that address issues in their own communities. At the launch, Dr. Goodall gave a moving and engaging speech, exuding her typical warmth, compassion and belief in the ability of people to make

a positive impact. She explained that despite the current state of the world, she was full of hope, based on four main reasons: the human brain; the determination of young people; the indomitable human spirit; and the resilience of nature. She also paid tribute to Roots for embarking on this new employee-based initiative. “It is very exciting to see a major company like Roots adopting the philosophy of the Roots & Shoots program, and empowering their employees to make a difference in their communities and to act as role models for other young people,” said Dr. Goodall. “Roots and its employees across the country and around the world are to be congratulated. It is initiatives like this one that give me hope that we can and will overcome the huge problems that the world faces today.” Addressing the audience, Don said there was little mystery behind Roots Cares. “For all the success that Roots has achieved since it began, the most gratifying aspect for Michael and I has come from what Roots has been able to do to help others,” Don explained. “Roots has always had a commitment to giving back to the community, especially in places in which we operate. To add another dimension to those efforts, we recently decided to engage and support our employees more fully in our charitable initiatives through the creation of Roots Cares. It represents an opportunity for Roots employees to link arms and make an impact in their own communities. Appropriately, it’s focused on one of the fundamental core values at Roots: respect for nature and concern for the environment.” Longtime Roots employee Liz Doggett, Director of Wholesale Operations, has been a key player in the Roots Cares employee committee from the outset. “As a member of the Roots Cares committee, I can Continued on next page Issue 89 - May 2009

Continued from previous page

say it was a privilege to be involved in helping create this new program for the entire Roots team,” she told the audience. “We are inspired by the work of Dr. Goodall and excited to support her Roots & Shoots initiative.” Even ahead of the official launch of Roots Cares, Roots employees reacted enthusiastically to it. “When I first heard of plans for this project, I was not surprised,” says Debbie BarnesScallion, manager of a Roots store in Vancouver who has worked at the company since 1997 and is a member of the Roots Cares committee. “The ongoing commitment to community and the environment are one of the many reasons I chose to align myself with Roots. As an employee, it’s very important to me that the company I represent holds the same morals and integrity that I do. I’m so proud to be helping develop a program that every member of the Roots team can participate in.” The first major Roots Cares project for employees to get involved in this year is The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, a hands-on conservation program in late September. It’s part of Project Blue, the Roots & Shoots 2009 national water campaign. Each Roots employee will be invited to participate for one day in a local shoreline cleanup during the week of September 19-27. Roots will pay each employee their

normal salary for the day of volunteering. At the same time, all Roots stores and employees have the opportunity to create their own Roots & Shoots group, or to connect with an existing one in their community (if applicable). Roots will also be raising funds for Roots & Shoots activities including through the sale of specially produced Roots merchandise and will give employees the option to support the program through an automatic payroll deduction. In early June, all Roots stores and departments at the head office, distribution centre and factory will receive a Roots Cares handbook which will explain in detail how the Roots Cares program will work and how employees can get involved in the project. - R.S.

TIME FOR A CLEANUP

Roots Cares supports staff in national effort to remove litter from waterways

ompared to most countries, when it comes to sources of water, Canada is a paradise. It is blessed with an almost infinite number of streams, rivers, lakes, and bays, in addition to a near-endless western, northern and eastern coastline bordering on oceans. Lamentably, the above are too often treated as garbage dumps. In September, as part of the Roots Cares program, employees from all regions and departments will participate in the 2009 Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. They will spend a day removing trash from areas next to bodies of water, both in urban and rural settings. The Cleanup itself takes place over an 8-day period. In 2008, participants in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup removed 135,500 kg of litter in one week. Such litter has

only one source: humans. Both the amount and variety of garbage is staggering. Last year, volunteers removed barbecues, styrofoam, buoys, shopping carts, paint cans, earplugs, cigarette butts by the bucket loads, loaded rifles, vehicles, plastic cutlery, coffee cup lids, and the odd engagement ring. Our waterways are not dumping grounds, yet Canadians keep using them for just that. Cleanups are more than just collecting trash. They are examples of people working together to create solutions that ensure our oceans and other waterways are kept clean. The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is the perfect opportunity for companies, school groups, business groups, community associations, families, and concerned individuals to get involved in a hands-on conservation program. It provides a chance to be a part of an activity that has a real, measurable effect on the environment, both locally and globally. As such, this has been selected as the Roots Cares volunteer initiative for 2009.

Roots & Shoots brings rewarding experiences to everyday lives

WHERE THE MONEY GOES Roots Cares will be helping in different ways

unds raised through the Roots Cares program will support several initiatives, which will have both social and environmental benefits. The following is a list of projects coordinated by the Jane Good Institute of Canada (JGI) that Roots Cares will assist. • Introduction of the Roots & Shoots youth program in First Nation communities across Canada through a partnership with the Assembly of First Nations. 4 • The Source

• Creation of workshops and online resources for young Canadians to help them research issues in their own communities, build leadership and project skills, and implement local action projects. • Involvement in one-day JGI Youth Action Workshops in Canadian cities. • Ongoing development of youth leadership component of Roots & Shoots, including the Youth Leadership Council.

(From left to right) Michael Budman, Peggie Pelosi, Jane Goodall, Don Green and his dog Stanley at Roots Cares event Issue 89 - June 2009

FROM DISTANT SHORES Visiting South African retailers and wholesalers spend time at Roots in Toronto

S. African delegates with Robert Sarner, (far left), at the Algonquin Lounge at the Bloor St. store

n mid-March, Roots hosted a group of South African retail and wholesale managers as part of an international leadership development project. Run annually, the International Leadership Development Program is designed in conjunction with the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), which represents more than 40,000 businesses across the country. At the request of the RCC,

the Roots flagship store in Toronto received a 15-member delegation representing different retail sectors in South Africa ranging from apparel to food chains. Program participants visited top wholesale and retail operations in Canada and the United States. The visit to Roots began with an extensive tour of the Bloor St. store during which Robert Sarner, Director of

Communication and Public Affairs, talked about various products and recent innovations at the company. On the main floor, Andy McCurbin, who heads the store’s leather section, waxed passionately about Roots leather goods to the guests. After the tour, the guests were led to the Algonquin Lounge on the second floor where drinks were served before Robert gave a special presenta-

tion. The RCC had asked those companies hosting the group to address specific retail-related topics such as store design, best practices in merchandising, sustainability practices and customer loyalty programs. Roots was assigned the theme of “How brand identity plays an important role in creating a customer-focused experience.” “Roots was at the top of our list when choosing companies for this program,” says Diane Brisebois, President and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada. “We wanted a company that is unique and sets trends. Roots has set a benchmark in the retail industry. We wanted the participants to be exposed to Roots because we believe it has all the key elements of what a business should have to be successful, such as an enthusiastic team, excellent store design and first class merchandise.” As a souvenir of their visit to the store, Roots presented each delegate with a small leather pouch made at the company’s factory in Toronto, a discount card and an information kit.

FROM CANADA WITH STYLE Roots designs custom-made jackets for hotel chain’s international conference in Florida

n mid-February, the Canadian delegation to the 2009 Days Inn Worldwide Conference stood out from the rest in Kissimmee, Florida – with good reason. Several months earlier, the leaders of the Canadian delegation had contacted Roots to order custom designed matching jackets for their contingent to wear at the conference. The result: For three days, the 250 Canadian delegates walked tall in their Roots jackets and made sure to take a group photo to commemorate their time at the event. Hosted annually, this year’s conference took place at the Issue 89 - June 2009

Gaylord Palms Resort and Conference Center. More than 2,000 delegates attended, representing the 15 countries where Days Inn’s 1,900 hotels are located. The Canadians were arguably the largest – and bestdressed – group of the international teams. Roots designed lightweight track jackets, made in Canada in appropriate colours, red and white, featuring an attractive maple leaf alongside the Days Inn logo. Anne Marie Hargreaves, Account Manager in the Business-to-Business Department at Roots, coordinated the order of 250 track jackets for the group.

Canadian delegates show their Roots at Florida conference The Source • 5

TAKING TO THE ICE

Edmonton hockey fans come together to show their Roots

WHEN A SCHLEP BAG IS TRULY EXCLUSIVE Online experiment off to a promising start

I The Oil Kings and their supporters dressed in Roots gather at center ice at Rexall Place

rue to their country and city’s heritage, Edmontonians are passionate about hockey and like to show it – often in stylish ways. That’s why when the Oil Kings, the local junior hockey team, were seeking custom designed apparel for their season ticket holders they turned to Roots. Clearly, based on the recent group photo, it’s been well received. In April, Oil Kings players joined some 200 members of their team’s Founders Club to proudly show off their Roots jackets as part of a huge photo session at Rexall Place, home of both the Oil Kings and their NHL counterparts, the Edmonton Oilers. Oil King season ticket holders automatically become part of the Founders Club, receiving

special perks with their membership. New members get a custom made Roots Award Jacket in the team colours with the Oil Kings crest, along with access to the Founders Lounge before games and a commemorative plaque. Since its first order of 1,375 custom-made jackets from Roots in 2007, the Founders Club has continued to grow, adding 100 new members for whom it recently ordered 115 more Roots jackets. This year, the Founders Club also asked Roots to supply exclusive Zip Polos in the Oil Kings team colours to match the team jackets. The project was handled at Roots by David Jackson, Product Coordinator in the Business-toBusiness Department. The Oil Kings ended their season with their first WHL playoff series.

View of front display at Hong Kong store

SPRING FORWARD

Two new stores open in Taiwan and Hong Kong

he onset of spring marked a new step forward in the ongoing expansion of Roots in Asia. In early March, in its latest development in Hong Kong, Roots opened its fifth store there inside the Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay. 6 • The Source

Sogo, also known as “Jumbo Sogo,” is the largest Japanese-style department store and is one of the major shopping landmarks in Hong Kong. Three weeks later, in neighbouring Taiwan, Roots opened another location in a

Sogo Department Store in Chungli II, bringing to 29 the number of Roots stores in Taiwan. In a related development in Taiwan, the Roots store in the Han Shin I Department Store in Kaohsiung recently re-opened after being renovated. The Roots flagship store in Taiwan, located in the landmark skyscraper Taipei 101, is also scheduled for a renovation for the end of June.

Display at Han Shin

n its first attempt at selling a limited edition bag online, Roots quickly sold out its initial stock – and generated great media coverage. The pilot project, involving the Schlep Bag, was initiated by James Connell, Director of E-commerce, Digital Marketing and New Media and Victoria Lee, Manager of E-commerce operations, in close collaboration with the Roots leather factory in Toronto. The offer was only available to online customers on a firstcome-first-serve basis. “The reason behind the limited edition bags is to offer something special to the customer, something unique and collectible,” says Tanja Zelko, Manager of Digital Marketing and Online Experience. “It also helps differentiate us from the competition.” Ten Schlep Bags, marked one through ten, became available online for $178 each in late February. The bags sold out in less than 16 hours, even before a planned email promoting the offer was sent out. As a part of this exclusive initiative no more Schlep bags will be made in pebble gerbera leather. The Schlep bag is a roomy, unlined leather tote. It’s made in a variety of different leathers and sold in Roots stores across Canada. Several newspapers reported on this innovative promotion, including the National Post, which devoted a half-page article to the subject. In early May, based on the success of the initial offering, the web team introduced the second Roots limited edition bag promotion. This time, it featured 40 North South Bags made in vegetable tanned leather, which were sold exclusively online. Issue 89 - June 2009

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE… With someone skiing down the slopes in a wedding dress for charity

icture a crisp mid-winter morning, breathing in fresh mountain air atop one of the most renowned ski hills in the Rockies. Complete the scene by imagining you’re descending the slopes with the usual ski paraphernalia but also wearing a wedding dress. For Lil Heming, a Roots Business-to-Business Sales Representative in Western Canada, this unlikely juxtaposition wasn’t some kind of cinematic fantasy. It actually happened recently when Lil took part in the 7th annual Dash for Cash charity ski race in Banff. Some 75 avid skiers and snowboarders participated in the event in support of brain injury awareness and prevention. As part of this year’s race, participants donned their best costumes as they dashed down the runs at Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort to help raise funds for the Dave Irwin Brain Injury Foundation. Teams of four competed in dual slalom format races during the day. Since the event began in 2003, it has raised more than

THE ROOTS CLASS OF ’09 Scholarship helps students pay tuition

Lil braving the slopes during the race at Sunshine Village

$200,000 for research of brain injury prevention and the development of programs to support brain injury survivors and their families. “I believe in supporting these types of events,” says Lil, 49, who is based in Calgary. “They are enjoyable and raise awareness about an important cause.” Two-time Canadian Olympic downhill skier Dave Irwin created his charity in 2002, after suffering a brain injury while

skiing in 2001. For her part, Lil, a longtime friend of Irwin, has always been a firm believer in getting involved and supporting community endeavors. “I believe that donating one’s time is part of something that everyone should do,” says Lil, who has worked at Roots since 2005. “If we each did a little bit to give back to the community, I think we would start to see more positive changes.”

THE CALL OF HOCKEY

Former NHL stars compete against Team Roots for a good cause

CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos flanked by Michael and Don

n March, for the second time in three years, Roots CoFounders Michael Budman and Don Green hosted a hockey tournament and fundraising event in support of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s environmental organization Waterkeeper Alliance. One of the highlights of the evening Issue 89 - June 2009

was a 3-on-3-hockey game at Budman Gardens, the outdoor hockey rink at the Toronto home of Michael and his wife Diane Bald. Taking to the ice was a team of former NHL Edmonton Oilers stars playing against Team Roots. A crowd of 150 athletes, entertainers, environmentalists and other

guests turned out to support Waterkeeper, which is devoted to the protection of lakes and rivers around the world Among those in attendance: Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Winners Craig Simpson, Charlie Huddy, Craig MacTavish, Steve Tambellini, current GM of the Edmonton Oilers, Christine Simpson, hockey commentator for Versus, Karen Percy-Lowe, CBC sports commentator former Canadian Olympic Medalist, Mark Matson and Robert Kennedy Jr. from Waterkeeper Alliance, film director Michael McGowan, and George Stroumboulopoulos, host of CBC’s The Hour. As part of the funds raised, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) donated $10,000 to the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper organization.

or the fourth year in a row, Roots is collaborating with the maker of its watches, Cosmoda Corporation, to offer scholarships to students graduating from high school. The Roots Class of 2009 program provides financial assistance to students hoping to begin their higher education this fall. Five students will win $1,000 each as part of this year’s program. Students can apply themselves or can be nominated by their friends or parents. No purchase is necessary. Those interested in the program must complete an application form (available at most Roots stores througout Canada) and write an essay about their educational and career objectives. Scholarship applications will be accepted until June 30, with winners chosen in early September. In a related development, Roots stores are now carrying the Class of 2009 series of watches for men and women. A perfect gift for graduating students, the watches come in two solid stainless steel designs: the sporty and stylish Roots Harbour for men and the delicate and fashionable Roots Cosette for ladies. The silver dial features the ‘Class of 2009’ imprint, etched on the back of the watchcase. Each watch comes with a bonus Roots photo frame, while quantities last. Roots Harbour: $130; Roots Cosette: $115; No purchase is necessary to apply for the scholarship. • For more information, go to www.watchroots.com The Source • 7

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff

Jennifer Trajkovski, Manager of the Yorkdale store in Toronto, and Filip Trajkovski, Manager of the Hillcrest store in Richmond Hill, welcomed a baby boy, Filip Manuel Trajkovski on Feb. 19. Hearty congratulations to Jennifer and Filip for this great moment in their lives. • Please send us details of similar good news and we’ll be happy to publish it in The Source (photogallery@roots.com)

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance

ecently, many Roots employ ees marked major anniversaries of their time at the company. By ‘major,’ we mean benchmark achievements as in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years spent at Roots. We invite anyone celebrating such an anniversary to send the relevant information to The Source. Congratulations to the following employees for their significant contributions and enduring loyalty to Roots:

• Rosario Cordova, Leather Stitcher, 20 years • Alda Rodrigues, Leather Stitcher, 20 years • Maria Xavier, Leather Stitcher, 20 years • Andrew McCurbin, Leather Specialist, Bloor St. Store, Toronto, 15 years • Theresa Quijano, Embroidery Operator, 15 years • Sun Yang, Leather Stitcher, 15 years • Eulalia Magdziak, Leather Floor Lady, 10 years • Anh Nguyen, Leather Stitcher, 10 years • Hien Nguyen, Leather Stitcher, 10 years • Joe Silva, Leather Laster, 10 years • Karen Joseph, Metro Toronto Keyholder, 5 years • Sam Mammoliti, Team Leader, Inventory, 5 years • Ecaterini Maravelis,Buyer, 5 years • Julie O’Neill, Merchandise Manager, 5 years 8 • The Source

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Roots hosts Joshua Jackson at Toronto premiere of new movie

n early-March, Roots hosted a premiere party for the new Canadian film One Week at its flagship store in Toronto. In the presence of the movie’s leading man, Joshua Jackson, an old friend of Roots, the post-screening event attracted fans, moviegoers and media, eager to meet the star. Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman complimented Joshua on his acclaimed performance and paid tribute to the film, which takes place in Canada. He presented Joshua, who also stars in the popular TV series Fringe, with a Roots leather jacket. One Week tells the story of Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson) who discovers that he has cancer and only has one week to live. To

Joshua Jackson, (right), with Michael Budman

make the most of the time he has left, Ben travels across Canada during which he learns some valuable life lessons. “It was a fun Canadian film and a great surprise to also meet Joshua Jackson at the same time,” says Bethany Peckham,

Customer Service Coordinator at Roots who won tickets to the premiere party. “ I really enjoyed the after-party at Bloor St. which attracted a nice mix of people.” As part of the One Week event, Roots also had a photo exhibit of behind-the-scenes stills from the film, provided by director Michael McGowan. Also on display was the 1973 Norton Commando motorcycle Jackson rides in the film. Inspired by the leather jacket Jackson wears in the film, Roots now sells the One Week Jacket Bruschetta for men, made from 100% Italian leather. The jacket is available online and in select Roots stores.

STYLE ON AND OFF THE GROUND Extreme sports enthusiast wins biking competition wearing Roots

Jason shows off his classic Roots sweats and his BMX tricks

ou never know when you’ll next see Roots in an unusual location or in an unexpected situation. In March, spectators at the Toronto International Bicycle Show saw racer Jason Rowley proudly show off his Roots 10 feet off the ground as he won the Pro BMX competition. The BMX race is a cycling event in which the main goal is extreme racing on tracks littered with obstacles. A typical BMX race usually

lasts for about a minute or even less depending on the track length. Although relatively brief, it can be quite challenging. The track usually consists of a starting gate for up to eight racers, a groomed, winding dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers and a finish line. It’s usually flat and about 15-feet wide with large banked corners that help the riders maintain speed. “I have raced the Toronto bike show in the past, and enjoy

getting out there in the offseason to compete,” says Jason, 33. “This time, there were riders from as far away as Arizona and Indiana. Winning was the perfect ending to a great weekend of racing.” Nothing if not fearless, Jason has practiced this extreme sport since he was a teenager, often wearing Roots sweats for their famed comfort. “The Roots gear always feels great,” he says. “I wore the sweat pants all weekend on the track, and wore the hoodies and T-shirts off the track. They were very comfortable and stylish.” During the competition, Jason was seen wearing his Roots twice – first in the black Roots Original Sweat pant and later in the Grey Comox Sweat pant.

ON THE MOVE New appointments and promotions at Roots • Natalie Barone appointed District Visual Coordinator • Paulomi Patel appointed Retail Operations Coordinator • Josh Tillio appointed Retail Operations Analyst • James Wilford appointed District Visual Coordinator Issue 89 - June 2009

QUALITY TIME PIECES Roots helps launch watch donation drive to benefit unemployed job seekers

W Linda Evangelista

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Goldie Hawn

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures in the world of entertaiment and sports who visited Roots stores recently: •Aspen Store, Colorado - Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger came right up to the cashier and said “Look, I have on my Roots Boots.” He was wearing the Roots Nordic boots. He then signed autographs and posed for a picture. • Aspen Store - Actor Goldie

Hawn stopped in, telling the employees how much she loves coming to Aspen’s Roots store and enjoys her great friendship with Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman. She admired the Village Bag in the new Pebble Rustler and purchased it along with several of the large cosmetic bags. • Beverley Hills Store, Los Angeles - The original supermodel Linda Evangelista dropped in to buy a couple of pairs of sweatpants before flying to New York.

YOUR OPINION, PLEASE Roots website introduces new dialogue feature with customers about products

he Roots website is nothing if not forever evolving. Its latest development is a special ‘comments and feedback’ option added to all the products available online. The new feature, which went live in March under the supervision of Tanja Zelko, Manager, Digital Marketing and Online Experience, and James Connell, Senior Director, Ecommerce, Digital Marketing and New Media, now allows customers to express their opinions live on roots.com once they’ve registered on the site. The registration is open to everyone. As part of this new tool, shoppers can ask questions, answer other viewers’ queries and review and rate items. In addition, they can also upload their personal videos and photographs of Roots products they own. Even while customers will be allowed to discuss items, the Roots customer support team will always be on hand to answer product-related questions and provide Issue 89 - June 2009

additional information. “Shoppers tend to trust feedback like this more as it’s less biased as compared to the official information given about a product,” says James. “Uploading personal pictures also creates a sense of community. We want customers to feel a sense of ownership and pride about being able to contribute on roots.com.” This innovation allows customers, especially online shoppers, to make a more informed decision about products they plan to purchase. Recent research suggests that increasingly during uncertain economic times, consumers seek product-reviews before shopping. Such ratings and reviews are also considered a foremost way to increase consumer trust and loyalty toward a brand. All Roots staff members are also encouraged to visit the website to rate products and give feedback to contribute toward making this feature a success.

ith spring-cleaning season now in high gear, Roots and its watchlicensee Cosmoda Corporation are asking people to look through their drawers and closets for unwanted watches (regardless of what brand they are) and to donate them as part of the “Roots Trade-In Your Watch Promotion.” During the month of June, all participating Roots stores, major department, jewelry and specialty gift stores will be collecting used watches as part of an innovative recycling/ community support program throughout Canada. The watches will be distributed to people in need by two community support groups – Dress For Success and Dress Your Best – both of which are dedicated to the relief of poverty by outfitting women, men and youth with clothing as they seek employment. The campaign is in keeping with the long established tradition of Roots contributing to the communities where they conduct business. In donating their watches,

people will not only be helping others. They will also receive $25 off the purchase of their next Roots watch. The watches will be shipped to Cosmoda, where they will be cleaned, repaired and prepared for distribution later by Dress For Success and Dress Your Best. This initiative by these two organizations, in partnership with Roots and Cosmoda, is intended to help unemployed people feel better about themselves and look more professional as they try to find a job. To donate used watches, bring them into any participating retail store across Canada during the month of June.

YES, SIR! Adding a touch of Roots to new issue of style mag

oots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green recently took time out of their busy schedules to serve as Guest Editors for the just published Spring 2009 issue of Sir magazine. Jeanne Beker, Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, approached Michael and Don in January, asking them to take part in this special collaboration. They consulted with the Sir editors and provided many of the ideas for the feature articles and columns including the cover story on Toronto Maple Leaf hockey

player and rookie sensation Luke Schenn. Reflecting the interests of Michael and Don, the issue also focused on several subjects relating to health, wellness, the environment and sports along with a spotlight on Ontario’s Algonquin Park. Published quarterly, Sir is a Canadian men’s fashion magazine which is distributed at newsstands and in the Globe and Mail. A copy of the spring issue was also recently put on display in each Roots store in Canada. The Source • 9

FINE PRINT

A selection of coverage of Roots in the media Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • Fashion, June issue. Roots Fold-Over bag featured in ‘Fashion Flashback’ photospread. • Reader’s Digest, May. Roots is featured as a leader in ecofriendly clothing with recycled cotton and polyester fabrics. • Canadian Family, May. Roots Boys Cotton Cargo Shorts featured in the ‘Strike a Pose’ photo-spread. • Fashion, May. Roots white leather Fold-Over Bag featured in ‘The Preppy Wardrobe Staples’ and ‘It’s in the Bag’ fashion photo-spreads. • Flare, May. Fashion photospread entitled ‘Mom-to-Be’ spotlights Roots Mid-town Slide leather bag. • Where, May. Spotlight on Roots Lauren Tote in ‘Flights of Fancy’ photo-spread. • Toronto Star, April 18. Roots all-weather ‘City Coat’ in charcoal featured in the Living Section • Metro (Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver) April 16. Article entitled ‘Ecoaccessorizing’ for Earth Day features new Roots fragrance Source in Red Tea and Bamboo • Fashion, April. Spotlight on Roots Vivienne Bag (black), UK Tote (red), and Zipper Shopper (purple). • Flare, April. Roots Vivienne Bag in rustler leather featured in fashion spread. • Globe and Mail, March 28. Spotlight on Roots men’s leather messenger bag and briefcases in the Style section. • Globe and Mail, March 20. Article entitled, “A workout for all seasons” profiles Michael Budman, Co-Founder of Roots, and his fitness regimen. • Vancouver 24 Hours, March 11. Spotlight on Roots Saddle Bag in ‘Must-haves Style Guide’ photo-spread. • National Post, March 7. Article entitled ‘Locally Sewn’ spotlights Roots leather goods for being designed and manufactured in Canada. • Canadian Family, March. Roots leather club chair featured in girls’ bedroom décor. • Chatelaine, March. Spotlight on Roots stainless steel and gold-toned watch in timepiece photo-spread. • Vancouver Sun, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, National Post, Gazette, (Montreal) March 6. Spotlight on Roots limited edition Schlep Bag in Gerbera Italian Leather. • Globe and Mail, March 3. Fashion spread features Roots Flat Bag.

10 • The Source

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS New line of natural skin and hair care products well received

s part of its ongoing commitment to more natural, eco-friendly products, Roots recently launched a new skincare and hair care line called RootsSkin. It consists of 21 products such as shampoo, shower gel, soap, cream, and much more. RootsSkin offers items for both men and women, and a special collection for those with dry skin. Handmade in Atlantic Canada, RootsSkin products are comprised of raw, natural ingredients including beeswax, virgin coconut oil and pure olive oil. The line does not contain any harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, sulfates or petrochemicals and is not tested on animals. Since the launch of RootsSkin in November, the products have been well received, especially by those with skin ailments. Several were so enthusiastic they wrote unsolicited testimonials in praise of RootsSkin. John Healy, who lives in Burlington, Ontario has used steroid cream since the age of 7 to treat his eczema. Last December, while visiting a Roots store in nearby Oakville, his wife noticed the new skincare line and purchased a bar of soap and face cream for John. Having previously tried many other

products without success, he was initially skeptical of RootsSkin. To his amazement, within 48 hours of using RootsSkin, John saw significant results. “My skin was immediately cooler, less red and a lot less itchy,” says John, 31, manager of RBC Insurance in Oakville. “Now, only after a few months of using RootsSkin, my eczema is virtually gone.” In Toronto, Lolimar Garcia, along with her mother and daughter, had a history of various skin conditions. An employee at a local Roots store, Lolimar was intrigued when the new line came out and decided to try it. Lolimar’s mother is a cancer survivor who suffered from highly sensitive skin due to radiation treatments and recently began using RootsSkin products. “This is the first cream my mother has been able to apply to her skin that doesn’t irritate it,” says Lolimar. “It actually makes her feel better.” Lolimar’s daughter, Andrea, has been diagnosed with severe eczema. She visited many dermatologists and all her life used harsh cortisone creams to help her condition, yet nothing worked until she tried RootsSkin. Now, her eczema has completely disappeared. For her part, Lolimar also uses RootsSkin and recommends it to all her friends and family.

“RootsSkin is really amazing,” says Lolimar. “I use it everyday and it will be the only thing I’ll ever use.” RootsSkin is specially made for Roots by Olivier Soaps, a family-operated skincare company in New Brunswick. Olivier makes its products through a unique process that uses the least amount of heat to preserve the medicinal properties of the ingredients. The collaboration with Olivier is in keeping with how, whenever possible, Roots supports Canadian manufacturers, especially those suppliers who make quality products in a responsible manner. “We should be cautious of the products we use on our skin,” says Samuel Saintonge, Sales Manager of Olivier. “Many skincare companies use various types of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in their products as preservatives. Consumers should avoid products unless they recognize the ingredients on the label.” Samuel cites the recent trend of people increasingly using natural alternatives in their lifestyle. Naturally produced skincare products, such as RootsSkin, are not only healthier for the body, but also better for the environment. - RootsSkin is available in select Roots stores in Canada

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing stores in April

Employees of BCE Place, Toronto store

hortly before this issue of The Source went to press, we received the final sales figures for stores in April. Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the BCE Place in Toronto that captured the latest ‘Store of the Month’ honours, beating its sales target by a wide margin. As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the South Edmonton Common Outlet in Edmonton

took first place with a score that far surpassed others in terms of its sales budget. Congratulations to Eve Kielak, Manager of the BCE Place store, and Johanne Chute, Manager of the South Edmonton Common Outlet, and to their respective teams for their winning performances. Hats off to all of the other stores that surpassed their sales goals in April. Issue 89 - June 2009

MAKING TRACKS Roots is a sponsor of this year’s Mississauga Marathon for charity

Runners take their mark for the annual race in Toronto suburb

his year marks the sixth anniversary of Canada’s fastest growing race event, the Mississauga Marathon. Taking place in the Toronto suburb on May 9 and 10, it’s become a “can’t miss” among those in the country’s running community. One reason is because runners can donate funds they raise to the charity of

their choice or pledge money directly to any of the charity partners involved in the event. As a sponsor of this year’s marathon, Roots was highly visible from start to finish. Organizers collaborated with Roots – in particular, Anne Marie Hargreaves, Account Manager in the Business-toBusiness Department – to

Inside look at the visual display at the new Robson St. store

WESTERN ROOTS Positive new developments unfold on the retail front in Alberta and BC

hile the current economic turbulence has caused many retail companies in North America to falter and constrict their presence in the marketplace, Roots is moving full steam ahead with its planned expansion in 2009. In recent weeks, following new store openings in Quebec and Ontario during the winter, Roots has increased its retail Issue 89 - June 2009

develop an idea for a T-shirt given to the first 7,500 people to register. The result was a Roots Dry Fit Tee featuring the Mississauga Marathon logo. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be involved in an event of this proportion that does so much for so many charities and other good causes,” says Anne Marie. “The organizers were amazing to work with.” Last year, more than 11,000 competitors took part in the marathon’s seven weekend running events. This year included the Canon Marathon (42 km), the Half Marathon (21 km) and a community favourite, ‘The Hazel’ (named after Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion) in addition to several more. A 2-kilometer Family Fun run/walk rounded out the weekend ensuring that there was an event for people of all ages and abilities. feel like they are walking into a home and not a typical store,” says Jay Lopes, Director of Visual Presentation. “The visual merchandising is kept very simple for ease of shopability. At the same time, close attention has been paid to big and small details including how we stack and fold our sweats so as to highlight specific garment details. Other distinct elements include antique bust-forms to better showcase leather goods and tree trunk ‘slices’ on table tops to feature accessories. In

THE RIGHT MOVES Roots supports yoga marathon for cancer research

n early May, more than 1,000 yoga enthusiasts came together as part of a charity event for breast cancer research in Toronto. The event, Yoga in Motion, took place at Downsview Park, and was hosted by the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary. It raised $100,000 for the hospital. As a sponsor of the event, Roots hosted a booth in the Sports Hangar, showcasing the latest yoga apparel and ecofriendly clothing. The inaugural event was designed for all skill levels and also featured inspirational speakers, live entertainment, a vendor marketplace, a silent auction and prizes geared toward the empowerment of cancer patients, survivors and supporters alike.

true Roots style, all the elements are kept very natural.” In a related development, the first Roots store ever dedicated solely to leather bags opened recently in Calgary in a 500-sq. ft. location, receiving rave reviews for the way it showcases the product. In addition to the flurry of retail activity out west, Toronto also welcomed some new Roots. In the city’s Bayview Village Mall, Roots recently moved into a new location with a fresh look, generating added interest in the brand from regular shoppers.

The store provides a warm, relaxing casual environment

activities in Western Canada through both new store openings and renovations of existing stores. This includes the major renovation of the flagship store in Vancouver on Robson Street, and new locations in Edmonton and Calgary. The most prominent feature of these new and renovated stores is their warm, relaxing and casual environment. “We want our customers to The Source • 11

GREEN TIP #54 Easy ways to help the environment

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores As part of our continuing series of team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is shining the spotlight on the Polo Park store in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Clockwise from top left): Steve Hjorleifson, Manager, Rachelle Budge, Lulu Marcelano, Alison Carey, Grace Alfaro and Megan Meyers. Missing in photo: Aeron Shinnimon, Lisa Valiquette, Sane Dube and Cindy Nguyen.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT

Alexandra Ward, 8 months, Kent, UK 12 • The Source

but we are happy to publish them in The Source. Everyone is welcome to submit their favourite shots to The Source to be considered for publication. Please send your pictures to photogallery@roots.com Be sure to include the name and age of each child or

· Source:The GlobalWarming Survival Guide,www.time.com

HEALTH TIP #51 Easy ways to stay healthy

The littlest customers show their Roots egular readers of The Source know that we launched this special feature to showcase photos of children wearing Roots. It grew out of the fact that we often receive unsolicited photos from customers who want to share with us pictures of their children, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or even pets wearing Roots. They often ask if they could be used in a future advertising campaign for the brand. We can’t promise that

FORSAKE THE HARD COPY: Eliminating your paper trail by banking and paying bills online does more than save trees. It also helps reduce fuel consumption by the trucks and planes that transport your statements and billing envelopes. If every home in Canada viewed and paid its bills online, the switch would cut waste by a billion tons a year and curb greenhouse gas emissions by several million tons a year. Save time, energy and money by enrolling in easy, online bill-paying options with your bank, credit card companies, cable and utility providers.

pet in the photo, where it was taken, place of residence and a sentence stating that you agree for the photos to be used in The Source.

Ty Kyfuik, 5 months, Calgary, AB

Aria Daya, 3 months, Toronto

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: Black pepper, one of the most commonly used spices in food, has been valued for centuries for its flavour and medicinal properties. It’s supposed to help bodies obtain the vitamins derived from the food we eat. It contains piperine, a substance that dramatically increases the absorption of glucose, amino acids, and Vitamin B as well as many other nutrients and minerals. Black pepper has antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which promote the health of the digestive tract and stimulates the breakdown of fat cells. Many people use the spice to treat ailments such as nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation. Black pepper may also be helpful in improving digestion and relieving pain. · Source: The World’s Healthiest Foods, www.whfoods.com

Melodie Jacques, Moncton, NB Issue 89 - June 2009

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

ALL DRESSED UP FOR SPRING A great collection for young girls as the weather warms up

ith spring now in full bloom, the bees are not the only ones buzzing. So is news about the latest Roots dress collection for the little lady in your family. This year’s dresses for kids are available in a variety of colours and designs. Get the little miss all set for Alice’s Wonderland in the Garden Party Dress. Available in the colour aqua foam, it’s made of soft, cotton linen and includes added elastic at the neck for easy wear. Take your princess for a twirl in the Garden Party Skirt, which includes an elastic waistband and attached knickers, it’s available in aqua foam and dusty rose.

Watch the young lady sing like her favourite pop star in the Broderie Dress. This brackencoloured dress is made of 100% cotton and is embroidered in pink. It’s the perfect outfit to make her feel like a rock star. Get your lassie picnicready in the Jasmine Sundress. This 100% plaid cotton dress in plum jelly is fabric-washed for extra comfort and includes attached knickers. See your little girl dance in the rain in the Olivia Tiered Dress. It’s made of 100% pique cotton and is available in dusty rose. This pullon style dress is tightly woven for a soft, comfortable fit. Lastly, take your darling to the Cinderella’s Ball in the

Belle Floral dress. This beautiful outfit, in dusty rose and white, is made of 100% crinkle cotton, and is loosely draped for easy wear. Make these outfits complete by adding the Garden Party Hat, made

WRAPPED UP FOR COOL SPRING MORNINGS Spring jackets are all about versatility

of 50% linen and 50% cotton, and the Jasmine Sunhat made of 100% cotton. This exclusive spring collection is now available at all Roots stores. Retail price: From $16.95 for sunhats to $29.95 for dresses.

ade of 42% organic cotton, 23% cotton and 35% polyester, the Ramona Fleece Jacket is ideal for cool evening walks in the spring or summer. Made of soft suede fleece, it is comfortable and lightweight. The jacket is versatile, working equally well dressed up or down. The cute wrapstyle and modern details give this outfit an urban edge, making it a perfect addition to virtually any outfit. Pair it with some black pants for the office or with jeans to go shopping or to run errands. The jacket is now available in black, dark clay and white grey, in sizes XS-XL. Retail price: $78.

REACHING UP FOR THE SUNSHINE New spring collection for women off to a great start polyester, the Retro Heritage Tee is an ideal top for the warm spring days. The cotton blend tee has a vintage look and feel and is washed down for extra softness. Pair the T-shirt with the Mantra Pants for a morning jog or with the French Terry Jacket for a downtown stroll. Available in bright teal, dusty rose and white grey, in sizes XSXL. Retail price: $30. Heritage Tee’s are washed down to make them extra soft

ay goodbye to your woolly sweaters and winter jackets and usher in designs from the latest Roots spring collection for women. Issue 89 - June 2009

This season, Roots offers lightweight free-flowing fabrics for the day and comfortable versatile overtops for the night. Made of 60% cotton and 40%

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD The Source wants to hear from you In addition to reporting on news at Roots, The Source also serves as a forum of ideas and commentary from readers. Please send your letters to rsarner@roots.com for publication in our Special Delivery section. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

JUMP IN STYLE Fun and easy one piece for the season

trike a pose in the soft, eco-friendly Kate Bamboo Jersey Jumpsuit. Made of 60% organic cotton and 40% bamboo, this piece is a stunning addition to any outfit. Available in phantom (faded black) and fatigue (army green) in sizes XS-L. Retail price: $68. The Source • 13

THE MAKING OF A GOOD SWEAT More than meets the eye when it comes to Roots fleece

his year, more than a quarter-century after they were first introduced to customers in the early 1980s, Roots fleece sweatshirts are proving more popular and more relevant than ever. While fleece has long been a quintessential Roots product, most people don’t realize there are seven varieties of fleece now available at Roots (including three introduced in 2009) with more on the way. “The people at Roots have

Salt and pepper fleece is unique to Roots

always wanted to make sure that their sweats are the most durable, the longest-lasting, the most comfortable and the best looking,” says fleece expert and supplier to Roots, Pete Mathison. “It’s just like cooking – you use only the very best ingredients to make the highest end product. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Needlework and stitching are what turns those high quality ingredients into something satisfying.” An interesting aspect of Roots fleece is that it’s not relegated to any one season. There are basic cotton/polyester blends that are some of the most popularly used sweat fabrics all year round. Fleece sweats are popularly sold throughout the year at Roots stores, most with seasonal differences. For example, winter sweats are heavier and warmer with bonded fleece. Classic fleece is further lined with a thin layer of micro-fleece for additional warmth – a favourite go-to fabric for most Roots winter wear. Spring/summer sweats are the lightest ones made. Reflecting a commitment to

THE CHOICE IS YOURS A guide to the seven main types of Roots sweats Basic Fleece Features: Light sueding for added softness; garment washed to prevent shrinkage. Products: Roots Basic Sweats (Hoodies and sweatpants)

Roots sweats make a classic and comfortable choice

the environment, a large proportion of Roots sweats includes organic cotton. And that’s not all. To make a superior product, Roots fabric is a tighter-knit than run-of-the-mill jersey cotton and an enzyme-silicone wash creates a softer feel. The intricate stitching offers superior quality in terms of style and durability while the cuffs of the sleeves are flat-ribbed with lycra so that it retains shape even after numerous wears.

ROOTS AT THE GREEN LIVING SHOW Making its presence felt at eco-friendly consumer exhibition in Toronto

Employees stand in front of Roots booth at Green Living Show

n late April, for the third consecutive year, Roots participated in the annual Green Living Show in Toronto. For three days, at a centrally located booth in the Direct Energy Centre, Roots 14 • The Source

employees showcased the latest green products and designs and spoke to visitors about the company’s ongoing involvement in environmental and community-related initiatives. To that end, they also handed

out informational pamphlets on Roots actions in those areas. Roots sold eco-friendly clothing, accessories, skincare and hair care products, along with other organic items. This year’s booth, designed by Pauline Landriault, Director of Planning and Development, was built from reclaimed cedar wood. The frames and tables were made from bamboo and all the fixtures will be now used in various Roots stores. Launched in 2006, the Green Living Show is Toronto’s largest consumer exhibition dedicated to all things “green” – products, tips and food. This year, it hosted approximately 400 exhibitors and attracted more than 20,000 visitors.

60/40Cotton/Poly Fleece Features: Heavily sueded for supreme softness; heavy enzyme-silicone wash for a broken in vintage feeling; inside of the fabric has an identifiable “pilled” look. Products: Women’s core fashion sweats such as the Roots Original Crop and the Capri Hoody. Salt and Pepper Fleece Features: A unique blend and special knitting process gives this fleece it’s identifiable “pebbled” appearance. New innovations include Black Pepper Fleece and coloured Salt and Pepper fleece. Products: Men’s and women’s basic sweats, and core fashion sweats Bonded Fleece Features: Extra warm, surface is sueded for added softness and a velvety feeling Products: Scuba Hoody Monterey Light Weight Fleece Features: Light and silky with good drape; Garment enzyme wash for a broken in vintage finish. Products: Monterey Hoody and Roots Original Crop Summerside Fleece Features: Better retention; added comfort Products: Summerside Kanga hoody, Varsity Cut-off Lightweight Stretch French Terry Features: Ultra soft and lightweight Products: Denman Short, Riley

Issue 89 - June 2009

MUSICAL ROOTS This month, we spotlight Dutch soul singer Alain Clark

Alain Clark sings his new hit, “Father and Friend” with his father

avin, you have to find this song! It’s a great song. You have to find it and get it on Roots Radio. We have to do something with this guy. Find out who he is.” That was a phone call I got one early morning a few weeks ago from Michael Budman. He had just flown back from Italy, where he had seen a music video that had made a strong impression on him. It was a duet, sung by a son to his father and in return by a father to his son. The song, about love and appreciation, had just debuted in Europe that weekend. Michael was on to something. I ended up finding the song on MTV Italy. Entitled “Father & Friend,” it is a spirited and emotional ballad in which Dutch soul singer Alain Clark duets with his father Dane, himself a

veteran of many a covers band, having played classics from the likes of Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and James Brown. “I’m sure my dad didn’t think he’d start a whole new career at 61,” Alain said recently. “He’s not looking to as he still has his job as an engineer for KLM airlines. I bet he didn’t think he’d be playing in front of 35,000 people.” The single’s success has proven to be a particularly proud moment for Alain’s mother. “It’s her two guys on stage together, doing their thing,” he adds. The song has found great success overseas and in Canada and can be found on Alain’s latest album Live It Out. It can also be found on roots.com as part of a tribute to fathers everywhere in the lead-up to Fathers Day on June 21.

Inspired in part by the song, Roots has introduced a new collection of leather bags appropriately called the Father and Friend Collection. Visit roots.com to purchase any of the special new bags for that special father or friend, and also to watch, listen to and purchase the latest from Alain Clark. With a sound firmly steeped in Motown’s best traditions and a hint of classic Sixties soul, it’s understandable why Clark caught Michael’s attention. He was crowned the hottest new artist from the Netherlands in 2008. It was also the year in which he was a mainstay of the Top 10 in his homeland of Holland. He progressed from being an unknown support act, opening shows for Amy Winehouse to becoming an arena-filling star in his own right and collected two of the Netherlands’ most prestigious musical honours in the process. “It’s a very autobiographical record,” says Clark. “There’s love and relationships, attempts at bettering the world and an ode to my dad. Fractions of a young man’s life put into 12 songs.” - Davin Bujalski • For more on Alain Clark, visit: http://www.alainclarkuk.com. Listen to Roots Radio and be sure to visit roots.com to hear the music of Alain Clark.

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds of Roots for June 1. Father & Friends, Alain Clark 2. Live High, Jason Mraz 3. Duke Of Earl, Gene Chandler 4. Street Player, Chicago 5. Ok, It’s Alright With Me, Eric Hutchinson 6. Drive My Soul, Lights 7. Peace & Love, Mishka 8. Awe Struck, B. Reith 9. Dancing in the Moonlight, King Harvest 10. For Beginners, M. Ward -Compiled by Davin Bujalski

SEEING THE LIGHT Going dark to fight global warming during Earth Hour At 8 o’clock on a Saturday evening in March, things suddenly went darker than usual in many places around the world (including at Roots). Millions of lights dimmed as part of Earth Hour, a collective action against global warming. As an eco-responsible company, Roots again supported Earth Hour this year. It turned off all nonessential lighting at retail stores, as well as closing ecommerce activities and turning off all non-emergency lighting in the warehouses.

CHEF’S CORNER Roots-friendly recipes for a healthy diet and to bring pleasure to your palate

or this month’s Chef’s Corner, we present the recipe for making 15minute halibut with avocado salsa. INGREDIENTS 4 6oz halibut steaks or filets ¼ cup minced scallion 1-2 tsp finely minced jalapeno 6 medium cloves of garlic, pressed ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 8 cherry tomatoes quartered 1 medium ripe but firm avocado diced in ¼ inch cubes salt and black pepper to taste

Issue 89 - June 2009

DIRECTIONS

15-minute halibut with avocado salsa

1. Press garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out healthpromoting properties 2. Mix all ingredients except halibut and 1 tbsp of lemon juice and set aside 3. Heat 2 inches of water in the bottom of a steamer and let it come to a boil 4. Rub halibut with 1 tbsp. lemon juice and season with a little salt and black pepper. 5. Place in steamer and steam 10 minutes for every inch of thickness 6. Place on plate and top with salsa. The Source • 15

I N

Jan Kowalewski, (standing far left), with four of his sons at Roots in 1974

Jan Kowalewski 1920 - 2009

On May 14, Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green sent a letter to every employee in the company announcing the passing of one of the great Roots pioneers. Given the important role that Jan Kowalewski played in the early development of the business, we are reproducing the tribute here.

Dear Roots Staff, With much sadness, we would like to inform you that one of the greatest contributors to the early success of Roots passed away yesterday. On the eve of his 89th birthday, Jan Kowalewski died peacefully in Newmarket, Ontario in the presence of four of his sons, Karl, Henry, John and Walter. Jan was a master cobbler, father of six boys, grandfather of 15 children, great-grandfather of two, and the husband of Josefa for 64 years. We first met Jan in December 1972 as we were looking to start Roots with an original line of natural footwear. That meeting would prove to be one of the most fortuitous moments in the history of this business. He made the first pair of Roots shoes and, until his retirement in 1985, played a critical role in the success of Roots during its first 16 • The Source

12 years. But Jan’s contribution to Roots has never really ended and continues to this day by way of two of his – sons Karl and Henry – who are important players in the success of Roots leather goods with which they’ve been involved since 1973. When Jan made the first pair of Roots shoes 36 years ago, he was not just making another product. He was upholding a family tradition of generations of skilled craftsmanship. We will always remember Jan as one of the original key members of the Roots team and his positive influence on us and the business. We send Karl and Henry and the rest of the Kowalewski family our heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a fine man – and a true friend of Roots. Sincerely, Michael and Don Issue 89 - June 2009