September, 8 2006 by Roots Canada

A week in the world of Roots

Issue 55 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 8, 2006

ROOTS HELPS KICK OFF TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

PHOTO: ANDREW MILLER

Flagship store hosts free open-air concert by Barenaked Ladies as part of special events planned for 2006 film fest

Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006, 12:15 pm: The Barenaked Ladies perform songs from their new album outside Roots. The Source 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 55 GREAT MOMENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Roots and TIFF continue their storied relationship IN PRAISE OF A PRO Spotlighting the MVP of the month, Julie O’Neill DOING THE RIGHT THING The latest example of Roots people helping others LENDING A HAND Roots shows support in Superwalk 2006 KING IS QUEEN OF GOOD VIBES Jodi King back in Winnipeg for encore presentation TRUE TEST OF SERVICE Waterloo store repeats success in “mystery shopping” program HARD WORK PAYS OFF Employees win big in new incentive program

Departments FRESH INK NEW AND NOTEWORTHY GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN SPREADING THE WORD OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS STAYING POWER

Publishers Michael Budman, Don Green Editor Robert Sarner Editorial Assistant Paulomi Patel The Source is published every week 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 4CR or by email to rsarner@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 Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

Portraits by George Pimentel on the way up to second floor of Roots flagship store

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots GETTING TO THE SOURCE I was just on the Roots website and read The Source for the first time on your blog. After reading the piece about the first anniversary of The Source, I was sad that I had missed out reading it for the past year. I can’t believe Roots has a blog. I recently learned from a Canadian friend about the whole “new” (to me) approach of Roots in terms of your initiatives regarding recycling, global warming, and promoting health and wellness. I’ve admired Roots for the past five years, especially with the United States Olympic team wear, but now I have an even better reason to appreciate Roots. Clothes companies here in the US that the youth of my generation (I’m 16) likes seem very superficial and unreal. A&F models clothes with naked models and Hollister seems the same. Everything seems so sexual and wrong. But Roots is a breakthrough! Maybe I’m biased because I’m a nature/health chick but still I think health, literature and the environment are important. I just wish that clothing companies cared more about what they’re promoting since fashion influ-

ences much more than just the clothes people wear but also the culture. That’s why, for me, Roots is amazing. Now that I’ve been on your website and seen the blog, I’ll keep checking in for updates. Rachel Lee Thai Walnut, California THANKING ROOTS Although I am moving on later this month, I am writing to say what a great experience I’ve had working for Roots over the past year and a half in the Square One store in Toronto. I have acquired skills that I will use in future career opportunities. I would like to thank Roots Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman for believing in and achieving their dreams. It has taught me to follow my dreams. I would also like to thank Aleksandra Rotko in the Human Resources Department and Payroll Department. Her expertise was outstanding, not once did I encounter a problem. Daniel Galliera, thank you for handling all my customer service issues. In addition, I would like to thank Robert Sarner, Editor of The Source. Every week, it was

always a fun and informative read. I would also like to thank the “voice” of Roots radio, Andrew McCurbin. I think that is what I will miss the most - the great music. Thank you also to Laura Clark, Director of HR, for the great work she continues to do. Debbie Shirley Full-time Keyholder Square One, Toronto The Source wants to hear from you. Please send your letters to Robert Sarner at rsarner@roots.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

WRITE ON! Get into print in The Source Calling all writers. We are looking for people who would like to write for The Source. If you are interested in writing and have some related experience, please send your resume and a cover letter to Robert Sarner, Editor, The Source at rsarner@roots.com Also please include your ideas for articles that you would like to write. THE SOURCE A week in the world of Roots The Source 2

GREAT MOMENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Roots and the Toronto International Film Festival continue their storied relationship more than 30 years after it first began.

ongtime observers of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) were not surprised this week when the Roots flagship store was the site of one of the main events helping kick off this year’s 10-day showbiz extravaganza. Yesterday, in an initiative co-sponsored by Roots, the Barenaked Ladies performed a free mid-day open-air concert just outside the store on Bloor Street. It helped create the buzz and set the scene for the official opening of TIFF 2006 later in the day. Roots and the Toronto Film Festival. They are both creations of the 70s and have grown up together. Both have evolved tremendously since their inception. Both have attracted great acclaim to Canada, adding cachet to the city they call home. Both exude style, flair, and excitement. Both attract celebrities and the media spotlight. Both have benefited from their longtime collaboration. Both are exceptionally busy during a 10-day period every September. This year is no exception as Roots is involved in a myriad of TIFF-related events, including hosting the AOL

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Moviefone’s Unscripted online interview show and CTV’s eTalk entertainment program at 100 Bloor Street. The two have found temporary homes at the specially prepared Roots lounges on the store’s second floor, where countless celebrity interviews will be filmed during the festival. Coordinated by Raymond Perkins, Director of PR and Special Events, the lounges and the

Roots eTalk Hello! magazine Clubhouse at the Roots store were inaugurated yesterday in connection with the Barenaked Ladies concert. Roots and TIFF go way back together. Although Roots was only three years old when the festival began in 1976, it was one of the first sponsors of the event. Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman was one of the Festival’s original board members. Since then, there’s been a great synergy between TIFF and Roots. From the official merchandise Roots has designed for TIFF to the number of prominent friends of Roots the company has connected to TIFF to the countless happenings Roots has hosted for TIFF, it’s clear Roots contributes greatly to the annual event. And no one would deny that the association with TIFF has not exactly been bad for Roots business, either. Every year since 1976, Roots has produced, organized, and sponsored so many festivalrelated events it’s impossible to do them justice in one article. Suffice it to say they have created many special moments and left lasting memories for those fortunate to have been in attendance. To cite but a few: The Closing Party for the Festival at the Palais Royale in the late 70s; The first George Christie luncheon created by Roots at the Westside Grill in 1984 (that Roots has sponsored every year since); The launch party for the film Les Canadiens at

the old Squeeze Club in 1985; The party for Jesus of Montreal at a church on Avenue Road in 1989 with Brad Pitt and Denys Arcand; The Jack Nicholson After Party at the Roots Coach House in 1993; The party for film director Bernardo Bertolucci in 2003;

The Us magazine event at Roots 100 Bloor St., that featured world-famous Parisian DJ and club maestro Claude Challe, and actors Dan Aykroyd, Fran Drescher and Kim Cattrall in 2003; The garden party for photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber in 2004; The reception for the Goldeneye Film Festival in 2005; The party for renowned Continued on next page

The Roots store on Bloor St. The Source 3

LIGHTS, CAMERA, APPAREL Roots creates official merchandise for TIFF y now, after so many years, it’s become a tradition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). For the 31st edition of TIFF, Roots is the official supplier of apparel for the annual event. The limited edition merchandise - consisting of custom-designed T(Left to right) Members from The Barenaked Ladies with Adam van Koeverden and Michael Budman at the Roots Lounge on 100 Bloor St. shirts and caps for men and women - is now available in Roots store but unfortunately Continued from previous page select Roots stores in the city there was no camera around. architect Frank Gehry (who including of course the flagThe next day when Bill was the focus of Sydney ship store on Bloor Street Marshall, the Co-Founder of Pollack’s documentary) last where many festival goers ofthe Festival, heard what had year; The many dinners for ten visit. producer Jerry Bruckheimer; happened, he told Michael The short-sleeved, white TBudman: “Never let that hapThe Spaghetti at Midnight afshirts feature pen again!” And he was right. ter-parties at Sotto Sotto and the TIFF print Roots has learned a lot since Sisi Trattoria. The list is virtulogo on the ally endless, as are the number then as evident in the hundreds front, and a of celebrities attracted to Roots of photos of celebrities in Roots logo on Roots stores seen in the media. the left sleeve. during the film festival. Of course, Roots - like the The first big name to disThe TIFF Toronto Film Festival itself - is print logo is cover Roots while in town for about a lot more than just cethe festival was Henry blue on the Winkler in 1977. He was star- lebrities. And that’s what men’s shirt makes these two important ring as Fonz in the hottest TV and purple on show at the time, Happy Days, institutions so vital and the women’s. Both shirts are enduring. and was then in a new movie made of 100% Let this year’s show begin! at the festival. He came into a

PHOTO: ANDREW MILLER

cotton and feature basic crew necks. The twill unisex baseball caps are also white and feature the TIFF print logo on the front. All made in Canada, the TIFF items are available in Toronto (in addition to the Bloor St. store) at BCE Place, Roots Central in the Eaton Centre, Queen St, The Lodge, St. Clair, and the recently opened Roots Rosedale. · Women’s Film Festival T-Shirt, sizes XS-XL, retail price: $30; Men’s Film Festival T-Shirt, sizes S-XXL, retail price: $30; BB TIFF Cap, one size, retail price: $35

to help with the preparations. The visual team also customized the large store windows for the festival feaFlagship store pulls out the stops for film festival turing Roots leather bags and jackets, and lifestyle clothing. Adding to his year, the flagship store on the look of the interior of the Bloor Street is the main focus store are numerous graphics of Roots initiatives for the film fesand 85 black and white movie tival. It may not be a movie set but celebrity portraits by George at times over the past week it alPimentel exhibited on both floors most looked liked one. Amid a (See The Source cover story, flurry of activity, Roots people Issue 53). worked against the clock to get Howard Pollack, Director of everything ready in time – and Purchasing and Facilities, succeeded. showed his real colours, helping On Wednesday evening, in countless ways with the instalPauline Landriault, Director of lation of large murals and with Visual Planning and Store Develvarious technical and electrical opment, along with Peter issues in the hours before the Paquette, Senior Visual MerchanBarenaked Ladies concert. diser; James Wilford, Field Visual On the public relations front, Merchant; and Carrie Pcora, Raymond Perkins and Anisha Visual Consultant, did a number Roots,100 Bloor Street: A major destination during TIFF Gliddon have an intense week on the store. They transformed it, ahead as they help coordinate the variwindow on Bellair Street behind the remerchandising the entire store to acous special events at the store they’ve stage for yesterday’s nationally telcommodate the two lounges set up on been busy organizing over the past evised Barenaked Ladies concert. the second floor – the AOL on the north month or two. Joining them Wednesday evening end and the eTalk Hello! clubhouse on With the Film Festival now underway, were Store Manager Brenda Preston the south end. it’s going to be an exciting time for shopand Assistant Manager Mark The visual team also installed large pers, staff and festival goers at Roots Chatarpal, along with several other graphic murals for the lounges and pre100 Bloor Street. Roll the film! store employees who kindly stayed late pared the large backdrop on the outside

TAKING SHAPE

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The Source 4

ON THE MOVE

IN PRAISE OF A PRO

Julie O’Neill latest to be inducted into exclusive MVP of the Month club sk people at the Roots Head Office about Julie O’Neill, and you’re sure to hear sincere superlatives from anyone who works with her. With her easy smile and evenkeeled, extremely pleasant manner, Julie always brings a positive, team-oriented attitude to her job as Merchandise Manager in the Women’s Department. Proactive with an unfailing sense of initiative, Julie never shies away from taking on new responsibilities. But for all her attributes, Julie was selected this week as the latest Roots MVP of the Month for other reasons as well. In recent weeks, the results of her work have shown themselves in the particularly strong sales of the women’s fall collection. Of course, others in the Women’s wear also

deserve credit. Jules Power, Senior Designer in Women’s wear, plays a big part in this achievement having created the winning styles. Likewise Stephanie Briers (Graphic Artist), Nikki Kime (Senior Technician), and Yougin Lee (Technician) are also important players in the process. In the general scheme of things in the fashion business, design is relatively easy to understand and more celebrated. Not so the role Julie performs

which is just as critical to the success of sales. At a company like Roots that is at once a major manufacturer and retailer, Julie’s wellhoned buying skills are vital. She’s responsible for assortment planning — deciding on the right quantities to order for each style, colour and size — pricing and meeting gross margin targets to ensure profitability and growth in the women’s wear department. No small task, especially given the number of products the women’s wear department are producing each season. It’s a tall order but Julie does it with brio and makes it look almost easy, season after season. Hats off to Julie on this well-deserved honour. Next week, a full-length profile of Julie will be published in the MVP of the Month section (Behind the Scenes - Team Roots) on the Roots website.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

Madonna and The Who place custom orders for current world tours

ately, it seems barely a week goes by without the Business-to-Business Department chalking up yet another sale of Roots products to a new movie production, TV show or major rock performers. Last week, we reported on the deal with Steely Dan that followed hot on the heels of an order from the producers of NBC’s hit TV series

Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

The Office. We could go on listing the many others but regular readers of The Source know what we’re talking about and need only consult back issues to see the A-list roster of clients from the entertainment world who have ordered Roots merchandise during the past year. This week, in the latest such installment, Roots received custom orders from two more heavyweights in the musical arena. The Roots leather factory is now hard at work making 210 large Banff Bags in gaucho leather for Madonna and her on-going Confessions Tour. They will be shipped to Japan to be presented as gifts to her band and production crew at a concert in Tokyo later

this month. At the same time, the factory is also making some 100 large Banff Bags in brown football leather for the 2006/07 world tour of the legendary British rock band The Who. They will be shipped to Philadelphia to be presented as gifts for the musicians and production crew next week. The Who in concert

New appointments and promotions at Roots

• Jonathan Gauthier, promoted to Keyholder, South Keys, Ottawa • Angela Martin, promoted to Keyholder, Metrotown, Burnaby, BC • Darren Maskell, promoted to Keyholder, South Keys, Ottawa • Brad Stocks, promoted to Keyholder, Pacific Centre, Vancouver, BC

THE NUMBERS More for the eye

That’s how many active pages there now are on the Roots website. It’s more than double the number last April, reflecting the sharp increase in material on the site. And it’s still growing. Over the next 10 days, another 500 pages will be added for a new Roots store locator for the English Canadian, French Canadian and American versions of the site.

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance his month, many Roots em ployees 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 at Roots to send the relevant information to The Source. Congratulations to the following employees for their huge contribution and enduring loyalty to Roots: • Lalmanie Baul, Administration, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Savitree Gobin, Administration, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Jacqueline Morris, Receiving Coordinator, Head Office, Toronto, 5 years • Rakhee Nazir, Picker Packer, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Anthony Palermo, Sales Associate, 100 Bloor Street, Toronto, 5 years

The Source 5

DOING THE RIGHT THING

The latest in our series on Roots people helping others his week, Nikki Kime, Senior Technician from the Women’s Wear Department, traveled south to Philadelphia to participate in the 2006 Livestrong Challenge, a fundraising event by the US-based Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). As part of the initiative this weekend, walkers, runners, cyclists and volunteers raise funds for the LAF’s mission to help people affected by cancer. In May this year, Nikki’s brother, Charlie Kime, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, the most common solid tumor type of cancer afflicting men between the ages of 15 and 35 years. Fortunately, Charlie’s cancer was detected early and he had an excellent prognosis. Though he had a good fight ahead of him, he successfully finished his treatment in July and is currently working in New York as an

equities analyst. In an effort to support and inspire cancer survivors, Charlie will also be participating in a 10K bike, walk and run as part of the Livestrong Challenge. This annual event takes place in cities across the US, enabling anyone to support the LAF’s mission to inspire and empower cancer survivors. Nikki, who is a part of his team of six runners, has helped him raise funds for LAF. Together the team has raised some $42,000 in donations, which will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The funds will be used for cancer research and to provide practical information and tools for people living with cancer.

• Those wishing to make a donation to Nikki’s efforts should go to her personal fundraising page at: <http://www.livestrongchallenge. org/ faf/r.asp?t=4&i=153531&u= 153531132482625&e=6293 48040>

MAKING IT COUNT

Head office employee bakes and runs for a good cause

eather Merchandise Flow Analyst Lee Fancy wants to help in the fight against breast cancer. To that end, he will be selling cookies at the Roots Head Office next week to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For The Cure. Lee, who recently found out that a close friend is fighting breast cancer for the second time, will be taking part in the CIBC Run in Toronto on October 1. “It makes you realize that everyone out there probably knows someone who is fighting this terrible disease,” says Lee. “It

could be your mother, aunt, sister or a friend. This is my way to support my friend and to show that everyone, including men, can do their little bit to help.” In his own words, Lee makes ‘a mean cookie.’ He will be selling individual packs of the homemade chocolate-chip cookies in The Hub area of the Head Office on Tuesday, Sept. 12 for a suggested donation of $5. He hopes to raise at least $250. • Those wishing to make additional donations to Lee’s efforts can also enter his first name, last name (Lee Fancy) and Run For The Cure location (Toronto) on: https:// www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/ participant_search.asp?languageid=1

SPREADING THE WORD

Guide to new ads appearing this week and next • Sept. 21 – On-going ad campaign using ‘outdoor transit’ featuring the ‘Roots Anatomy of a Great Sweat’ theme. In Toronto, the ads will appear on the subway, on streetcars, buses and bus shelters. In Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, the ads will be featured on bus shelters. • Thurs., Sept. 7 – Now magazine (Toronto): Full-page colour ad on the inside front cover featuring the Venetian Bag, and citing Roots as a sponsor of the Toronto Film Festival. • Thurs., Sept. 7 – Eye Weekly (Toronto): A full-page colour ad on the back cover featuring the Venetian Bag, and citing Roots as a sponsor of the Toronto Film Festival. • Sat., Sept. 9 – National Post: A full-page colour ad on the outside back cover of the Toronto section featuring the new red Venetian Village Bag in vegetable tanned leather. • Thurs., Sept. 14 – Hello! magazine: A full-page colour ad featuring the new red Venetian Village Bag in vegetable tanned leather. Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

FRESH INK A selection of recent media coverage Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • Toronto 24 Hours, Sept. 9. Roots Village Bag featured in Trendy and Laid Back section. • Strategy magazine, Sept. issue. In article on companies taking initiative to benefit the environment, Roots is cited as a leader in “green practices.” Robert Sarner is quoted. • The Look, Fall issue. Coverage of dinner hosted by Roots at Head Office (featuring special guest artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel) to raise funds for Art Gallery of Ontario • Toronto Star, Sept. 7. Spotlight on the Roots leather Saddle Bag featured in the “Giddy Up” equestrian gear article in Fashion Section. • Toronto Star, Sept. 3. Mentions the Foo Fighters shopping at Roots flagship store in Toronto while in town for their Hummingbird Centre concert. • The Globe and Mail, Aug. 30. Roots passport wallet featured in “Essential carry-on items” in Travel Section.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Join the team at our new Roots store in the West Edmonton Mall The Roots West Edmonton Mall location is looking for great Full-Time Sales Associates, 3rd Keys and Assistant Managers to work at this store for a minimum of two weeks starting next week. This could lead to bigger opportunities such as a 1-year contract. If you are interested, please contact Rosemary Eisenhut @ 416-856-8621 or Samara Snyder @ 780-710-0367 without delay! Flight, accommodations and food allowance will be included. Details will be communicated directly.

THE HOT LIST

A fast look at what’s flying off the shelves at Roots stores

Based on the latest sales figures from all Roots stores in Canada and the US, here are the 20 top-selling products: 1. Men’s Cooper Kanga Hoody 2. Men’s Basic Cooper Pant 3. Men’s Cooper Zip Polo 4. Women’s Basic Kanga Hoody 5. Women’s Varsity Sweatpants-Roots 6. Women’s Basic Varsity Sweatpants 7. Women’s Basic Full-Zip Hoody 8. Women’s Stadium Fleece Hoody 9. Women’s Grassroots Hoody 10. Women’s Stadium Sweatpants 11. Women’s Tamara Sueded Fleece Jacket 12. Women’s Varsity Sweatpants 13. Baby’s Warm Up Hoody 14. Baby’s Smoothie 15. Roots Bottled Water 355 ml 16. GA Backpack 17. Roots Eco-Bag 18. GA Kids Backpack 19. Crocs Beach Clogs 20. Village Bag Prince Leather Bag The Source 6

KING IS QUEEN OF GOOD VIBES

Performer makes a return appearance at Winnipeg store

Raeann Gray, Rachelle Budge, Joe Meissner, Jodi King, Joe Curtis, Paul Rogers, (above), and Jodi King performing, (below right).

ollowing the success of her first concert at the Roots store at Winnipeg’s St. Vital Centre two months ago, singer/songwriter Jodi King was invited back for a return engagement. Last week, she seemed right at home as she made beautiful sounds for customers and employees during a two-hour performance. She attracted a large crowd of all ages packing the store with people responding to the Winnipeg-born classical pian-

ist and lyricist. It didn’t hurt that regular announcements about the concert were made on the mall intercom service directing shoppers towards the Roots store. “Jodi King is an amazing performer and a great promoter of Roots,” says Store Manager Joseph Meissner. “She makes a point to talk about Roots items to the customers during her performances.” Jodi’s energetic perform-

ances in the store are creating added interest in her music and led many customers to ask about her products. Later this year, Roots stores in Winnipeg and Toronto plan to sell Jodi’s soon-to-be-released first album and her personalized T-shirts, to be made by Roots. Jodi is the latest among the many upcoming Canadian musicians that Roots has supported over the years. In the coming months, she’s also slated to perform in other Roots stores. Last spring, she sang at the Roots-sponsored Fashion Targets Breast Cancer event in Toronto at the flagship store on Bloor Street.

OF MIND AND MATTER This just in: Proof that Roots sweats help you smarten up

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 from the world of entertainment and sports who visited Roots stores recently: · Toronto (100 Bloor Street) – Members of the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies visited the store after performing just outside as part of a free concert (See cover story). Canadian singer/songwriter Esthero and Canadian actress Tonya Lee Williams of the American soap opera The Young and the Restless were also present at the concert and later at the store. · Windsor Crossing (Windsor, ON) – Former NHL player and fivetime Stanley Cup winner John Ferguson Sr. of the Montreal Canadiens, was in the Roots outlet store with his son John Ferguson Jr., current General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, shopping for back-to-school kids items.

Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

o surprise that you feel better when you wear comfortable clothes that look good on you. What you didn’t realize perhaps is the cognitive factor at work when you put on certain items. In the current issue of Men’s Health magazine, there’s a report on a new study by Harvard University that has found that dressing comfortably can boost brainpower. In a just released study of 88 students, those wearing sweats earned higher marks on cognitive-ability tests than those dressed in suits. “We had assumed that looking good made people feel good and helped them perform,” says lead author Richard Bell, Ph.D. Of course, when it comes to Roots, wearing sweats means looking good - and being comfortable. Wearing a suit may actually distract the brain and make it harder to retrieve information.

Members of The Barenaked Ladies with Michael Budman, Esthero, Tonya Lee Williams, (above right), John Ferguson Sr. and his son John Jr. (above).

The Source 7

THE TRUE TEST OF SERVICE

GREEN TIP #21

Waterloo store again scores big with mystery shopper ix times a year, the the mall administration Conestoga Mall in and the three girls had Waterloo, Ontario, helped the store achieve a carries out secret shop95-plus score for cusping exercises in which tomer service. At the time evaluators go into stores of the exercise, Alison had unannounced to see been working at the store what’s what. For the past for only a few months and two years, Roots has conboth Adrienne and Letizia sistently received a 90even less. plus score in every one of “It is amazing that the exercises. In the most Adrienne Wilford, Letizia Ferriera, Alison McDougall within the short time since recent one, some of the newest Assistant Manager Adrienne they started working at Roots, Wilford helped the undercover they played a vital role in the staff members of the store shopper buy babies items bewere responsible for acquiring store receiving such above avfore she went on to the Men’s top scores. erage results,” says Store ManDepartment where Sales Asso- ager Alison Sochasky. “It’s the Earlier this year, when ciate Letizia Ferreira guided Sales Associate Alison source of great pride for me to McDougall greeted a customer her through the sweatshirts. be working with such a great She helped the lady pick the and directed her toward the team.” Babies Department, she had no right sizes for her husband and Last year, after a similar suggested styles that would fit idea that the pregnant lady she performance, the store was the her. was serving was actually a serecipient of a Customer ServLast month, the store recret shopper. ice Award from the mall adceived their score sheets from The then Keyholder now ministration.

LENDING A HAND Roots makes its presence felt at SuperWalk

his weekend, for the sixth consecutive year, Roots is a sponsor of the SuperWalk for Parkinson’s. In support of the initiative, organized by the Toronto-based Parkinson Society Canada (PSC), Roots is donating seven leather bags as prizes in the event’s National Team Challenge draw. To be eligible, teams of 4-10 walk participants must collectively raise at least $1,000. Each member of the winning team, in addition to receiving their individual SuperWalk prizes for how much they raise, will receive one large leather Banff Bag, (retail value: $358). Roots will also provide gift certificates of different

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amounts. Participants will receive a $10 gift certificate for every $100 s/he raises, and one $500 gift certificate will be rewarded to the topearning student. Registration for the SuperWalk in Toronto starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10 at Earl Bales Park at Bathurst and Sheppard. The SuperWalk itself, dedicated in Toronto to the memory of Jerry Friedman, who helped increase awareness and raise money to conquer the disease, kicks off an hour later. Established in 1965, the Parkinson Society Canada is a non-profit volunteer organization aiming to find the cause and cure for the disease.

• For more information, or to skip registration lines and save time by pre-registering and pledging online, visit the official website at: www.superwalk.com

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff

hil Papadopoulos, Store Manager, Masonville Place, London, Ontario is on a multiple celebration spree. Tomorrow he will be getting married with his fiancée Karen Buckrell. This a few weeks after celebrating his 30th birthday. On Tuesday, he will also mark his second anniversary working at Roots. Congratulations Phil!

• Please send us details of similar good news and we’ll be happy to publish it in The Source (email: rsarner@roots.com)

Easy ways to help the environment

Smooth Move: Changing the oil regularly is a double bonus for your car and the environment: when your engine is running in top condition, it’s burning fuel most efficiently. Average recommenda-tion for oil changes is every three months or 5,000 km. Ask the mechanic to see that your old engine oil gets recycled, and check the replacement oil: the best oils for fuel efficiency are labeled “Energy Conserving” and can reduce your fuel consumption by 3%. Frequent tune-ups of your vehicle will keep it running smoothly (poorly maintained vehicles operate 50% less efficiently!). A healthier car is a greener car. More quick Tips from Natural Resources Canada: <http://www.oee.nrcan .gc.ca/ transportation>

Source: Green Tips: How to Save Money and the Planet, published by Green Living Enterprises.

HEALTH TIP #18 Easy ways to help you stay healthy

Eat the rainbow: Residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa are known for being the world’s healthiest and longest-lived people: They have the least rates of heart disease, stroke and cancer , and the highest percentage of people living over 100. The Okinawans eat 15 to 18 different foods every day. The staples of their diet are fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, predominantly tofu and other soy foods in primary cooking fat is omega-3 rich canola oil. They are pioneers in “eating the rainbow,” believing that every meal should contain at least five colours for health and aesthetics. They’re obviously doing something right. Source: Self-Healthing Newsletter, www.drweilselfhealing.com The Source 8

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

RE-INVENTING ATHLETIC FLEECE

Two new ways for men to wear stripes

stripes, walnut with medium grey mix stripes, and medium grey with grey mix stripes. Midnight navy with grey mix stripes, and charcoal mix with port stripes make up the sweatshirt colours. Coordinated by Martha Galora, Merchandise Manager for Mens, the hoody and

sweatshirt are set to hit stores next week and are available at select Roots stores in Canada. • Trent Stripe Hoody, sizes XS-XXL, also available at select Roots stores in USA, retail price: $88 • Dalhousie Stripe Crew Sweatshirt, sizes XS-XXL, retail price: $84

Dalhousie Stripe Crew Sweatshirt

ollowing the current allover print trend, the Trent Stripe Hoody and Dalhousie Stripe Crew Sweatshirt combine athletic fleece with preppy stripes. Made of 80% cotton and 20% poly-fleece, the hoody and sweatshirt are great for early to mid-fall weather. Additional details include the clas-

sic beaver patch on the left chest and an all-over yarndyed finish, meaning all stripes are knit into the sweater, not printed. Created by Senior Designer for Mens, Rita Shulman, both the pop-over hoody and crew neck sweatshirt come in different colours. The hoody is available in black with port

Trent Stripe Hoody

WORK PAYS OFF OPPORTUNITY HARD Retail employees score sweet prizes in new incentive program KNOCKS

Our weekly spotlight on new positions at Roots

ere is a list of current job openings at Roots stores and at the Head Office. For more information, please refer to the separate email notices sent out recently about each position: • Store Manager, Waterloo, ON (Silver level store) Email your resume to the attention of Sanjiv Khanna at skhanna@roots.com Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 10. • Website Designer, Toronto, working at the Head Office in Toronto. Email your resume to hr@roots.com quoting File# IP867-0906 and your salary expectation. Deadline: Sept. 20, 2006. • PO Administrator, Toronto, working at the Head Office in Toronto. Email your resume to hr@roots.com quoting File# IP930-PO. Deadline: Sept. 20, 2006.

Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

arly last month, Roots introduced a new sales incentive program for store employees, offering a wide array of prizes. To win, stores had to achieve at least 100% of their month’s sales budget. The prizes included: a $3500 travel voucher from Vibe Travel; a choice between a 30GB Apple iPod Video, Sony Digital Camera, or a

Sony Portable DVD Player; and a Roots $50 gift card. Stores with the highest percentage won the most valuable prizes, with winners picked in a random draw. However, of those stores, only the sales associates who made their month’s sales-per-hour goal received ballots for the draw. One cashier or stock associate was chosen by the store man-

ager to receive a ballot as well. The three lucky winners of the travel voucher are Veronique Girard from Chateau Frontenac (Quebec), Laurence Belzile from St. Foy (Quebec), and Donna Leach from Thunder Bay, ON. Congratulations to the following winners for second prize: Louelene Asayo, Regan Tennyson, Karen Joseph, Jacqueline Spadafora, Darlene Thorne, Zoe Doucette, Natasha O’Brien, Chanel Sutherland, Susan Zerafa, Edgar Zarzoso, Krista Carson, Jason Rinas, Van Phac Cung, Jayne Panttila, Janet Vanderhor, Cheryl Baksi, and Brandy Davis.

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Issue 55 - September 8, 2006

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