November 9, 2006

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 60 November 9, 2006

WEST MEETS EAST

Roots launches major new expansion in Asia with opening of stores in Hong Kong

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

The Source 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 60 WEST MEETS EAST Two new stores open in Hong Kong in first stage of major expansion of Roots in Asia IN PRAISE OF TALENT AND FRIENDSHIP Roots hosts dinner in Ottawa for two winners of Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards MAKING IT MORE CONVENIENT Roots to stock An Inconvenient Truth in its stores

FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT Quality and Compliance Manager travels afar to make sure vendors adhere to Roots Code of Conduct GIFT GIVING MADE EASY New holiday catalogue features best of Roots products GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top-performing stores in October TEAM SPIRIT AT ITS BEST Staff from different cities play key role in Calgary opening of newest Roots store

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 Intern Charlene Chae

The Source is published every two weeks

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

2

The Source

ILICH MEJIA

BREATHING EASY Get set to fill your lungs with healthy stuff thanks to new product

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots GOOD TIMES IN T.O. I am a sales associate at the Roots (Mayfair) store in Victoria, BC. I was in Toronto recently and while I was there I went shopping at the Roots flagship store on Bloor Street. I would just like to say how happy I was with the customer service I received at the store and the attention paid to me even though I am a Roots employee.

I bought a beautiful Emily leather jacket (we don’t usually carry leather jackets in our stores in Victoria) and I probably wouldn’t have found it without the staff helping me.

Thanks to the people working at the store, it was such a positive experience.

I’d also like to voice my appreciation for the addition of West Coast representation on Roots Radio. It’s great to hear familiar voices.

Erin Wood Victoria, BC JASON GOES THE DISTANCE

During a recent trip to Banff, I visited the Roots store there. I purchased a small jacket, a hat and matching mittens for my granddaughter for Christmas.

The sales associate there also showed me a pair of small boots that matched the set, although

the correct colour was sold out.

As I live some four hours north of Edmonton, we dropped by the Roots store at West Edmonton Mall on the way home to see if they had the right colour of boots. They did not so we went across town to Kingsway Mall.

There, I found the correct colour but due to an error on my part, I got the wrong size. Later, after I was back at home and discovered the boots did not fit, I had a friend in Edmonton go to various Root stores to see if she could get the correct size. She was not able to find the size or the colour I needed.

After trying to contact Customer Service through email and telephone, I called the store at Kingsway Mall. I talked to a man named Jason Rinas who was extremely understanding. He told me not to fret and that he would do his best to help. He did.

It was not one hour later that he called back and said he found the boots in the correct size and colour in Calgary. He said they would be shipped to Kingsway DEPARTMENT OF CLARIFICATION Setting the record straight In Issue 58, the photo credit on Page 2 should have identified Roots sales associate Zoë Star as working at the Bank Street store in Ottawa.

Mall in Edmonton, and that he would hold them for me. When I got to the store to get the boots, Jason was unfortunately not there for me to thank personally. However, I did tell his manager about the exceptional service Jason extended to me.

Jason goes the “extra mile” for customers, and I feel he deserves recognition for his pleasant manner and exceptional service. In my opinion, any company should be pleased to have such an employee. I hope your company recognizes his abilities.

Thank you to Roots and Jason Rinas for making a little girl’s day and helping her have a warm winter.

Diana Oliver High Prairie, AB 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.

ISSUE 61 OF THE SOURCE In keeping with our fortnightly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will appear on Thursday, Nov. 23.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY In each issue of The Source, we publish a creative photo on the top of this page. We invite readers who take pictures to submit images they feel would be appropriate for this feature. Please send submissions to photogallery@roots.com Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

WEST MEETS EAST THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT COMES ALIVE

Two new stores open in Hong Kong in major expansion of Roots in Asia

Scenes from store opening in HK: (left) Jaycee Chan contributes his green message in a bottle; actress Annie Liu models Roots style

N

tribute to the great Canadian international initiative of ing operated by Li & Fung. ow more than ever, Caoutdoors, especially Ontario’s Roots,” says Michael. “It’s part The stores in Asia will nadian style is taking of a new era for Roots in fabled Algonquin Park, a mahold in the Far East. In a showcase many of the key jor inspiration for Roots since which we will be developing reflection of its increasing glo- components of the company’s its inception in 1973.

Many of the brand beyond the shores of success in North America inbal presence, Roots has just North America. Asia represents the materials used in building cluding the highly popular launched the first phase in exthe stores will be chosen for an excellent market where peoleather bags, yoga wear and panding its presence in Asia. their environmentally friendly ple seem to have a great appreathletic apparel. The design of In late October, Roots Cociation of foreign style, which the stores will reflect the Roots characteristics. For example, Founders Michael Budman bamboo - a renewable resource augurs well for a brand like emphasis on health, wellness, and Don Green took part in - was used in the new stores.

Roots.” and protecting the environthe official inauguration of the “We’re thrilled at this latest The partnership in Asia ment. In-store imagery will pay two Hong Kong stores in spebetween Roots cial ceremoand Li & Fung is nies that atan ideal combinatracted considtion. Li & Fung is erable local a well-established media attenmultinational tion. group of compaWorking in nies that operates partnership three distinct and with the Hong highly successful Kong-based Li core businesses & Fung Tradexport sourcing, ing Ltd., Roots integrated distriis preparing to bution and retailalso open in ing. It’s a leader China and in developing other countries retail partnerships in Southeast throughout Asia Asia. Plans with major intercall for dozens national brands. of new stores “Li & Fung is in the next two very excited to be to three years. working with Roots already Roots in building has 20 stores in Taiwan, Continued on next page which are be- The Roots look travels well: new store in Hong Kong showcases Canadian style for a receptive market Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

The Source 3

The just re-launched Roots flagship store in Taipei, Taiwan is situated in a landmark building Continued from previous page

this unique Canadian lifestyle brand in Asia,” says Jeremy Tang, Director of Business Development of Li & Fung Retailing Ltd. “Given Canada’s very positive reputation for the great outdoors and a clean environment, these are two things we are really promoting to Roots customers here to increase their awareness of air pollution and global warming. We are looking forward to working with the Roots team in Canada as part of our efforts to get the message out.”

Roots has long considered expanding in Asia but it was essential to have the right local partner with the proven track record and familiarity with Asian culture and business practices. When Li & Fung

expressed interest in working with Roots in developing the brand in their part of the world, Michael and Don felt it was an auspicious sign.

Last month, Michael and Don spent a week in Asia participating in events to launch the new stores in Hong Kong, to join in the re-launch of the flagship store in Taiwan (located in the landmark Taipei 101 building) and to meet with Li & Fung staff to discuss plans for opening locations in China and other countries.

The Hong Kong launch included a major accent on environmental issues in keeping with the importance Roots has always attached to the subject. Air pollution is a highly topical issue in Hong Kong and to support moves to deal with the problem, Roots made

Asian TV and print media gave extensive coverage to Roots launch 4

The Source

at Roots and copies of the book An Inconvenient Truth autographed by Al Gore. In addition, Roots also held a special private screening of Al Gore’s environmental film An Inconvenient Truth at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The grand opening of the store on Oct. 26 included a yoga demonstration, a fashion show, sharing of green tips, and presentation of prizes to winners of the photography contest. Michael and Don addressed the crowd, sharing green tips with the audience and presented souvenirs to Gerry Campbell, Canada’s Consul General in Hong Kong. One of the highlights

Jeremy Tang of Li & Fung, actor Isabella Leung (who gave a yoga demonstration at the HK store launch), and Roots Co-Founder Don Green

it part of its launch campaign, supporting it with posters and information stands. Shoppers were invited to write notes voicing their concern about air pollution and then to insert them in small bottles as part of an initiative called “Message in a Bottle.” During a 10-day period ending last week, 500 glass bottles filled with ‘green messages’ were exhibited at the Roots store in the LCX Ocean Terminal.

Also on view at the 1,600square feet store were the winning submissions in an environmental photography contest that Roots co-sponsored with a local magazine. Michael and Don chose the finalists in the competition who received cash prizes, gift certificates to shop

was when they released fresh Canadian air from a compressed air tank shipped from Canada to kick off the fashion show.

Movie actress Annie Liu, who used to live in Toronto for many years, attended the event, taking part as a model in one of the presentations.

Singer and actor Jaycee Chan (son of actor Jackie Chan) contributed his environmental ideas on protecting the environment and invited guests to put a message in a bottle.

It all added up to an exciting, well-planned launch of Roots in Hong Kong, and a harbinger of things to happen elsewhere in Asia. Based on initial signs, Roots should have a great future in its newest continent. – R.S. Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

IN PRAISE OF TALENT AND FRIENDSHIP Roots hosts special dinner in Ottawa for two winners of Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards

Lorne Michaels, (left), and Robbie Robertson at Roots dinner

E

arlier this month, Roots hosted a dinner in Ottawa in honour of two longtime friends on the eve of their receiving the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for lifetime artistic achievement. At the event held at the Beckta restaurant, Roots CoFounder Michael Budman paid tribute to Lorne Michaels and Robbie Roberston for their huge success in their respective fields, and for being such loyal friends to him and

to Roots for decades.

Lorne is the creator and Executive Producer of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Launched in 1975, it is the longest-running, highest-rated late-night television show in history. He has also produced more than a dozen feature films and several Broadway shows.

Robbie is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. One of rock music’s most influential and legendary figures, he’s

best known as a leader of The Band which recorded many best selling albums and backed up Bob Dylan in the 1960s and 1970s. He has also provided the music for several Martin Scorsese films.

Guests at the dinner, hosted

by Michael and his wife Diane Bald, included actor Michael Douglas, Onex Chairman Gerry Schwartz, Indigo Books and Music President Heather Reisman, architect Douglas Cardinal, National Arts Centre President and CEO Peter Herrndorf, XM Canada satellite radio President Steve Tapp, film producer Lidia Andich and Roots Public Relations Director Raymond Perkins.

Lorne Michaels and Robbie Robertson were two of six recipients of the prestigious 2006 Governor General Performing Arts Awards who were the focus of three days of special events in Ottawa. They began with a House of Commons luncheon and reception on Parliament Hill followed later that evening by the Roots dinner. The next day, the awards presentation ceremony and dinner took place at Rideau Hall with the Awards Gala held the day after at the National Arts Centre in the capital.

MAKING IT MORE CONVENIENT Roots to stock An Inconvenient Truth in its stores

A

s part of its continuing support of the fight against global warming, many Roots stores will now carry DVDs of the documentary film An Inconvenient Truth. It focuses on former US Vice-President Al Gore and his efforts to draw attention to the alarming effects of global warming, and to find ways to resolve the problem.

The DVDs will hit select Roots stores in Canada later Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

this month at the time of the film’s official nationwide release on DVD. Faisal Maju, Merchandise Manager, is coordinating the project with Paramount Classics, the official distributor of the film.

Produced by environmentalist (and friend of Roots) Laurie David, and directed by Davis Guggenheim, An Inconvenient Truth was released in cinemas earlier this year to great acclaim. At the time, select Roots stores gave away flyers and posters promoting the movie. Co-Founder Michael Budman has met Gore on sev-

eral occasions in connection with the latter’s work for the environment.

Roots has been actively involved in the campaign against global warming. It supports the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s eco-friendly efforts to save polar bears facing extinction due to increasing global warming. In addition, Roots stores also sell the ‘Stop Global Warming’ special leather bracelets produced at the company’s factory in Toronto, proceeds from which go to a special Stop Global Warming fund.

• The DVD will sell for $26.95

THE NUMBERS

We would have never guessed But not for long… Next week, it will increase to 32 when Menswear Associate Designer Dylan Anderson celebrates his birthday on Monday. Often mistaken for being much younger, Dylan owned up to his real age at our urging.

Originally from Vancouver, he joined Roots in 2005 and is responsible for many of the winning items in the latest menswear collection now flying off the shelves.

SPREADING THE WORD Guide to new ads appearing this week and next

•Thurs., Nov. 9 - Now magazine (Toronto): Fullpage ad featuring winter accessories • Sat., Nov. 11 - National Post (Toronto): Full page ad featuring Roots Style.

• Sat., Nov.11 - Globe and Mail (National): 1/4 page ad featuring Roots Home • Thurs., Nov.16 - Now Magazine (Toronto): Full page ad featuring Roots Style • Thurs., Nov.16 - Globe and Mail (National): 1/8 page ad featuring Roots Style • Thurs., Nov.16 - Globe and Mail (National): 1/2 page vertical ad featuring Roots Style • Thurs., Nov.16 - Toronto Star: 1/2 page vertical ad featuring Roots Style • Thurs., Nov.16 - Metro (Montreal): Full page ad featuring Roots Style • Sat., Nov.18 - National Post (Toronto): Full page ad featuring Roots Style The Source 5

STARTING LINEUP Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores

With this issue, The Source is beginning a new series featuring team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family. We kick it off with the store in Waterloo, Ontario.

Top (left to right): Jamie Clarke, Gwyn Horscroft, Al McDougall, Adrienne Wilford. Front Row (left to right): Letizia Ferreira, Lyndsey Vanstone, Monique Kahnert, Bethany Peckham, Sneha Gandhi, Jordan Ostapchu. Missing in Action: Trevor Cresswell, Kelsey Parker.

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

Robbie Robertson

Foo Fighters band member

The Source

• Melissa Brennan promoted to Keyholder, South Keys, Ottawa, ON • Brittany Gregorio promoted to Keyholder, Cambridge, ON • Hannah Jeffery promoted to Assistant Manager, Halifax Shopping Centre, Halifax, NS • Monique Kahnert appointed Keyholder, Waterloo, ON • Roxann Keeling promoted to Store Manager, Halifax Shopping Centre, Halifax, NS • Shaz Sidi appointed Keyholder, Bramalea, ON

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance

T

his month, many Roots employees 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: (listed by seniority at Roots) • Yvette Madorsky, Sales Associate, The Promenade, Thornhill, ON, 10 years • John Revtak, Keyholder, Yorkdale, Toronto, 5 years

Our fortnightly spotlight on new positions at Roots

C

6

New appointments and promotions at Roots

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Kevin Federline

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures from the world of entertainment who visited Roots stores recently: · Toronto (100 Bloor Street) – Band members from the rock group Foo Fighters bought items from the Roots Men’s fall collection at the flagship store. Additionally, dancer, model and rapper Kevin Federline also visited the store. · Toronto (Eaton Centre) – Actress and rapper Queen Latifah visited the store and bought the Roots of Reggae CD. · Ottawa (Rideau Centre) – Singer/songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson of The Band shopped at the store before going on to receive the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. He purchased a number of items including the new Roots men’s flannel shirts. · Vancouver (Roots Robson) – Hollywood stars Ian McDermott and Tori Spelling shopped for matching Roots Village Bags at the store. · Calgary (TD Square) – Flags of Our Fathers star Adam Beach visited the store and purchased a number of items.

ON THE MOVE

H

Ian McDermott and Tori Spelling

Queen Latifah

ere is a list of current job openings at Roots stores along with the appropriate contact person. For more information, please refer to the separate email notices sent out recently about each position: • Assistant Store Manager, Masonville, London, ON (Gold level store) E-mail your resume to the attention of Sanjiv Khanna at skhanna@roots.com Deadline: Friday, Nov. 10.

• Temporary Assistant Store Manager, Limeridge, Hamilton, ON (Gold level store) E-mail your resume to the attention of Sanjiv Khanna at skhanna@roots.com Deadline: Friday, Nov. 17.

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT

S

Quality and Compliance Manager Irma Koch-Blackman travels afar to make sure vendors adhere to Roots Code of Conduct

ometimes nothing beats seeing it for yourself.

That’s certainly the case when it comes to the work of the Sourcing Department at Roots. In recent years, as the company has greatly expanded its product line, there’s been an increased need to manufacture certain items overseas. In a growing number of cases, there are no longer manufacturers in Canada that can produce specific types of products with the necessary quality and price range.

But in seeking vendors elsewhere, price and quality are not enough. Before Roots will agree to work with a company, it must accept the Roots Code of Conduct which governs working conditions at the facility in question. It’s an intrinsic part of the Roots ethical approach to doing business.

Although vendors must sign a contract that includes the Code of Conduct, Roots goes much further to ensure that factories adhere to the conditions stipulated in the Code. To that end, and at considerable expense, Roots uses independent third party labour specialists to inspect facilities and sends members of the Sourcing Department abroad to personally visit and verify the situation on the ground.

Recently, Irma Koch-Blackman, Quality and Compliance Manager at Roots, returned from China and Hong Kong where she visited various factories. In addition to familiarizing herself with people in each facility, Irma audited their ‘social responsibility’ compliance with the Code of Conduct and looked at qualityrelated aspects of their manufacturing. In addition, she used the visits to resolve any on-going questions on quality and compliance and to consolidate vendor partnerships.

“I am pleased to report that our vendors have taken our suggestions regarding social compliance and quality standards seriously,” says Irma, whose job at the Head Office in Toronto entails frequent email and phone contact with Roots vendors. “It was great to see for myself that they have taken the necessary steps to implement equipment innovations and processes to adhere to the Roots Code of Conduct and quality standards.”

Irma’s visit is part of an on-going program to ensure that Roots suppliers fully understand and accept the importance that Roots attaches to making its products only in facilities where workers are treated fairly. Roots has always insisted that workers be shown the respect and dignity they deserve and that all labour laws are respected. That applies equally to factories abroad and in Canada.

“Monitoring the manufacturing facilities for product integrity and social compliance is a critical aspect of our procurement,” says Andre Desouza, Director of Sourcing. “We have multiple stages of monitoring and testing to ensure that the products we bring to our customers are being made by responsible and ethical means. Irma’s trip helps consolidate and re-enforce our commitment to these principles.”

On assignment in Asia: (Top right): Irma with Philip Lam, denim supplier; (bottom left): Irma flanked by Fan Li Xia and Kathleen Lo at fleece factory in China.

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

The Source 7

8

The Source

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

DOING THE RIGHT THING As part of our on-going series on Roots employees helping their community, this issue spotlights Paula Del Cid of Toronto

Paula Del Cid, (far right), with her co-workers Diana Bayko (left), and Amanda Peroulakis, (centre).

W

hen she is not working as a Sales Associate at the Roots store at Toronto’s Bayview Village Mall, Paula Del Cid spends much of her free time training to help abused women and children.

She assists at Interval House, a centre offering abused individuals support, shelter and much-needed counseling.

After studying to become a counselor and advocate for assaulted women and children, Paula started volunteering at Interval House a few months ago. Since then, she has participated in many activities to help children adjust to their surroundings.

“The move to the shelter is a huge decision for the victims

and it’s our goal to help them make this transition easier and their efforts worthwhile,” says Paula, 21.

The shelter houses women and children who have fled, or are in the process of leaving, abusive relationships by providing counseling, interpreters, activities and daycare for the children, and resources such as housing and legal help.

Paula started working at Roots earlier this year. As she sees stores gearing up for the holiday season, she can’t help but think of people less fortunate than her.

“Interval House wants to give these families the Christmas they deserve,” says Paula.

“This festive season, I can’t think of any better way to show the true spirit of the holiday than lending a helping hand to these courageous families.”

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL On the frontlines: Spotlighting the top-performing stores in October ‘Roots 73’ locations, finishing the month comfortably over its sales budget.

Congratulations to Store Managers Nathalie Giroux of the Chateau Frontenac store and Glenys Hepplestone of the Vaughan Mills outlet, along with their respective teams for their stellar performances.

Marie-Philippe Cloutier, Nathalie Giroux and Fanny Tremblay in Quebec City

F

or the third consecutive month, the Roots store in Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and the Vaughan Mills outlet in Ontario both captured the title of ‘Stores of the Month’ in their respective categories.

According to just compiled sales figures, the Chateau Frontenac store made 265 percent over its sales budget. For its part, the Vaughan Mills store topped all the Roots outlet and

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

Karen Simpson, Andriy Tishchenko, Glenys Hepplestone and Sabrina Figueiredo in Toronto region

GIFT GIVING MADE EASY New catalogue features best of Roots products for the holiday season

H

ot off the press in time for everyone’s holiday gift giving list, the new Roots catalogue features a wealth of ideas for even the hardest-to-please among your friends and family. The beautifully illustrated 44 pages (printed on recycled paper) showcase items at different price levels for people of all ages - men, women, children and babies.

Designed by David Chang of Visual Communication, the catalogue offers a selection of the best of Roots apparel, accessories and leather items for the season. “A project like this inevitably involves countless details and visual challenges,” says David, who was responsible for the entire look of the catalogue from concept to final production. “I was fortunate to have the seamless collaboration of key people at Roots who made working on this catalogue a pleasure.”

Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green and their respective wives Diane Bald, Director of Roots Home, and Denyse Green, Director of Roots Yoga, selected the products to be featured along with Director of Design Nella Walker and the designers from the different departments. Senior Art Director Ilich Mejia coordinated the product photography.

“To ensure that it was fully upto-date, we produced the catalogue in recent weeks in a very short frame,” says Nella. “The project would not have been successful without the cooperation of many people at Roots. Every department has contributed and worked hand in hand to make this catalogue possible.”

Distribution of the catalogue will begin late next week.

Copies will be given to customers in stores in addition to being inserted in the Globe and Mail in select areas of Canada.

The catalogue will also be sent by post to customers on the Roots mailing list.

The Source 9

TEAM SPIRIT AT ITS BEST Staff from different cities play key role in Calgary opening of newest Roots store

The latest ‘Roots 73’ outlet location opened in Calgary earlier this month

T

he opening of a new Roots store always brings out the best in staff. Mindful of the fast-approaching deadline, everyone pulls together like a welloiled machine. Great team spirit takes hold. That was certainly the case last week when the latest addition to the Roots retail family opened for business in northwest Calgary in the new Beacon Hill shopping complex.

The critical stage in the ‘Roots 73’ store opening process began on the last Sunday of October when a Roots delivery truck arrived in Calgary from the Distribution Centre in Toronto with products for the store. Under the direction of Senior Visual Merchant Peter Paquette, a team of helpers worked feverishly in some three inches of snow to ready the outlet location for its opening four days later.

The Beacon Hill mall, which also includes Costco, Home Depot, Home Sense and Winners, is currently finishing its first phase, spanning 440,000 square feet of space. It will undergo a major expansion in the coming years as part of its second phase.

The store opening mission would not have been successful had it not been for Peter along with the support of a great team that included Colin MacDonald Visual Merchant, Western Canada; Marie-Anne Laporte, Visual Merchant, Ottawa; Andrew Gerock, Visual Merchant, Calgary; Denise Bazzana, Senior Manager, Chinook; Mark Yoders, Store Manager, Blue Bonnet Outlet; Colleen Weber, Senior Manager, Heartland Outlet; Donna Illfley, Assistant Manager, Windsor Crossing and also to the Roots general contractor Gerry and family who all helped unload boxes from the delivery truck. Shaun Bratzel, former Manager of the Signal Hill Outlet in Calgary, will be the Store Manager of the new 5,000 sq. ft. store.

The Source

SUVs are SEOs: If you’re among the increasing number of North Americans driving a sport utility vehicle, brace yourself, because we’re about to make you feel bad. Your SUV is an SEO - a Serious Environmental Offender.

Current standards for tailpipe emissions allow sport utility vehicles and trucks to pollute more than twice as much as the average new car.

And then there’s fuel economy: SUVs guzzle more than 30% more gas than other cars.

For more info: Get the full SUV story, learn how to rate your need for an off-road vehicle and more at Friends of the Earth’s SUV-info website:ww w.suv.org/introductory.

On your next car purchase, vote with your wallet. Show car manufacturers that there is a market for fuel-efficient vehicles.

HEALTH TIP #23 Easy ways to help you stay healthy

A selection of coverage of Roots in the media

10

Easy ways to help the environment

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

FRESH INK • The Globe and Mail, Nov. 6: Feature article in the Report on Business on the expansion of Roots in Asia, particularly on the recent opening of Roots stores in Hong Kong.

• Financial Times, (England), Nov. 4: Article on Robert Kennedy Jr. in which he mentions that he wears the Roots ‘Stop Global Warming’ bracelet and includes the Roots website.

• The Toronto Star, Nov. 4. Spotlight on the Roots down-filled jacket with removable faux fur trim and Ipod pocket.

• Gill Deacon Show, Nov. 3. CBC’s Gill Deacon Show featured a couple of Roots outfits.

• Flare magazine, Nov. 1. Featured the new Roots Rosedale store that combines environmentally friendly fashion, design and home décor, plus a yoga studio, in the “Living City” section.

• Where Toronto magazine, Nov. 1. Spotlight on the Roots natural organic-leather gym bag perfect for the eco-conscious traveler featured in the “Holiday Shopping for Men” section.

GREEN TIP #26

• EnRoute magazine, Oct.1. Spotlight on the Roots Martin Short leather bag featured in “What’s in your carry-on?” section.

• House & Home magazine, Oct. 1. Spotlight on the Roots Home bar, leather ottoman and armchair. Also, highlighted the leather, wood and stainless steel furniture available at Roots Home Design featured in the “Style Resource” section.

• Shared Vision magazine, Oct. Article entitled “Roots Gets Back To Its Roots” profiled Vancouver-based Lyn Frankel, Sponsorship and Corporate Sales Manager, and discussed the new Roots Rosedale store in Toronto.

• Green Living magazine, Oct. Spotlight on the Roots organic cotton hoodie featured in the “Fashion Goes Forward” section.

• Flare magazine, Oct. Mentions Roots hosting George Pimentel’s photography exhibit at its flagship store in Toronto.

• Where Toronto, magazine, Oct. Photo of the Roots Collegiate Messenger Bag featured in the “Drop Everything and Read!” section.

Stop eating dead foods: Ever wonder what Wonder Bread is really made of, or how many miles that head of limp lettuce has traveled? There’s nothing like fresh, whole, organic foods to maintain your health and well-being. Farmfresh produce and meats go directly from the source to your table, leaving little time in between for nutrients to be lost.

Many foods at your supermarket have been picked or slaughtered weeks or even months before they make it onto the shelf. These items are preserved by nitrogen or other artificial means, making them appear fresh. Moreover, foods treated with pesticides and artificial fertilizers have lower nutritional value than foods grown organically.

(Source: Secrets of Longevity, Dr. Maoshing Ni) Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

SCUBA HOODY Ideal for the winter: looks good, feels warm

T

he latest item to hit stores this season is the Scuba Hoody.

Made from 55% poly fleece and 45% cotton fleece, the hoody captures the casual look of cotton fleece on the outside and the technical benefits of poly fleece on the inside.

Thumbholes for built-in hand warmers To provide protection from chilly weather, the hoody features a two-way main zipper extending higher than a regular hoody and a storm flap to keep the zipper off the neck. It also has thumbholes to create built-in hand warmers.

Designed by Dylan Anderson, Associate Designer of Menswear, the hoody also comes equipped with an internal zippered pocket to hold iPods or other mp3 players and a metal grommet to run headphones Pocket detail through. Additional details include zipper closures on the front kanga pockets and tree embroidery on the hood.

Available at select Roots stores in Canada and the US, the Scuba Hoody is great to wear on trips to the cottage or the mountains, and comes in smoke (gray), forest night, black and black coffee.

The Scuba hoody

• Scuba Hoody, sizes XS-XXL, retail price: $98

BREATHING EASY Get set to fill your lungs with healthy stuff thanks to new product

S

omething’s in the air. Trouble is you probably don’t know what it is, at your own peril. To help remedy that, Roots is introducing an innovative product to help people breathe better and live healthier.

Called Oxia, it consists of a personal air dispenser containing a blend of 90% oxygen and 10% nitrogen packaged in a refillable, recyclable canister. Due to its benefits, it has already gained popularity elsewhere among eco-conscious consumers.

Normal atmospheric air that we breathe contains high levels of dangerous pollutants including carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and various particulate matter. Oxia has none of these contaminants while containing a higher concentration of pure oxygen.

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006

Every Oxia personal oxygen dispenser is filled by a professionally trained technician in a hygienically controlled facility to ensure its contents are exactly as specified, and are free from any contaminants and pollutants. As an added safety measure, the dispenser also contains an internal filter to further ensure quality.

The oxygen-enriched air contained in the dispenser is pressurized and provides from three to five minutes of continuous airflow depending on the flow-rate chosen.

This week, select Roots stores in Toronto received the Oxia bottles and refills along with related literature. An Oxia representative will also be present in the stores to assist with the initial sales.

• Retail price: Oxia Oxygen Bottle $89.95; Oxia Oxygen Refills - $17.95

Embroidered hood detail

THE HOT LIST A fast look at what’s flying off the shelves at Roots stores 1. Men’s Cooper Kanga Hoody 2. Men’s Cooper Zip Polo 3. Men’s Basic Cooper Pant 4. Women’s Stretch Yoga T-shirt 5. Women’s Northland Fur-lined Hoody 6. Women’s Varsity Sweatpants-Roots 7. Kids Camp Fire Sweatpant 8. Baby Beaver Sweater 9. Baby’s Irene Ruffle Top 10. Baby’s Tracy Ruffle Top 11. Baby’s Beaver Sock 12. Baby’s Yaz Sneaker 13. Baby’s Zahara Long Sleeves Tee 14. Quilted Earflap 15. Smoothie Toque-Basics 16. Figure 8 glove 17. Roots Bottled Water 355 ml 18. Roots Eco-Bag 19. Village Bag Prince Leather Bag 20. Venetian Village Prince Leather Bag The Source 11

12

The Source

Issue 60 - November 9, 2006