December 21, 2006 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

SPECIAL YEAR-END ISSUE

Issue 63 December 21, 2006

BEST OF

2006

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

The Source 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 63 This special year-end issue spotlights some of the major highlights at Roots from the past 12 months including the following, presented in chronological order: GREAT ONE JOINS THE TEAM Wayne Gretzky becomes ambassador for Roots GOLD AT THE OLYMPICS Roots comes up big in Torino for work with Team USA SUPPORTING RETHINK Getting behind the 2006 campaign against breast cancer A TOUCH OF CLASS Denyse Jacket a big hit of 2006

UNITED IN VICTORY Special line created for World Cup flies off the shelves RESULTS ANYTHING BUT FLAT Roots Flats prove most popular bags in company’s history SOUNDS LIKE ROOTS The Roots of Reggae CD second in popular ‘Roots of’ musical series AIDING THE AIDS FIGHT Roots supports major international AIDS conference inToronto ‘ROOTS 73’ TAKES OFF New locations expand outlet presence NOTHING LIKE A GREAT SWEAT Advance sweat collection one of the most popular Roots products in 2006 A NEW CONCEPT STORE OPENS Roots Rosedale is filled with products for the eco-conscious WEST MEETS EAST Roots launches the first phase of major expansion in Asia ROOTS YOGA HITS NEW HEIGHTS A new yoga studio adds to the Roots Rosedale store HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT ITS BEST Store teams come to the aid of their communities

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Editorial Assistant PAULOMI PATEL Intern JOHANNA DAHL

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

The Source

DON STANDFIELD

CAMPING OUT IN STYLE Roots Camp collection scores with public and media

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots TEAM SPIRIT IN ACTION I wanted to mention what a great team we have at the Roots Head Office in Toronto. Earlier this month, on a Tuesday night, I contacted the IT Department with a request for an extra cash register for our store in Sherway Gardens in Toronto. Responding immediately, they worked seamlessly as Robin Nelson, Lena Owens and Katherine Huff put together a register in two days. At the same time, Pauline Landriault designed what we were looking for in terms of a cash desk and ordered it on Wednesday for a fast delivery so we’d be able to use the register for the weekend. Everything was installed at the store on Friday at 8 a.m. I was so impressed by the perfect synchronization between the different departments. It made me feel that we are working for the same cause, which is to help the stores create a great experience for both the staff and customers. Ladies, I really appreciated all your hard work and dropping everything to assist the store. Thank you. Sanjiv Khanna Field Business Manager Toronto

ANDY GOES THE DISTANCE I’m writing to acknowledge the excellent customer service provided to me by an employee at your store on Orfus Road in Toronto. His name is Andy O’Neil and he happens to be the manager of the store. He was the first person to offer to locate an item for me and have it sent to a Roots outlet on my behalf. I had called a handful of stores before contacting your Orfus location. Not only was he a friendly, pleasant person to deal with, he was also thorough and took the time to provide me with all of the information needed. He was a delight. Laura Atkinson Ottawa

STEPHEN DOES IT RIGHT I just wanted to pass along to you my sincere appreciation and compliments for the exemplary service I received recently at your Yonge and St. Clair store in Toronto. What a delight it was to have Stephen Pinnell work with us to find the perfect gift for an important brother. Stephen couldn’t do enough to help, with such a pleasant manner. As it turned out, the perfect gift in the perfect size was being worn by one of the mannequins in the store window. Without

hesitation or any indication he was being put out, Stephen quickly and neatly disrobed the mannequin and within seconds had the gift folded and packaged for me. I couldn’t help but notice that the same mannequin was fully dressed in an alternate outfit shortly thereafter. It was a genuine pleasure doing business with my neighbourhood Roots store. Thank you. Ann Dempster

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.

GET READY FOR 2007 Our next rendezvous with you will be in 2007 when Issue 64 of The Source will appear on January 11. Until then, The Source would like to wish all of our readers a joyous, healthy and fulfilling holiday and a Happy New Year. Thank you for all your support in 2006.

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 63 - December 21, 2006

THE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BEST OFCOMES 2006ALIVE Taking stock of the major highlights at Roots over the past 12 months

n life, things happen. At Roots, good things happen all the time. And we don’t mean simply the selling of great products every day of the year. To be sure, Roots is a business but it’s also much more than that. It’s a community of people who come together every day to work and contribute to a culture and heritage that first began in 1973. Each Roots employee, in his or her own way, helps make things happen that make Roots such a special place, full of innovation and achievement on many levels. With 2006 about to morph into 2007, we wanted to take stock of the past 12 months at Roots. Due to space limitations, we’re simply presenting some highlights (in chronological order). Of course, it’s impossible to really capture a year in the life of Roots in just a few pages. For a more comprehensive account of 2006, you can always consult past issues of The Source. As much as 2006 has proven positive for Roots, initial signs for 2007 point to another exciting year for Roots. Stay tuned to The Source as the story unfolds over the next 12 months.

IN BOOKS WE TRUST

he printed word has always had pride of place at Roots — in its advertising, and in-store customer communication and its support of literacy. This year, Roots also helped launch two books, both of which were also sold in stores. In January, the flagship store on Toronto’s Bloor Street hosted an evening in honour of Xiaolan Zhao and the publishing of her book Reflections of the Moon on Water: Healing Women’s Bodies and Minds. Among the several hundred people in attendance were writers Margaret Atwood, and Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

Michael Ondaatje and book publishers Ann Collins of Random House and Louise Dennys of Knopf Canada. In September, the new Roots Rosedale store in Toronto was the venue for the launch of Noah Richler’s book This Is My Country, What’s Yours? The store was packed with guests, including a strong representation of Canada’s literary scene. The event was part of the Smarten Up campaign that Roots launched in conjunction with Indigo Books to promote literacy.

The CPRS Award was established in 1991 to demonstrate that a successful CEO or top business executive must be an excellent communicator in addition to having other abilities. Past winners include some of Canada’s top business people, such as GETTING THE POINT ACROSS Charles Baillie, Chair, omeone’s obviously year, it is the greatest TD Bank Financial taking notice of the honour a business Group; Dominic D’Alecommunication and leader can receive from ssandro, President and public relations work of the professional CEO, Manulife FinanRoots. In January, Coassociation of cial; Piers Handling, Founders Michael communicators in CEO of the Toronto Budman and Don Canada. Michael and International Film Green received the Don received the award Festival; Bobbie Gaunt, 2006 Award of at a special luncheon at President and CEO, Excellence for Toronto’s Fairmont Royal Ford Motor Company of Communication and PR York Hotel in the Canada; and Allan from the Canadian presence of 300 people Stark, President and Public Relations Society from the fields of CEO, American Express (CPRS). Awarded business, media, Canada; John primarily for actions entertainment, sports Cassaday, President, taken over the previous and fashion. CTV.

THE GREAT ONE JOINS TEAM ROOTS

ast winter, it was announced that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky would be working with Roots on various projects over the next four years. In this role, The Great One is serving as an official ambassador for Roots and is involved in designing clothes and various items for the company. In late February, the first official Roots Wayne Gretzky line of jackets, sweatshirts, Tshirts and other pieces arrived in stores. A percentage of the

proceeds of the sales went to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which provides less fortunate youth with the opportunity to experience the sport of

hockey. In June, Wayne Gretzky, his father and son, appeared together wearing Roots apparel for Father’s Day in large posters in Roots stores, in colour ads in newspapers across Canada – and, lest we forget, on the cover of The Source. Shortly after, as part of the Roots tribute to Canada for the July 1 holiday, Wayne showed his true colours. The Great One dressed in the Roots 2006 Canada Day collection and appeared in posters and newspaper ads celebrating Canada and Roots. The Source 3

MOTOWN EVENT IN DETROIT SUPPORTS CHARITY

R WINNING GOLD AT THE OLYMPICS

or two weeks in February, the eyes of the world were on Torino, Italy as the XX Winter Olympics took place. Roots was centre stage, thanks to its work as the official outfitter of Team USA. At the opening ceremonies, watched on TV by an estimated two billion people, Roots received huge recognition and widespread media attention for the distinct look of the large US delegation as it entered the stadium. Each athlete wore a beautiful white leather jacket and the Roots beret (in red, white or blue). NBC’s Today Show announced live from Torino that the Roots Team USA beret was voted the trendiest, must-have Olympic item at the Winter Games. Standing outside in downtown Torino, host

Katie Couric modeled the beret as she told viewers that Roots won the Today Show’s online poll by a landslide, taking 58% of the votes. As she spoke on camera, dozens of smiling spectators behind her were also wearing the beret. Adding to the success of Roots in Torino, Speedskater Apolo Ohno, the US athlete that Roots sponsored, became one of the main stars of the US Team after winning three medals (including a Gold). He made several media appearances dressed in Roots. In addition to being sold at Roots stores in the US, the Olympic collection was also available for the first time at some 1,400 Target stores throughout the country.

SUPPORTING RETHINK

n early May, as part of its on-going support for different causes, Roots helped kick off the annual Rethink Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) campaign with a special gala at the flag-ship store in Toronto. Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, the MC for the evening, paid tribute to Roots which has supported the Rethink campaign for the past several years. More than 600 people 4

The Source

attended the Spanishthemed event that also featured performances by Flamenco dancers and female vocalists Jodi King and Linda McLean. The evening also launched the FTBC collection of Tshirts, tank tops and hats sold exclusively at Roots stores across Canada. Proceeds from the sale of the collection go to Rethink for research into finding a cure for breast cancer.

oots has always been known to throw a good party, especially when it’s for a good cause. In February, leading personalities from the world of entertainment, sports, business, fashion and media took part in the Roots Motown Super Soul Revue in Detroit in support of the ‘Music Rising’ charity. Motown superstars Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Contours and The Velvelettes topped the bill at the city’s historic landmark The Roostertail, the preeminent venue for Motown acts in the 1960s. Organized

by Roots and D.O.C. Optics, the Revue was timed to take place on the eve of the Super Bowl being played the next day across town. Hosted by Roots Cofounders Michael Budman and Don Green and D.O.C. President

Richard Golden, the crowd of 500 included Robbie Robertson (Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame); producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel); and Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks (who played the next day in the Super Bowl). In addition to supporting Music Rising, which is helping floodravaged New Orleans, Michael and Don and their longtime Detroit friend Richard Golden planned the evening in honour of the city and music of their youth as part of Super Bowl Weekend in Detroit.

pepper and electric blue) due to popular demand. Made from highly

breathable 100% cotton French Terry fabric, the jackets blend functionality with fashion featuring details like zippered side pockets, a stylish funnel neck collar and an asymmetrical front zipper. With a flattering fit, these jackets are a great alternative to the traditional sweat-shirt. They were designed by Roots Yoga Director Denyse Green with Senior Women’s Designer Jules Power.

A TOUCH OF CLASS

n reviewing the highlights of 2006 in Roots apparel for women, one of the great pieces was unquestionably the Denyse Jacket. It first appeared in stores in February and almost immediately started flying off the racks. Originally available only in a short version in black and kalamata, they later were also produced in a longer version in other colours (white, chili

MAKING THE SCENE AT THE GRAMMYS

Kelly Clarkson

t’s easy to understand why so many people have the impression that Roots seems to pop up everywhere. In February, in yet another example, Roots made its debut at the Grammy Awards, capturing the fancy of prominent figures from the entertainment world. As part of the 48th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Roots apparel, hats and leather bags were available in the Talent Gift Lounge where stars congregated during the three days leading up to the actual Award Ceremony. Items from

the Roots Team USA Olympic collection proved especially popular with the stars. Celebrity performers and presenters, including Grammywinner Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Elvis Costello, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day), Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Will.i.am, Dr. John, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Mary J. Blige, stopped by the Roots stand, many posing for photographers as they wore their new Roots. Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

CAMPING OUT IN STYLE

he summer is a special season in everyone’s life but it’s also the time when youth in North America fortunate enough to go to camp get to escape from the city, connect with the beauty of nature and have fun in the wilderness. The CoFounders of Roots have always said their time at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario’s Algonquin Park had a major influence on them as they were growing up. As such, camp has been an integral part of Roots culture and this year the Roots Camp collection was one of the biggest hits of 2006. Launched in late April, the collection was made up of sweatshirts, zip hoodies, sweat pants

and shorts, T-shirts, button-up shirts, cargo shorts, and a ribbed tank top. The entire collection featured the distinct camp green colour and the signature Roots Camp logos, making the pieces easily identifiable. In May, in a tribute to Roots Camp, one of Canada’s most influential fashion chroniclers, the Globe and Mail’s Saturday Style section, featured four colour photos of items from the collection in an article entitled “Goodbye Lululemon, Hello Baggy Pants which said: “…The new Roots Camp line is right on the money, especially with its oldschool forest green. It’s schlump chic…”

UNITED IN VICTORY

n early June, the Roots United collection arrived in stores just ahead of the opening kick off of the World Cup soccer tournament. Made up of soccer jackets, jerseys and Tshirts, the collection was created in honour of Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

countries playing in the FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years. As the largest, most anticipated, most widely viewed international sport event, the World Cup and the Roots United line proved a potent combination in Canada’s multicultural cities. The collection featured 16 teams/ countries participating in the tournament, all of which had huge numbers of fervent supporters in Canada. As a result, Roots United proved a runaway success, with many models/countries selling out. The eye-catching ad campaign for Roots United featured Haydain Neale from the Torontobased band Jacksoul and Marissa Roberto, a Saskatoon-born dance artist of Italian descent.

AND THE WINNER IS…

or the second straight year, Roots was a sponsor of the

Green Toronto Environmental Awards which celebrate leading companies, organizations and individuals who contribute to making the city a better place to live from an environmental perspective. In early May, Toronto Mayor David Miller hosted a special VIP reception and ceremony at City Hall where awards were presented to the winners who also received $5,000 each to

donate to the environmental organization of their choice. Roots, which underwrote the prize in the Green Design category, was one of the original sponsors of the Green Awards when they were first launched in 2005. Don Green took part in the event, presenting the Green Design Award to the Toronto Botanical Garden.

footprint. It proved so popular that the initial supply sold out and thousands more had to

be ordered. Made of 100% washable, undyed cotton canvas, the bag has a reinforced bottom to ensure durability. It was created in an effort to reduce the use of paper bags. It didn’t exactly hurt its appeal that there was a special offer whereby customers who bought the Eco-Bag received 10% off on future purchases of regularly priced merchandise.

IT’S IN THE BAG

he Roots Eco-Bag may not have received the same attention nor generated the same sales figures as Roots leather bags in 2006 but it was a hot item nonetheless. Introduced in May, the eco-friendly reusable shopping bag was a big hit with customers, especially those looking to lessen their environmental

RESULTS ANYTHING BUT FLAT

f the many great successes at Roots in 2006, one stands out as the most phenomenal, and also probably the most gratifying. Made in the Roots factory in Toronto, the Roots Flats collection has far surpassed sales projections. Launched in July, the popularity of these leather bags shows no signs of subsiding. To meet the demand, the factory has had to add staff and is working at full capacity. Each week, customers are buying literally thousands of Village Packs, Village Bags, Small and Large Venetian Bags, and Venetian Village Bags. The Flats are the biggest hit in the history of Roots leather bags, going way beyond even the success of last year’s Emily Bag.

Flat bags are the counter-trend to extralarge, bulky oversized handbags. They evolved from the need and desire of many women for hands-free accessibility while out shopping or running errands. Many women sport large work or gym totes during the day and on the weekends like a sleek flat bag such as the Village Pack, not only for style but for comfort and ease, too. The Flats, which earned their name because they

are literally flat, are extremely functional with pockets for cell phones, Blackberrys, iPods and other items. The design is the result of a collaborative effort involving resident leather expert Karl Kowalewski, Diane Bald, Denyse Green, Susie Shiffman and overseen by Michael Budman. The success of the Flats is the source of great satisfaction. Leather has a special place at Roots. It’s part of the soul of Roots. Original leather goods have been at the heart of the company since its inception in 1973 when Roots began by making shoes. Today, 33 years later, judging by the formidable success of the Flats, it’s still an important part of what makes Roots…Roots. The Source 5

SOUNDS LIKE ROOTS

ood vibrations reigned at Roots in 2006 for all kinds of reasons. One of them was the release in July of the CD The Roots of Reggae, part of the “Roots of…” music series of recordings launched in late 2005 with The Roots of Motown. Produced by Michael Budman, in conjunction with Universal Music, The Roots of Reggae was inspired by his great affinity for Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae and one of the inspirations behind the creation of Roots in 1973. The 18-track CD showcased the biggest names in reggae

including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Third World, Peter Tosh, and Gregory Isaacs. Many of the greatest reggae anthems of all time are on this CD, such as Sun is Shining; Wonderful World, Beautiful People; The Harder They Come; You Can Get It If You Really Want and Many Rivers To Cross. The liner notes were written by Grammy Awardwinning ethnomusicologist Rob Bowman. The success of The Roots of Reggae mirrored the sales of The Roots of Motown. Next up in the series will be The Roots of Soul, in February 2007.

‘ROOTS 73’ SPREADS ACROSS CANADA

hings have never been better on the Roots outlet front. Due to the incredible success of the existing locations in Canada, five new ‘Roots 73’ outlet

stores opened for business in 2006. The first of the ’06 generation was inaugurated in Thunder Bay, Ontario in July, followed in September by Brossard,

BRINGING STYLE TO THE OFFICE

AIDING THE AIDS FIGHT

n keeping with its timehonoured involvement in community-related projects and social causes, Roots supported a major international AIDS conference in Toronto in August. As the official outfitter and sponsor of the XVI International AIDS Conference, Roots subsidized the cost of merchandise provided to the organizers of the massive event. The five-day gathering attracted some 25,000 participants from around the world including scientists, doctors, educators and policy makers, 6

The Source

community leaders and people living with HIV/ AIDS. In supporting the conference, Roots supplied specially designed T-shirts for volunteer staff and for the AIDS 2006 Youth Program in addition to creating conference souvenir T-shirts and souvenir caps for sale at various locations in Toronto to raise funds for AIDSrelated work. Roots also donated yoga mats for use by delegates at yoga classes and returned a percentage of sales of T-shirts sold in Roots stores to the Toronto organizing committee.

Quebec where the Roots outlet is part of the new Quartier Dix30, set to be the province’s largest shopping centre when it’s fully built. A few weeks later, Kanata (in the west end of Ottawa) became home to an impressive new 5,000 sq.ft. ‘Roots 73’ store. In November, Calgary and London, Ontario were added to the ‘Roots 73’ roster. In addition, locations in Sarnia, ON and Halifax, NS were converted from company stores to ‘Roots 73’ outlets earlier in the year. Currently, there are 25 ‘Roots 73’ outlet stores across Canada.

nknown to most Roots customers and many staff, Roots has a highly successful, on-going relationship with NBC Television in New York. Initiated in the early 1990s with the Roots/Saturday Night Live collection, the collaboration has grown over the years and in August became even stronger when NBC signed a deal with Roots for a special line of merchandise for the hit series The Office.

Cast of The Office

Based on the original British series of the same name, NBC’s version of The Office is now in its second season. In addition to the

products made for NBC, Roots also has a strong retail presence at the NBC Experience Store in New York’s famous Rockefeller Center where Roots has its own branded section. NBC carries a number of cobranded collections produced by Roots (and made mostly in Canada) including the US Olympic Team line; a New York City-themed collection, a Saturday Night Live collection, and now a line for The Office.

NOTHING LIKE A GREAT SWEAT

or nearly a quarter century, Roots has been a leader in the field of fleece. As Product Development Coordinator Syd Beder put it so aptly in the summer: “Fleece is to Roots like denim is to Levis.” But Roots knows better than to rest on its laurels and this year focused on taking its sweats to a new level of quality. To that end, the design teams for both men and women created the most advanced collection ever. On the style side, they reexamined the making of sweats and observed customer preferences. In

the process, they’ve created a softer-feeling product and introduced value-added features to the fall styles never before seen at Roots.

With each detail given close scrutiny, it was the most well thought-out collection and offered customers more depth and greater selection (including new fashion colours) than in previous years. Emphasizing the back-to-school style, the fall sweats came with some characteristic collegiate branding with campus-inspired appliqués and print details giving the collection an athletic feel. The innovations and the ad campaign supporting the collection came at a time when sweats in general are enjoying a renaissance of sorts. Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

WEST MEETS EAST

A NEW CONCEPT STORE OPENS

n August, true to its heritage, Roots added a creative new dimension to its extensive retail presence when it opened Toronto’s first environmentally friendly store which combines fashion, home design and yogawear. Located just up the street from where Roots began in 1973, ‘Roots Rosedale’ opened on the 33rd anniversary of the inauguration of the first store. Designed by architect Diane Bald, Founder and Creative Director of Roots Home Design, who worked closely with Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Development, Roots Rosedale is filled

with products for the eco-conscious, active consumer from organic cotton apparel to vegetable tanned leather goods and linens made from bamboo fibers. The new store takes the core values of Roots – personal wellbeing, a healthy lifestyle, aesthetics and respect for the environment and the community – and translates them into a lively, engaging and socially responsible retail space. In addition to the products on sale, Roots Rosedale was built in a way that’s easy on the environment due to all the eco-friendly building materials used in its construction.

n a reflection of its increasing global presence, Roots launched the first phase of a major expansion of its presence in Asia. In November, Don Green and Michael Budman traveled to Hong Kong to take part in the official inauguration of two new stores. Working in partnership with the Hong Kong-based Li & Fung Trading Ltd, Roots is also preparing to open stores in China and other countries in Southeast Asia. The

plans call for dozens of new stores in the next two to three years. During their trip, Michael and Don also went to Taiwan to participate in the re-

launch of the flagship store in Taipei. Roots already has 20 stores in Taiwan, operated by Li & Fung.

ROOTS YOGA REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

n September, Roots Rosedale in Toronto added an important component with the opening of the Roots Yoga Studio situated upstairs on the third floor. Conceived and managed by Denyse Green, a seasoned

teacher, the studio offers instruction in six main types of yoga for yogis of all levels. Each week, there are 25 classes taught by 11 teachers, all of whom are experienced and certified from various renowned yoga schools.The spacious

setting is beautifully designed with lots of natural light and excellent facilities. In addition to being the Director of the Roots Yoga Studio, Denyse directs the highly popular Roots Yoga line of apparel that she created in 2001.

IN FOCUS AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

ver since being an original sponsor of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) when it began in 1976, Roots has been one of its most passionate supporters. This year, Roots took on a more leading role through its involvement in several TIFF-related initiatives in addition to creating official TIFF merchandise. For 10 days in September, the Roots flagship store on Bloor

Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

Street was a central focal point and meeting spot for festivalgoers. Coordinated by Roots PR Director Raymond Perkins, one section of the store’s second floor was converted into a set/studio for AOL Moviefone’s Unscripted online interview show, another part was used for CTV’s eTalk entertainment program, a lounge was

created to host visiting actors, directors,

producers and journalists, while the walls of the store were used to exhibit 85 large celebrity portraits by Toronto-based photographer George Pimentel. In addition, Roots helped organize and sponsor the starstudded lunch for Hollywood columnist George Christy at the Four Seasons Hotel. Roots was also present at two TIFFrelated events. For the official launch party of

the Canadian edition of Hello! magazine, Roots provided 100 large Venitian Bags as gifts for VIP guests that included several Hollywood stars. The next day, the Canadian Film Centre had a BBQ for nearly 1,000 festival guests, hosted by film director Norman Jewison. Roots donated a large Banff Bag for the raffle and provided 700 leather key fobs for gift bags for special guests. The Source 7

RISING TO THE OCCASION - MVPs OF THE MONTH

ou can call them members of the Roots A-team, our all-star squad. Over the past year, the 10 men and women seen here were selected as Roots MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Month. Collectively, they span various departments of the company and live in different parts of North America. All are highly devoted, talented and hard-working individuals who merit special recognition. All reflect the winning attitude that makes Roots what it is. All were the focus of a separate full-length article sent to all

employees, displayed at the Head Office and featured on the Roots website for everyone to see. Here are the Roots MVPs for 2006 (listed in the order in which they were selected during the year): Maria Chee (Sourcing Manager in the Women’s Clothing and Accessories Department, Head Office, Toronto); Steve Cummings (Store Manager, Park City, Utah); David Young (Senior Designer, Special Projects, Head Office, Toronto); Jarar Kazmi, (Director of Purchasing and Flow, Head

Office, Toronto); Lea Weir (Store Manager, Victoria, BC); Andrew Ligama (Assistant Store Manager, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto); Anna DiNella (Retail Accounting Supervisor, Head Office, Toronto); Julie O’Neill (Merchandise Manager in the Women’s Department Head Office, Toronto); Aran Pamplona (Store Manager Centreville, Montreal); Ziggy Pisch (Head of Transportation Department, Distribution Centre, Toronto). • To read more about each of these MVPs, go to www.roots.com, click on About Us and then go to Team Roots - Behind The Scenes

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION…ROOTS

WEBSITE UNDERGOES MAJOR REVAMP

n November, the Roots website unveiled an impressive new look. The homepage featured a beautiful winter image of the Roots lodge in Algonquin Park under two feet of snow. The next page on the site’s Canadian section showed another pastoral photo for the season along with an eco-friendly tip, in keeping with the Roots longtime commitment to the environment. Coordinated by James Connell, Director, E-Commerce, Digital Marketing and New Media, the redesign process began last spring with the development of the Roots Canadian online store. Prior to this, roots.com sold products only in the US while Canadian customers were channeled to sears. ca with which Roots had a special agreement to

The Source

sell products in Canada. The overhaul of the Roots website is a work in progress that will be completed during the winter. As part of the redesign, many new features are being added such as a revamped section for the Businessto-Business Department, and a special ‘Get Connected’ section where customers can locate Roots stores with up-todate details and pictures of the store. Customers can also sign-up to receive store-specific emails for updates on new styles as soon as they hit their neighbouring Roots locations. There will also be links to the separate websites for Roots Home (for home products) and Roots Yoga (yoga apparel, accessories and details on classes at the Roots Yoga Studio).

ollywood just can’t seem to get enough Roots. Over the past year, producers ordered custom designed products from Roots for no less than 12 different movies. In most cases, the items, ranging from leather goods to apparel, were used as gifts for cast, crew and the media. The clients included most of the major Hollywood studios such as Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, and Sony/Columbia Pictures.

The movies for which the products were made include The Devil Wears Prada, Snakes on a Plane, Spiderman 3, and Mimzy.

In addition, Roots made custom designed products for various made-for-TV movies and other productions for HBO, NBC Universal and Warner Brothers. Special credit goes to Los Angeles-based Sales Representative Wendy Goodman and Mary Jane Saliba, Senior Product Coordinator in the Business-to-Business Department at the Head Office in Toronto, who oversaw the execution of these often timesensitive orders.

GIFT GIVING MADE EASY

or the first time in several years, Roots produced a full-fledged gift catalogue for the end-of-year holiday period. Published in November and distributed in stores, as an insert to

newspapers and delivered by Canada Post to select home addresses, the 44-page guide was wellreceived. It featured a wealth of ideas for gifts for even the hardest to please on anyone’s gift giving list. Designed by David Chang of Visual Communication, the easy to use catalogue showcased a selection of the best of Roots apparel,

accessories and leather goods for the season. It was printed on recycled paper and a separate edition was published in French for distribution in Quebec. An online version was created for convenient viewing and for use on roots.com.

Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

ON TOUR WITH ROOTS

hroughout the year, no sooner did the Business-to-Business Department complete one order for a concert tour of a major name in the music world than another would follow. And when we say major, we’re not exaggerating. In 2006, Roots produced specially designed goods for the tours of Madonna; U2; The Rolling Stones; The Eagles; The Who; Steely Dan; Crosby,

Stills, Nash and Young; Barbra Streisand; Roger Waters, and the Dixie Chicks. In most cases, each order consisted of hundreds of units. Products, all of which were made at the Roots leather goods factory in Toronto, ranged from leather CD holders, to luggage tags and large notebook Banff Bags. The performers used them as gifts for band members, their road crew and as VIP giveaways. David Jackson, Product Coordinator in the B2B Department, played a key role in translating the above orders into reality, often with little advance notice.

Janice Waldrum, Windsor

DOING THE RIGHT THING

oots employees are an impressive bunch. When not at work, many of them are busy serving their communities. Throughout 2006, The Source regularly published articles about the various initiatives of Roots staff determined to help with a good cause. Across the country, you’ll find Roots employees raising funds to fight deadly diseases, taking action to protect the environment, organizing food-drives, or initiating campaigns in support of the under-privileged. Currently, during the holiday season, almost every Roots store is involved in a charitable action to mark the holiday season (See article on page 10-11). It’s not an easy task. Roots staff involved in Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

their communities deserve a lot of credit and that’s why this issue of The Source is dedicated to them. Fortunately, Roots staff are usually not alone in their charitable actions. Invariably, their coworkers join their initiative or make donations, and whenever possible, Roots offers its support. It’s called the Roots spirit. As Anne Theriault, who works in a store in Halifax said after her team members joined her in a local AIDS walk: “I was not walking alone, I was walking for something that Roots also cared for deeply. And there is no better support that a person could ask for than having the company you work for stand behind something you care about strongly.”

MORE GREAT MOMENTS IN 2006 Jan.: Roots releases official collection for Canadian Speedskating Team whose members excel at Winter Olympics the next month Feb.: Roots is the official sponsor and merchandiser of the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado March: At 78th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Roots products included in gift baskets presented to nominees in major Oscar categories including Best Actor/Actress May: Roots produces first-ever Pride collection in recognition of gay community and their annual celebrations in North America June: Roots hosts evening at Head Office to raise funds for Art Gallery of Ontario June: Roots involved in annual Idea City Conference in Toronto, providing custom-made Idea City canvas and leather bags to participants June: For second year in a row, Roots takes part in Sensation Mode fashion and design festival in Montreal June: Roots creates and outfitts the official team clothing for Barbados at Central American and Caribbean Games in Columbia July: Roots sponsors the Toronto Lesbian and Gay Sports Alliance and provides uniforms for Team Toronto at Gay Games VII in Chicago Aug.: Roots launches new fragrance for men, Roots Spirit for Men. Sept.: Toronto hotspot restaurant and champagne lounge, Lobby, gets major facelift with help from Roots Home Design Sept.: During visit to Vancouver, Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, wears different Roots headwear while taking part in conferences Sept.: One of TV’s top rated shows, Entourage, orders customized Banff Bags from Roots for cast and crew members Oct.: Roots wins two major interior design awards for Head Office work environment. Oct.: Roots launches first-ever limited edition collection of hats in partnership with legendary US-based cap maker New Era Nov.: As part of its continuing support of fight against global warming, Roots stores promote and sell the environmental documentary film An Inconvenient Truth Nov.: Indigo Books and Music selects Roots to outfit staff for its stores across Canada in addition to its Chapters and Coles locations Nov.: Roots takes part in Toronto lecture by French writer/philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, presenting him with customized Banff Bag and guests with leather-bound journals Dec.: Roots Rosedale store hosts event for launch of new book on original form of yoga Dec.: Roots stores feature the work of acclaimed nature photographer Don Standfield

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN… Taking attendance at our stores

elebrities have long been attracted to Roots and in 2006 countless figures from the world of movies, music, media, sports and other fields dropped in to Roots stores in Canada and the United States. There were so many in fact that we can’t list them all here. For this year-end wrap, we’re including a selection of wellknown names (in alphabetical order) of those who we had the pleasure of receiving in our stores in 2006. Actor Jessica Alba, actor/comedian Dan Aykroyd, the Barenaked Ladies, actor Antonio Banderas, singer Buck 65, film Antonio Banderas director Mike Binder, film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, actor Joan Collins, actor/comedian Drew Carey, comedian Dave Chapelle, actor Russell Crowe, singer Deborah Cox, singer Mariah Carey, actor Jamie Lee Curtis, actor David Duchovny, actor Robert Downey Jr., actor Donna Dixon, actor Harrison Ford, the Foo Fighters, film producer John Goldwyn, actor Melanie Griffith, actor Cuba Gooding Jr., screenwriter Mitch Glaser, actor John Hurt, actor Tom Hanks, actor Dustin Hoffman, actor Goldie Hawn, actor Angelica Huston, actor Eric Idle, actor Michael Keaton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, actor/comedian Eugene Levy, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, comedian Howie Mandel, the Dave Matthews Band, hockey star Mark Messier, TV/film producer Lorne Michaels, actor Mike Myers, musician/singer Paul McCartney, actor/comedian Bill Murray, actor Rachel McAdams, the Oasis band, actor Jason Priestly, actor Natalie Portman, actor/singer Queen Latifah, musician/singer Robbie Robertson, singer Ed Robertson, actor Kurt Russell, actor Molly Ringwald, snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, film director Jason Reitman, actor Sissy Spacek, skater Jamie Sale, comedian Gary Shandling, actor/comedian Jerry Seinfeld, actor/ comedian Marty Short, actor Tori Spelling, actor Vince Vaughn, Catherine Zeta Jones actor Robin Williams and actor Catherine Zeta-Jones. The Source 9

HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT ITS BEST, PART 2 Quebec and Ontario stores show their real colours by helping their communities

Sarnia Back row (left to right): David Morden, Shay-Lyn Elgie, Mark Daley Front row: Carly Lund, Deb MacDonald and Lauren Brush

s mentioned in the previous issue of The Source, one of the nicer traditions at Roots during this time of year is that the staff at many if not most stores come together to do something in support of their respective communities. The initiatives are numerous – so many that we can’t spotlight them all in one issue – and take many forms with different recipients. But the intention is always the same: to try to make the holiday season sweeter for people whose daily reality is anything but festive. In the last issue, we highlighted the actions of stores in Eastern Canada. This time, we’re focusing on stores in Quebec and Ontario. QUEBEC

are collecting money so that a

• Blue Bonet, Montreal – Store woman with a disabled child Manager Mark Yoders and his team are donating their old Roots clothes to the Salvation Army in their community. • Brossard – Store Manager Nataly Keroack and her staff

can enjoy a day out, while someone looks after her child. • Centreville, Montreal – Store Manager Aran Pamplona and her staff are collecting donations to help the children at Montreal’s

Ste-Foy From left to right: Marie-Lise LeFrançois, Carolyne Hardy, Laurence Belzile, and Véronique Girard. Missing in action: Mylène Marois. Sainte-Justine Hospital. • St. Bruno – Store Manager • Champlain, Brossard – Store Genevieve Boisseau and her team are collecting donations to Manager Neil Dilis and his team are collecting donations to help the children at Montreal’s Saint-Justine Hospital. help the children at Montreal’s ONTARIO Sainte-Justine Hospital. • Kirkland Outlet, Montreal – • Cambridge – Store Manager Store Manager Aline Nazarian Lori Normore and her staff are and her team are helping needy helping the local church with children in their community by the “Out of the Cold” program asking customers for donations by serving warm food in the for food and toys. They are also church. They are also collecting collecting clothing to donate. food among the staff, to give to the Cambridge Self-Help Food • Laval – Store Manager Marisa Pamplona and her staff Bank. are collecting donations to help • Colossus, Woodbridge – the children at Montreal’s Store Manager Sarah Will and Sainte-Justine Hospital. her team are collecting food and money among the staff to • Pointe Claire – Store Mandonate to a women’s shelter. ager Nathalie Massicotte and her staff are collecting dona• Durham Outlet, Ajax – Store tions to help the children at Manager Michael Veira and his Montreal’s Saint-Justine Hospi- staff are collecting stuffed anital. mals and toys to donate to the Chum City Foundation. • Rockland, Mont Royal – Store Manager Stephanie • Eglinton Power Center, Campeau and her team are Scarborough – Store Manager collecting donations to help the Dennis Ibara and his employchildren at Montreal’s Sainteees are purchasing items for Justine Hospital. the Ernestine’s Women Shelter.

Cambridge

Kirkland

Bottom - Jamie Sherrit, Mike Bothwell, Paven Thandi, Michelle Resendes. Middle - Lori Normore, Catherine Heaps, Nicole Donaldson, Meghan Loose.Top - Poonam Mistry, Kate Porteous, Christina Furtado, Kevin Craig.Top Star - Emily Sawyer

Top left to right: David De Somma, Justine Boucher, Frank Morash, Connie Reid, Mathieu Hudon, Aline Nazarian, Stephanie Presta, Jessica Thompson, Jason Maggio, Jessica Dorey Bottom left to right: Christina Piciacchia, Shohreh Lajevardighomi

The Source

Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

• Fanshaw, London, ON – Store Manager Phil Papadopoulos and his staff are collecting money and clothing for London’s Women Abuse Organization. • Guelph – Store Manager Lindsey Howat-Kinsella and her staff are creating and donating Christmas stockings to the Guelph Aids Committee to give to 18 families affected with HIV or AIDS. The team also bought a goat and a flock of chickens to send to a family in a third world country through Heifer International, a non-profit organization that fights hunger. • Heartland, Mississauga – Senior Manager Colleen Weber and her team are arranging a food drive to collect food for needy people in their community. They are also collecting used clothing to donate. • Kanata – Store Manager Susan Van Dalen and her staff are collecting money for the Canadian Forces Personal Assistance Fund, which provides assistance to former wounded members and families of the Canadian Forces. • Niagara Falls – Senior Man-

ager Jamie Quinn and her team are collecting donations to buy Christmas gifts for the Nova House Women’s Shelter. • Orfus, Toronto – Store Manager Andrew O’Neill and his staff are arranging a canned food and clothing drive to collect donations for the North York Salvation Army. • Sarnia – Store Manager Debra MacDonald and her staff are arranging a canned food drive to collect donations for the Inn of the Good Shepherd, which provides services to those who are in need of food and shelter. • South Keys, Ottawa – Store Manager Susan Van Dalen and her team are sponsoring a family that has two daughters at the Children’s Hospital. • Thunder Bay – Store Manager Donna Andreychuk and her staff are collecting money and donations for the Bay Patterson Hou- se, a battered women’s shelter. • Vaughan Mills Outlet, Vaughan – Manager Glenys Hepplestone and her team are collecting money to purchase a

gift for the Porter Place, a shelter for boys and men. They are also collecting money to purchase a gift basket for a staff member with MS, who has two daughters. • Windsor Outlet, LaSalle – Store Manager Bernie O’Beid and her staff are collecting money and clothing for students

(and their families) at the Immaculate Conception School in Windsor. The money will go toward a turkey dinner for the students. • Woodside, Markham – Store Manager Melanie Wright and her staff are arranging a food drive to collect money for people in need in their community.

Guelph From left to right: Andrea Webb, Krista Carson, Lindsey Kinsella, Ashleigh Moffat, Missing: Denise Hoegy, Jaclyn Millson

Kanata Front row from left to right: Lisa Murphy, Anil Jhali, Jeannine Reed 2nd rowfrom left to right: Jon Petton, Emily Chan, Melissa Callihoo, Erin Colby; 3rd Row from left to right: Lucy McMurty, Andrew Edwards, Susan VanDalen, Mack Pappas, Angela Rossi

Rockland Left side (front to back): Sharan Kiur, Jennyfer Velasquez, Veronica Salazar. Right side (front to back): Edgar Zarzoso, Catherine Carle, Stephanie Campeiu Vaughan Mills From left to right: Andrew Mateo, Vanessa Reda, Chris Lombardi, Leanna Rizzi, Marla Dolowitz, Melanie Stringer, Karen Simpson and Stephen Koehler

Brossard From left to right: Claudiane Desruisseaux, Mylène BoisseauTouchette, Maxime Borgella, Catherine Simonato, Nataly Keroack, Guylaine Bourdeau and Sameh Abdel-Halim. Issue 63 - December 21, 2006

South Keys From left to right: Tessa Burkholder, Tricia Moffitt, Liz Mayne, Sierra Phillips, Darren Maskell, Corrine Gray, Joey Tanga , Susan Van Dalen, Melissa Brennan and Jon Gauthier The Source 11

The Source

Issue 63 - December 21, 2006