February 23, 2007 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 67 February 23, 2007

PHOTO: ANDREW MILLER

To design and build the five new or renovated Roots stores opening in the coming weeks, this talented group rose to the occasion

Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

The Source 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 67 ROOTS GOES TO INDIA Recent visit to subcontinent opens door to new possibilities THE PUCK STOPS HERE Roots hosts hockey tournament to benefit environmental organization DESTINATION WHISTLER Rocky Mountain high at popular Roots store

STYLE PATROL WAY OUT WEST US trip helps inspire design team for future collection LOTS OF LAUGHS In appreciation of good humour, Roots sponsors major comedy festival in US CAMP’S GONNA BE COOL THIS YEAR Featuring first installment of the Roots Camp collection STYLISH SHELLS Varied materials make up the latest Roots jewellery

Departments FRESH INK GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Editorial Assistant PAULOMI PATEL Intern NICK KANEVSKY

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 4C4 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

PHOTO BY DYLAN ANDERSON

SOMETHING’S IN THE AIR Success of oxygen product spreads to more Roots stores

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots IN THE BAG I was in Mexico recently on vacation in Cabo San Lucas and one of the excursions I took was a boat ride to the famous arch at the southern tip of Baja. There is no dock and visitors must jump out of the boat into waist-high water to make it onto the beach. I had my $3,000 camera in a Roots bag (model DV30) and knew that it might get a few splashes but that the camera would be okay. Approaching the beach, I noticed a friendly fellow helping people off the boat taking their bags so that they wouldn’t get wet (I thought to myself “this is great!”). He asked me to pass him the bag which I did gently but to my horror I saw him drop it into the salty ocean, going down about two feet before floating back to the surface. My heart sank. He quickly retrieved it and apologized but I was too busy thinking, “How am I going to replace the camera in addition to the 600 pictures I’d taken the entire week?” I was also wondering how many people on that beach had witnessed a grown man cry. On the beach, I opened the

bag and to my amazement, the inside of the bag was dry aside from one or two drops where the zipper ends. The exterior zippered portions of the bag did not fare so well as the booklets they contained were very wet. The $3,000 camera? Absolutely dry. In the little pamphlet that came with the bag, there was no promise made for its ability to keep the contents dry after being submerged in two feet of salt water. But this is exactly what it did and for that I’m eternally grateful to Roots. I’m only buying Roots camera bags in the future and making this recommendation to everyone. Richard Robibero Toronto QUALITY TIME I want to share an incredible story about how wonderful your Roots watches are. I have an older model that I purchased many years ago from a Roots store in Toronto. Aside from replacing a battery, I have never had a problem with it. One day, the watchband came detached so I put the watch in my jean pocket. Forgetting it was

there, the jeans went into the wash. When I went to put my jeans into the dryer, I remembered my watch. It had gone through a complete wash cycle and I was so disappointed thinking that I had inadvertently ruined it. After taking the watch from the jean pocket, I looked at it closely. To my amazement, I realized that the second hand was still moving. I couldn’t believe it. I looked at the back of the watch and it said “water resistant”. Well, it was more than that as it turned out to be “water proof.” I am so impressed with the quality of my watch. I don’t know how many other customers may have written you about machine-washing their watch but I had to let you know. Diane Young Port Coquitlam, B.C. 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.

EXTRA! EXTRA! In keeping with our fortnightly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will appear on Friday, Mar 9. Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

WHAT IT TAKES Great retail staff and winning products aren’t the only reasons Roots stores are so inviting

etween now and the end of March, no less than five new or renovated Roots stores will open for business in Canada. These stores – in Montreal; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Windsor, St. Catharines and Belleville in Ontario – represent collectively more than 15,000 square feet of space that had to be designed, planned, built and ultimately staffed and stocked with merchandise. Each of these five stores – like the other 125 Roots locations in North America – has been either built from scratch or renovated extensively on a tight deadline. Their opening will be the culmination of an intense process involving several departments at Roots and one longtime supplier. Creating the right retail environment is a complex endeavour. Sure, having great products is indispensable to the success of Roots but so is having inviting, comfortable and efficient stores in today’s highly competitive retail marketplace. Starting with the original store in Toronto in 1973, Roots has always placed great importance on the design of its retail spaces. On one hand, the design has to be true to the Roots core values and sense of style but at the same it must also be up to date and contemporary. Good aesthetics, natural materials, nice lighting Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

Customers have little idea of the amount of work, people and details that go into creating a beautiful Roots retail environment.

and customer ease and comfort are among the necessary ingredients in the Roots recipe for success. When people walk into a Roots store, they know it’s Roots due to the warm feeling they get from the extensive use of natural wood, bamboo and other materials. Long before the look is determined, there is a more fundamental detail to decide. Location, location, location. For a business like Roots, where it opens a store is critical. Not just in which city and neighbourhood, but more specifically on what street or mall and how big of a store. These are key questions that Roots CoFounders Michael Budman and Don Green address as part of the direction they give for the company’s retail real estate actions. Later, they give their

basic vision of a store to architects Diane Bald, Director of Roots Home, and Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Development. Together, they design the store accordingly, first doing sketches by hand, going back and forth until they finalize drawings. “When we design a new store, first we look at the context,” says Diane. “Where is the location, what is the neighborhood, who is the customer? These are all important questions because each store is slightly different due to such factors. I don’t like to see the stores rolled out as a cookie cutter design, which could be just anywhere in any city.” Once Diane and Pauline have finalized their design for a store, this is when Roots long-

time collaborators, MCM Inc., enter the process. Located in Toronto’s west end, MCM is a millwork company that plays an important role for Roots. They have made the fixtures for every Roots store since 1986. “We work closely with the Roots design team to execute their projects,” says Gregory Rybak, founder and President of MCM. “From drawings and specifications provided to us by Roots, our in-

house drafting team produces engineering drawings. We fabricate the various elements in our wood and metal shops and then we install the millwork on site. The biggest challenge we face when executing Roots projects is the fast speed at which we must operate.” After receiving the drawings from Diane and Pauline, MCM’s Project Manager Joanna Glowacka converts them into formal AutoCad designs (final computerized drawings). That allows Pauline to have a scale-model made of the future store which she and Diane present to Michael and Don for approval. Once the designs are approved, they are given to Joanna at MCM who oversees the production and scheduling of the store fixtures and cabinetry. Rosemary Eisenhut, Director of Retail at Roots, is consulted for her input and fine-tuning. The plans are also sent to other relevant departments at the Head Office including Information TechnolContinued on next page

Early in the process: Roots team (l to r: Howard Pollack, Pauline Landriault and Diane Bald) goes over store drawings with MCM’s Gregory Ryback (second from right). The Source 3

Top: Building store fixtures at MCM production facility in Toronto; Above: Fixtures in action. Leather bags on display on the main floor of the flagship store on Toronto’s Bloor Street. Continued from previous page

ogy (which handles cash registers, phone systems, computers) and Resource Protection/ Security (which handles locks, alarm systems and safety supplies). At this point, another key player enters the fun. Howard Pollack is Director of Purchasing and Facilities and a master of coordinating construction on any given project. Among his duties, he refines the budget, procures building permits, gets quotes from subcontractors, works with the various trades people and is often on the site (along with Chris Lezniak) making sure the work is done well and on 4

The Source

schedule “Building a Roots store is like a giant puzzle,” says Howard, who has served as project manager for the building or renovation of more than 100 Roots stores since 1997. “It takes a seasoned team of hard-working people, from the design to the sourcing of materials, and trades, to putting all the pieces together, and turning over the fixtured store to our Visual Team to complete the package, and ultimately to our retail team to make the whole process work.” Once a store is under construction, Diane and Pauline are involved in day-to-day design decisions that pop up. For

the past 10 years, they have used Feng Shui (the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with an environment) in many of their design decisions. Increasingly, Roots stores have become environmentally friendlier. In addition to bamboo flooring, other measures include the use of energy efficient, low voltage lighting and organic non-toxic paints. “We follow the design criteria and guidelines of the Roots design team in an effort to provide them with the most suitable solution for their needs,” says Gregory who moved to Canada from Poland in 1984 and today oversees a staff of 100 at MCM. “The main change in the design and building of Roots stores over the years are the materials

used. In the 1980s, Roots stores were built with mahogany wood. When it became known as an endangered species of trees, Roots started using renewable eastern cedar, as an ecological solution. At the end of the 1990s, Roots wanted a more modern look and switched to fir. In recent years, Roots found that bamboo met their sustainability requirements while having a modern look, so in 2004, we started using bamboo, as seen in many Roots stores today.” The building of a new store is a collaborative process involving countless details. It usually takes about two months from the time designs are finalized until construction is completed. “Each store has its own challenges,” says Pauline, “but the process is always fun, creative and exhilarating. We have a great team that put in 100% to get the job done.” Once the store is built, the local Visual Team swings into action spending two to three days looking after the merchandising, window displays and in-store décor alongside the store manager and staff. At last, the store is ready for business. “We can create and build the most beautiful retail environments, but more important than the design are the people who work in the stores and product that’s irresistible,” says Diane. “Therefore, it is the total experience of design, people and product that makes Roots stores great.” - R.S.

It may not look like much now but just wait until it’s ready in a few weeks: Roots Centre-Ville store in Montreal currently being renovated. Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

ROOTS GOES TO INDIA Recent visit to subcontinent opens door to new possibilities

arlier this month, Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman was in India exploring new possibilities for manufacturing certain products and retail development. While in New Delhi, he met with the team from the Indian office of Li & Fung, the Hong Kongbased company that is actively involved in the expansion of Roots in Asia. Michael was accompanied by his wife Diane Bald, Director of Roots Home, and their friends Heather Reisman, President and CEO of Indigo Books and her husband Gerry Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of Onex Corporation. They were greatly impressed by the people they met and the places they visited. The trip gave them further insight into why India is now experiencing such remarkable economic growth and becoming a global powerhouse. “It was great to see for myself the many aspects that make India such an incredible country with a dynamic economy and strong workforce,” says Michael. “Where Roots is concerned, I appreciated the chance to explore various opportunities for us, both in manufacturing and on the retail side.” Michael was highly im-

pressed by the Li & Fung operation in India. “When you see up close how serious and professional they are in their approach, you can fully understand why they’re so successful,” says Michael. “We were also quite touched by how beautifully they received us. They are so proud of their association with Roots and extremely excited about the plans for Roots in different countries in Asia.” While in India, Michael also met with leather manufacturers for possible future production for the Asian retail market. Another project Roots is exploring is making part of the Roots Yoga collection in India, where yoga was first invented.

(Clockwise from top left): Gerry Schwartz (left) and Heather Reisman join Michael Budman at Li & Fung offices in New Delhi; Outside Li & Fung building; Roots customers originally from India visiting from Florida at Imperial Hotel in New Delhi; Michael wins admiring glances as he navigates streets of Agra in rickshaw with his wife Diane in tow.

SOMETHING’S IN THE AIR Success of oxygen product spreads to more Roots stores

s an increasing number of Canadians adopt healthier lifestyles, interest is growing in wellness-related products. This trend is reflected in the growing sales of Oxia Oxygen which comes in an easy-to-use, hand-held dispenser. Oxia consists of pollutantfree, oxygen-enriched air made up of 90% oxygen and 10% nitrogen packaged in a refill-

Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

able, recyclable, eco-friendly canister. A professionally trained technician fills every dispenser in a hygienically controlled facility to ensure its contents are exactly as specified. As an added safety measure, the dispenser also contains an internal filter to further ensure quality. The benefits attributed to Oxia are many. Revitalizing the mind and body, pure oxygen helps: increase focus and concentration; increase energy level during exercise/cardio activity; relieve stress, headache and

anxiety; relieve jetlag and altitude sickness; digestion and blood flow; and speed up sports recovery. “Oxia is a perfect fit with Roots,” says Co-Founder Don Green. “We have always incorporated an overall health and wellness outlook to reflect our core values and Oxia complements the Roots healthy lifestyle. As an avid hockey player and active person myself, I am convinced Oxia has increased my game and improved my daily life tremendously.” Oxia was first introduced

on a trial basis in select Roots stores in Toronto last December. Due to the positive response from customers, Oxia is now available in seven additional Roots locations including four in the United States. As part of a special promotion, employees at participating Roots stores can benefit from each sale of Oxia. They can win individual and team prizes such as rock climbing passes, sailing lessons, spa packages and free adventure trips depending on their weekly sales. Retail price: $59.95 per container. Refill: $18.95 The Source 5

STYLE PATROL WAY OUT WEST US trip helps inspire design team for future collection

Taking in the scene at Magic trade show in Las Vegas

efore launching into the creative process for every new season, designers at Roots travel to different fashion destinations to keep up with the latest trends. Last week, the Roots team including Rita Shulman and Dylan Anderson (Menswear), Joanne Joseph and Nikki Kime (Women’s wear), Marisa Battaglia (Kids and Babies) and Stephanie Briers (Graphics), visited Los Angeles and Las Vegas. They were

accompanied by Jarar Kazmi, Director, Merchandise Purchasing and Flow, along with Roots Co-Founder Don Green and his wife Denyse. Los Angeles has a distinct style compared to other cities like New York and Toronto. According to the Roots team, certain styles and trends in clothing can easily be interpreted into garments for Roots. The absence of a ‘real’ winter in both LA and Las Vegas makes light

fleece fabrics and jerseys popular there. These items are a staple commodity at Roots, too. “Climate truly affects the way we dress,” says Dylan. “This is most noticeable in LA and Las Vegas. People were walking around in shorts and tees, and we came home to temperatures like –20C. This is a challenge for the team, as we need to design garments for both coasts and our changing environment.” In LA, the Pasedena Flea Market was a favourite with the Roots delegation. They also spent an afternoon in Malibu where they went to the Free City store, James Perse, RRL and Lisa Kline and did a lot of people watching and taking in the general vibe of the area. “My favorite part of the trip was the Pasadena Flea Market in California,” says Stephanie. “Some really funky, cool people come out of the woodwork in Pasadena. What was most inspiring was the sheer amount of graphics out there. It was great to see that people are ready to

have fun again with their clothing.” Toward the end of their fiveday research trip, the team attended trade shows such as the Magic, Pool and Project events in Las Vegas. The three shows focused on a wide range of brands across all commodities, markets, and countries. At these shows, seminars educated the team with a wealth of information and concepts in merchandising, logistics, trends, buying, and sourcing opportunities. “Walking the trade shows, you confirm trends,” says Joanne. “And sometimes you find ways in which you can improve on some pieces which are still in the design process for the fall.” As planned, the team was introduced to many new ideas, trends and colours expected to hit stores in Spring 2008. Being exposed to such a variety of clothing lines and stylish people is a source of inspiration for designers and allows them to adapt these influences to create items true to the Roots Style.

DESTINATION WHISTLER Rocky Mountain high for locals and tourists at popular Roots store

here is more to Roots than just selling. And nowhere is this more evident than in Whistler, British Columbia. Since 1997, when it first opened in this world-famous ski-town, Roots has made its presence felt on and off the slopes. Last December, the store was at the forefront during the four-day, Roots co-sponsored Whistler Film Festival. As part of the event, it hosted a VIP party for celebrities and other festivalgoers. The Roots team in Whistler also serves the local community by donating to charities such as Camp Moomba for children with pediatric AIDS. Roots has participated in the town’s fundraising fashion shows and donated products during the recent Winter Pride, an eight-

The Source

since December 2005 on one of Holland, France and England the town’s main thoroughfares, along with Assistant Manager Roots Whistler resembles a Melissa-Anne Stentiford and quaint cottage. With its beautilongtime keyholders Jessica ful vintage bamboo treatments, McDowell and Janet stone walls and cozy leather Vanderhor. They are further supported by the Roots Corpo- chairs, the store is a popular meeting place for both locals rate Sponsorship and Sales and the many tourists who come Manager in Western Canada Lyn Frankel and Regional Di- to shop and get together with new and old friends. rector of Western Canada Samara Snyder. “Whistler has grown considerably in recent years,” says Lyn. “The Whistler Store Manager J.M.Ogden authorities are literally with new Robson Store Manager moving mountains to Elizabeth Coates make this city more acday annual gay and lesbian cessible to travelers. The event. Roots store here is a truly J.M.Ogden, who has man- international place cateraged the store since 2002, leads ing to millions of visiting The Whistler store team: Jusin Krongold, an international team with staff tourists.” Nadine Crowe, Neve Petersen, Ainsley from Australia, New Zealand, In its current location Mackney and Kate Dale Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

Edmonton Oiler greats in action against Team Roots at Budman Gardens

Environmentalists Patty Carson, David Suzuki and his wife Tara Elizabeth Cullis; NHL great Kevin Lowe welcomes crowd just ahead of opening game.

THE PUCK STOPS HERE Roots hosts hockey tournament to benefit environmental organization

Team Roots: (left to right): Davin Bujalski, Michael Budman, Don Green, Robert Sarner and Jeff Hirsh; Stanley Cup sculpted in ice.

PHOTOS: ILICH MEJIA AND GEORGE PIMENTAL

Oilers between games (l. to r.): Paul Coffey, Charlie Huddy, Bill Moores, Craig Simpson, and Craig MacTavish. Not in photo: Kevin Lowe.

Jim Cuddy, (left), of Blue Rodeo and Gord Downie, (right), of The Tragically Hip, played for Team Salomon Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

he air was cold but the feelings were warm and the cause was good as people converged on Budman Gardens in Toronto for the first annual 3-on-3 Roots charity hockey tournament. Last Friday evening, with the temperature at a bone-chilling -17 degrees Celsius, members of the Stanley Cup Champion Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s were the star attraction of the three-team event at the outdoor rink at the home of Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and his wife Diane Bald. True to their triumphant ways – the Oilers won five Stanley Cups in the 1980s – the former all-stars handily defeated Team Roots and Team Salomon in the tournament. Some 150 people attended the event that raised more than $25,000 for the environmental organization Waterkeeper Alliance and its Lake Ontario project. The Oilers at Budman Gardens featured most of Edmonton’s current management and coaching staff: General Manager Kevin Lowe, Head Coach Craig MacTavish, Assistant Coaches Charlie Huddy, Craig Simpson, and Bill Moores,

Video Coach Brian Ross and Paul Coffey. Between them, they won 21 Stanley Cup rings. The Oilers took the first game, defeating Salomon and the second game against Roots, which then bounced back to beat Salomon to set up the final showdown. In the championship game, the Oilers prevailed in the hard-fought match, beating Roots 3-1. Sponsored by Salomon Sports and Roots, the fundraiser attracted many prominent guests including film director Norman Jewison, environmentalist David Suzuki, Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie, skier Karen Percy Lowe (Canadian Olympic double medalist in 1988), Salomon Skis senior executive James Curleigh, singer/songwriter Murray McLaughlin, Sony/ BMG music executive Denise Donlan and R&B singer Voyce (who sang O Canada). In addition to Roots and Salomon Sports, the participating sponsors of the event were Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits, Mandell Entertainment, Warner Music Canada and Oxia. The Source 7

LOTS OF LAUGHS

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

Roots sponsors major comedy festival in US

or the fourth straight year, Roots will be the official sponsor and merchandiser for the US Comedy Arts Festival, which begins next week in Aspen, Colorado. This year, T-shirts Roots will be outfitting the designed for Comedy Festival staff and vol- The Comedy unteers, producing VIP gifts, Fest and a and selling official festival T- still from Real Tiime shirts, hats and accessories, with Bill both at the event itself and at Maher the nearby Roots store in Aspen. US Accounts Manager dustry and features performWendy Goodman, supported by Senior Product Coordinator ances by some of the biggest Mary Jane Saliba of the Busi- names in comedy at the height of ski season in Aspen. The ness-to-Business Department five-day festival is an imporat the Head Office, worked closely with festival organizers tant gathering place for talent, industry and media leaders on the project. Founded in 1995, the Festi- who make comedy an important part of the film and televival presents cutting-edge new sion industry. talent to the entertainment in-

Meanwhile, in another development involving Roots and the world of comedy, Real Time with Bill Maher, a political satire show on HBO, recently ordered full zip hoodies from Roots. Made in Canada, the hooded sweatshirts have the show’s logo embroidered on it. In the latest related movie news, Roots has provided the cast and crew of Finding Amanda, a new film starring Matthew Broderick and Brittany Snow, with 120 Canadian-made Dylan Carcoats, with a customized embroidery and individual names inside the front chest. Finding Amanda is a comedy about a TV producer with a penchant for drinking and gambling who is sent to Las Vegas to convince his troubled niece to enter rehab.

Big developments in the life of Roots staff

Hearty congratulations and best wishes to: • Neli Mehran, Merchandise and Design Administrator at the Roots Head Office in Toronto was engaged to Ali Aminlari in Michigan last month. • Lindsey Howat Kinsella, Store Manager, Guelph, ON, married Aaron Dufraimont in the Dominican Republic last month. Please send us details of similar good news and we’ll be happy to publish it in The Source (email: rsarner@roots.com)

UPGRADING UNDERWAY Store registers to undergo hardware and software revamp

n an attempt to keep up with the latest in retail technology, Roots stores will be getting new cash registers to serve customers better and improve the management of store-related information. The integrated hardware and software of the registers will allow cashiers to swipe gift cards alongside credit/ debit cards on one machine unlike the separate stand-alone gift-card swipe machines in use now. This will improve the overall customer experience and also save time during the checkout process. Other benefits include fewer hardware failures and less paper consumption due to shorter receipts, in line with Roots ecofriendly goals. Hi-speed communication is also being installed between the Head Office and the stores which will facilitate faster exchange of emails, transfer of price adjustments and other day-to-day information. In addition, staff will now 8

The Source

(From left to right, top row): Nina Khozin, Manager Application Services; Fabrizio Lazzaro, Sr. Developer; Lena Owens, Manager Store Services; Dan Donnet, Sr. Network Administrator; Sergio Gomez, Sr. Tech. Support Analyst; Katherine Huff, Sr. Business Systems Analyst; Bashir Popal, Sr. Business Analyst. (Seated): Abraham Tili, Tech. Support Analyst; Robin Nelson, Director, I.T.; Luis Correia, Sr. Network Administrator; Salvador Valenzuela, Business Analyst. (Absent: Hugo Lopez, Systems Operator, Night Shift)

find it easier to locate inventory in stores all over Canada. For example, if a customer needs a particular sweatshirt and the required size is sold out in a particular store, staff can track the availability of that sweatshirt online throughout the Roots retail network, without having to phone each store.

A loyalty program designed to attract customers will also be a part of the new system. With this new network, the Roots Information Technology Department will install a new communications board in the store backrooms. This will organize the layout of the equipment and devices required to keep the store up and running

smoothly. “The Roots I.T. department is very excited about this approved upgrade,” says Robin Nelson, Director, I.T. “There are many components involved in this project including a Retail Accounting application upgrade, all of which will require an extra effort from every member of the I.T. team to make this happen. This is an exciting year for Roots from a technology point of view and the outcome will benefit most areas of the business.” Given the complexity of the program, it will take several months of preparation. Activities have already commenced in stores to prepare for the upgrade, which will start rolling out this summer. In the coming months, the I.T. team will be contacting stores for a variety of items (electrical and hi-speed installations) as they prepare for the actual installation of the registers. Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

MUSICAL ROOTS

FRESH INK

This month, we spotlight Ahmet Ertegun

founding member of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun was instrumental in advancing the careers of such music greats as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane and Led Zeppelin. Ertegun, who died last fall, produced records, wrote songs, signed and managed artists and supervised the then-fledgling label. Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1923, Ertegun was the son of a Turkish diplomat. During his youth, he lived in embassies in Paris, London, Washington and Bern, Switzerland. He was headed for a diplomatic career, but his love of music prevailed. In 1947, he formed Atlantic Records in New York along with record producer Herb Abramson. Soon after, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet’s older brother Nesuhi and fellow Turk Arif Mardin joined Atlantic, forming one of the greatest music production teams ever. Together they changed the face of popular music. From the mid-1950s until the late 60s, the music industry went through dramatic changes. Under Ahmet’s leadership, Atlantic led the way, helping revolutionize popular music by creating a style of R&B that white listeners enjoyed listening to. As soul music began to attract mainstream attention and Motown Records became in-

creasingly pop oriented, Atlantic returned the music to its roots. Music legends Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Booker T & The MGs, Sam and Dave and Aretha Franklin recorded some of the best soul music of all time for Atlantic. Ahmet Ertegun was also responsible for ushering in a groundbreaking era in the history of white rock ‘n roll signing such greats as Cream, Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Led Zeppelin and The Bee Gees. He would later also sign The Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, Genesis and Phil Collins. In 1967, Ahmet sold Atlantic Records to Warner Communications but retained his creative control of the label. He was one of the founders of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and was himself inducted in 1987, in honour of his contributions to popular music. The Museum’s

main exhibition hall in Cleveland is named after him. Other notable achievements include receiving an honourary doctorate in music from Berklee College of Music in 1991. In 2000, he was honoured as a “Living Legend” by the United States Library Of Congress. He was also on the Board of Directors of New York’s Lincoln Centre. Last October, Ertegun was injured after a fall at a Rolling Stones performance in New York for the 60th birthday of former US President Bill Clinton. Ertegun slipped and hit his head backstage and slipped into a coma. He later died with his family by his side. He was 83. – Davin Bujalski

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds at Roots for the month of March 1. Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, James Brown 2. Sunday Morning, K-os 3. Lost Without U, Robin Thicke 4. Irreplaceable (Spanish Version), Beyonce 5. She Moves In Mysterious Ways, U2 6. Tears Dry On Their Own, Amy Winehouse 7. Escucha Me, Gipsy Kings 8. Hotel California, The Eagles 9. Walk Away From Love, Bitty McLean & The Supersonics 10. Can U Believe, Robin Thicke - Compiled by Davin Bujalski

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, sports and politics who visited Roots stores recently: Ed Robertson · Banff, AB - Singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell enjoyed shopping at the store while she was in the ski-town during a break from a shoot in Calgary. Melissa Joan Hart, best known for playing the title roles in two successful TV series, Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch shopped with her mother at the store. · Sault Ste Marie, ON - Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies rock band shopped at the store with friends when he was in town for a performance. · Robson, Vancouver - Actor Don Stark who plays Bob Pinciotti in That 70s Show purchased an Editor’s Traveller Melissa Joan Hart leather bag in Black Bull Moose leather from the store. Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

Joni Mitchell

Don Stark

A selection of coverage of Roots in the media

Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • La Presse (Montreal), Feb. 17. Spotlight on furniture being made for Roots Home. • The Globe and Mail, Feb. 17. Article highlights Roots paying tribute to Chinese New Year with red leather ‘Prosperity Pouch’. Michael Budman is quoted. • Now magazine (Toronto), Feb. 15. Mentions the Roots red leather ‘Prosperity Pouch’ for Chinese New Year. • The Globe and Mail, Feb 11. For Valentine’s Day gift guide, photo of Roots heart-shaped key rings on cover and inside page of Style section. • National Post, Feb. 11. Spotlight on the Roots heart PJs in the Retail Therapy Valentine’s Day gift guide. • Toronto Star, Feb. 11. Roots heart-shaped key ring, and pink ‘tattoo’ art T-shirt featured in a special supplement. • Metro News (Toronto), Feb. 9. Spotlight on Roots china red Café Bag along with the heartshaped key rings. • The Toronto Star, Feb. 8. Photo of Posh Spice wearing the Roots Madonna Jacket. • Hello! magazine, Jan. 15. Spotlight on the Roots freestyle track pant. • Canadian Family, Jan. 7. Roots faux-fur lined trapper’s hat featured in the “family stuff” section. • Flare, Jan. issue: Roots nylon/spandex Roots Yoga pant and polyester bag featured in the “Get the look” section. • House & Home, Jan. issue. Spotlight on the Roots black leather club chairs. • Strut, Jan. issue: Spotlight on the small Roots Banff Bag in tribe leather in the “Weekenders” section. • Where Toronto, Jan. issue: Spotlight on Roots Spirit for men fragrance in the “For Him” section. • House & Home, Jan. issue: Mentions the Roots reclaimed maple coffee tables available at Roots Home featured in “The Next Big Things” section. • Wish magazine, Jan. issue: Mentions the Roots Rosedale store and yoga studio featured in the “New Stores” section. - Compiled by Carmela Ledo The Source 9

GREEN TIP #32 Easy ways to help the environment

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores

s part of our continuing series of team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is shining the spotlight on the store in Ste. Foy, Quebec. Left to right: Marie-Lise LeFrancois, Carolyne Hardy, (Store Manager), Laurence Betzile, Veronique Girard. Missing in action: Zalerie Therrien and Nadine Tolley

SPEAK TO MY AGENT The littlest customers show their Roots

ou’re never too young to look good in Roots. Many people obviously agree, based on the mail we receive at the Head Office. Both customers and staff often send in photos of their children, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends or neighbours wearing Roots, asking if they could appear in a future ad campaign for Roots. We can’t promise that but starting last month The Source, is now publishing a selection of such pictures on a regular basis. Everyone is welcome to submit their favourite shots. Please send your photos to photogallery @roots.com Be sure to include the name and age of each child in the photo, and a sentence stating that you agree for the photos to Morgan Lindow, 4 years, be used in The Source. Toronto 10

The Source

Hot water 101: Unless you’ve been hanging out in the furnace room, you’re probably not too familiar with your water heater. But getting to know it a little better could save you a lot of loonies: roughly 20% of your monthly energy costs are for water heating. The most eco-friendly kind is an on-demand model that heats water as it passes through the pipe, rather than maintaining a high temperature for the water in the tank. The thermostat on your water heater allows you to control just how hot your hot water is. Lowering that setting by just one degree means significantly less work for your heater and no noticeable difference to you at the sink. 54C is the recommended temperature — hot enough to kill bacteria and still save energy. When you leave the house for more than a couple of days, lower the thermostat even more. Gas water heaters feature a VAC (Vacation) setting on the temperature dial; for other kinds of heaters, lower the setting as far as it will go without turning it off. (Source: Green Tips - How to Save Money and the Planet, published by Green Living Enterprises)

HEALTH TIP #29 Easy ways to help you stay healthy.

David Karagovski, 9 months, Windsor, ON

Neptune Lightburn, 18 months, Montreal

Nicolas Daniel Tosello, 23 months, Waterloo, ON

Little wine, big win: Extensive research has confirmed the benefits of wine due to its high content of the antioxidant resveratrol. This compound found in the skin of grapes possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. Wine also keeps the blood from thickening in the blood vessels - preventing blood clots, stroke, and plaque buildup. A little wine goes a long way, however: only one glass a day is necessary to provide benefits. If you drink more than a glass a day, the harm may outweigh the good. So drink up - but just a little! (Source: Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni) Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

CAMP’S GONNA BE COOL THIS YEAR

STYLISH SHELLS

Does this mean winter will soon be over? First installment of the Roots Camp collection arrives

True to a time-honoured tradition, varied materials make up the latest Roots jewellery

ith the worst of winter hopefully behind us and spring on the horizon, Roots is already preparing for campers in need of outdoor apparel. Menswear Designer Dylan Anderson’s latest collection is inspired by Ontario’s Algonquin Park. In line with this, the longsleeve men’s camp-shirt represents functionality with style featuring multiple front pockets made from over-dyed poplin. As part of the process of over dyeing, the shirt is first stitched and then dyed in the colours Moss Green and Dark Shadow, unlike the usual method of using a ready, dyed fabric to make the shirt. The over-dyeing process gives the shirt a vintage, worn-in look. Other details include a heavily stitched camp icon beaver graphic on the left sleeve. A perfect coordinate to go along with the long sleeve shirt is the Roots Camp side-pocket long sleeve T-shirt in Dark Issue 67 - February 23, 2007

Shadow, Raw Green and Moss Green. This classic long-sleeve T-shirt comes with a built-in, invisible pocket on the right-bottom hem. The tee also includes the slogan “Happiness is Camping” print on the reverse inside front pocket. This and the other graphics included in the camp collection are designed by Tracy Klem from the Art Department. In addition, to help the wearer in the wilderness, both garments feature a great fit and come with a special tree pin and a hangtag that includes a map of Algonquin Park. The inside main label is designed so the wearer can add his/her name and personal information so a fellow camper does not take his/her favourite camp shirt away by mistake. Top left to right: Roots Camp men’s long-sleeve shirt, Men’s long-sleeve T-shirt with hidden pocket detail (inset), new hangtag accompanying the Roots Camp collection

rcheologists say early humans strung shells together to make jewellery thousands of years ago. The art has flourished ever since and ornaments made out of shells transcend fashion cycles. In addition, the original raw look of shell items is trendy and natural. The latest collection of jewellery hitting Roots stores next week is made up of necklaces and bracelets made from Lucite and Mother of Pearl shells combined with a select variety of beads. Mother of Pearl is the pearly internal layer of certain mollusk shells and Lucite is a certain type of shell. Other neckwear that forms a part of this collection is made from coloured glass beads. There is also a style that features a metal ring pendant that can be worn round the neck with a long, thick black thread. The jewellery will be available in select Roots stores in Canada and the US and comes in the price range of $15-30.

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 United States, here are the 20 top-selling products: 1. Men’s Cooper zip polo 2. Men’s Freestyle full-zip hoody 3. Men’s Freestyle v-neck kanga hoody 4. Men’s Cooper zip hoody 5. Men’s Cooper zip polo 6. Men’s Vintage track jacket 7. Men’s Basic cooper pant 8. Women’s Roots original sweatpants 9. Women’s Varsity sweatpants 10. Women’s Gondola hoody 11. Women’s Varsity Canada T-shirt 12. Boy’s cooper Sweatpants 13. Roots bottled water (355 ml) 14. Roots Eco-bag 15. Havaiana flip-flops 16. Crocs beach clogs 17. Village bag (Prince leather) 18. Venetian village bag (Prince leather) 19. Small Venetian bag (Prince leather) 20. Large Venetian bag (Prince leather)

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The Source

Issue 67 - February 23, 2007