May 2007 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 71 May 2007

Painting by Heather Cooper

THE NATURE OF ROOTS Issue 71 - May 2007

Roots is greener today than ever but its commitment to the environment dates back decades

The Source 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 71 CONVERGING ON HEADQUARTERS Senior members of retail team take part in annual conference at Head Office

ROOTS IN THE FAR EAST Historic step forward with opening in China SPIDERMAN HAS ROOTS Producers of new sequel know who to turn to for custom-made apparel GOING FOR GOLD IN STYLE Roots to be official outfitter of Bermuda at the Island Games CLARIFYING THE ISSUE In defense of Roots and the Stop Global Warming bracelets STICKHANDLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE Toronto youth take part in sleepless game in support of Shoot For A Cure

Departments FRESH INK GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS STAYING POWER

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

The Source is published every month 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 ROANNE CAMAGAY

ALL IN THE FAMILY Roots provides the perfect gift

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots EVERY DROP COUNTS As The Source likes to publish helpful “green tips” to help the environment, here’s a way for people who have an older toilet with a large tank to save water. Place a bottle, tall water glass or small vase at the bottom of the tank. You will have to try this to figure out which size is right for your tank. The container that is chosen will fill with water. When you flush, the water remains in the chosen container when the tank is emptying out, so you save the amount of water that is in the container each time you flush. Hope this proves helpful. Marcel Gingras Roots Centreville, Montreal THE RIGHT TOUCH Recently, my husband and I were in your store in the Pickering Town Centre in the evening. There were two staff members working , both of whom were incredibly friendly. We wanted to write to you to tell you about the male worker in particular. His name was Alex Purich and he was by far the nicest, most genuinely helpful salesperson we’ve ever come across. Alex greeted us immediately, but never came across as pushy at all. He made suggestions regarding clothing for my husband, who ended up buying the shirt

and hat Alex was wearing. I can’t tell you enough how much we enjoyed our (rather short) shopping experience with him. We had our 6-month-old daughter with us, and Alex was so friendly with her, too. He told us about his child, and that he and his wife are expecting another baby any day now. We liked him so much! These days, it’s really hard to find quality retail staff. Frankly, it seems like most staff are only working for the money, and actually begrudge their customers. Alex deserves some recognition. I hope this letter somehow helps Alex, or at least points out to you what awesome staff you have working at your stores. Alexandria Durrell Toronto GOOD SOUNDS, GOOD CALL My sister, brother and I grew up in our earlier years in Windsor but moved to London, Ontario in 1959. As a result, our affinity for Detroit and Michigan has a very deep, familial and historical connection. Listening to CKLW and knowing they allowed some of the finest talents in music to reach a huge audience in Michigan, Ontario, Indiana, Ohio and many other places means a lot to me. I went into your store at

Sherway Gardens (Toronto), as I do every year, prior to my trip south, to purchase a ball cap. I saw the The Roots of Motown CD, bought it, and without question, it captures the years of my youth. Thank for releasing it. It was a very good call. I am loading it into my MP3 for my walks on the beach in Barbados, along with Green Day and The Hip. Terry Askin London, ON NEW FAN FOR EVAN I was in your Bayview Village store in Toronto a little while back. As I was in a hurry, I particularly appreciated that the salesperson, Evan Powell, who attended to me was so very helpful. He took his time to really assist me in finding what I was looking for. I found some great gifts because of his suggestions. I live out of town but next time I am in Toronto I will go to that Roots store because I know I will get great service. Thanks Evan! Debbie Rosenburg Sent by email 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 new monthly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will appear in late May. Issue 71 - May 2007

THE NATURE OF ROOTS Roots is greener today than ever but its commitment to the environment dates back decades and is one of the core values of the company

n a Wednesday morning in late April, scores of journalists, environ mental activists, and representatives of Much Music, Virgin Mobile, Environment Defense, the Ontario government awoke earlier than usual. Bleary-eyed, they struggled out of bed at the crack of dawn to attend a press conference in Toronto called for the unlikely hour of 7 a.m. The purpose: the official announcement of an ambitious new campaign aimed at staving off an environmental disaster. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten took part in the press conference to launch Flick Off, a crosscountry initiative designed to educate Canadians about global warming and to motivate them to do something about it. Given the longtime environmental heritage of Roots, it’s not surprising to learn that Co-Founder Michael Budman was one of the main speakers who addressed the media. He told the audience that Roots is supporting the Flick Off project as part of its longtime commitment to promoting sustainability Hours after the press conference ended, a team from Roots headed across town to Exhibition Place to put the finishing touches on the company’s presence at the Green Living Show, opening two days later. Roots will have a booth at the event, which is the city’s first consumer show devoted to eco-friendly products and services, where Roots is also outfitting Environment Ministry representatives taking part in the activities there. All this while Roots pursues its many other environIssue 71 - May 2007

Heal the planet: Environmental, bilingual graphic message that figured prominently in Roots T-shirt collection in 1989

ment-related actions. They include making more ecofriendly merchandise (organic cotton products, vegetabletanned leather bags, bamboo fiber yoga wear and linens); using environmental building materials for its stores; and making and selling Stop Global Warming bracelets to raise funds for environmentalists

fighting this modern scourge. The involvement of Roots in environmental actions dates back way before it became fashionable for businesses to jump on the green bandwagon. True to its name, Roots has always had an earthy consciousness and eco-friendly sensibility. Nature, especially the unspoiled beauty of On-

Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman, (far left), takes part in April 25 launch of Flick Off campaign with Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson, (3rd from left), and Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten, (4th from left)

tario’s Algonquin Park, helped inspire Michael Budman and Don Green to start Roots in 1973. Ever since, they’ve been committed to helping in the defense of the environment. “I vividly remember being introduced to Michael and Don in 1987 by the late environmental writer and broadcaster Warner Troyer,” says Patrick Paddy Carson, a leading Toronto-based consultant specializing in environmental strategic planning and sustainability development. “What impressed me was that as the conversation developed, you could see that their love of nature had already conditioned their mindset and their business decisions were being processed through a ‘green filter’ before being implemented. Their attitude was that business could no longer divorce its balance sheet from nature’s bottom line and to do so would be irresponsible to future generations. This philosophy was the forerunner of a cultural shift that would later be embraced by most business leaders over the next 20 years.” In Canada in the late 1970s and 80s, Paddy Carson and Warner Troyer along with David Suzuki were pioneers in the environmental field. Early on, long before most people fully understood what was at stake, these individuals were sounding the alarm. It’s thanks to their passion, commitment and leadership that Canadians today are so much more aware of and involved in environmental issues. “Roots, along with Loblaws and the Body Shop, were the early business leaders to embrace the concept that economic growth and environmental protection were not incompatible and that each Continued on next page The Source 3

Continued from previous page

business leader and each individual could make a difference,” says Carson. “Not only Roots but Don and Michael personally have funded numerous environmental causes over the past 20 years. I’ve come to them on numerous occasions for various causes and have never been refused.” Roots supported the work of Carson, Suzuki and Troyer, each of whom was involved in different aspects of the environmental fight. Some of their actions included publishing articles and books to draw attention to the looming environmental crisis. In 1989, Warren Troyer played a key role in the publishing of The Canadian Consumer Guide: How You Can Help. Interestingly, on page 58, it stated: “The Roots Canada chain is seeking suppliers of

organic cotton and is hoping to have an organic clothing line available in the near future.” A year later, Troyer wrote Preserving Our World, a consumer’s guide to the Brundtland Report, a benchmark international environmental study. Roots helped publish both books for which Paddy Carson served as an advisor. “We’re proud that over the past 30 years, Roots has been associated with some of the great thinkers and doers in the field of environmentalism, “ says Michael. “We have a lot of respect for them and their efforts have always been a great source of inspiration for us. We recognize the role and responsibility of a business like Roots in doing what it can in this (Above): Graphics used by Roots in late 1980s to raise environmental consciousness. (To the left and below): Covers of two books that Roots helped publish and promote in 1989 and 1990.

The Source

area. Protecting the environment is ultimately about ensuring a good future for our children and future generations.” The Flick Off campaign is but the latest in an ongoing series of initiatives that Roots has been involved in. Roots has joined forces with Virgin Mobile, Much Music, Environmental Defence and the Province of Ontario to create a dynamic coalition to communicate a simple message: ‘It’s no longer enough to worry about global warming. It’s time to take action and encourage everyone to join in.’ To get the message across, a special website has been created along with an ad campaign and a line of organic cotton T-shirts that Roots made and is selling in its stores across Canada (with a portion of proceeds going back into the campaign). Last month, in a separate effort, Roots surpassed $100,000 in funds it has raised for the Stop Global Warming Fund through the sale of special bracelets. In the winter, Roots generated more than $25,000 for the Waterkeeper Alliance environmental organization when it hosted a hockey tournament as a fundraiser (attended by among others Paddy Carson and David Suzuki). In recent years, Roots has helped Waterkeeper in other actions; promoted the work of noted US environmental activist Laurie David (producer of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth); and was also an original sponsor of the City of Toronto’s annual Environmental Awards of Excellence (which it again sponsored in 2006). The list goes on. It all adds up to an on-going commitment to tackle the major issue of our time, namely saving our planet from an environmental cataclysm. Roots has long known it was the right thing to do and knows the battle is far from over. – R.S.

Environmental graphics used in 2007 collection of T-shirts Issue 71 - May 2007

IN GREEN WE TRUST Roots takes part in show celebrating environmentally responsible living

n the final weekend in April, Toronto’s first consumer show dedicated to all things green kicks off at the Direction Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. Given the longtime environmental heritage of Roots, it naturally will be present at the three-day Green Living Show. With its own booth, Roots will be selling Eco-Bags, Stop Global Warming bracelets and informing people about the steps the company is taking in support of the environment. The show will host more than 200 exhibitors featuring a wide array of new products that offer simple and practical “greenovations.” There will be

to be worn by representatives at In defense of Roots and the the show. In addition, Roots is Stop Global Warming bracelets providing the furniture for a ecently, the booth set up by Waterkeeper National Post Alliance, an organization that ran a letter from fights against water pollution. Paula Moore of The event, which ends on PETA (People for The Ethical Sunday, has already drawn some Treatment of Animals) who serious attention as former US took issue with the fact that the Vice-President and Oscar-winner Roots bracelets that help raise funds against global warming Al Gore will be personally preare made from leather. She plenty of earth-friendly innova- senting his documentary An Intion, inspiration, advice and convenient Truth (April 28). En- questioned the environmental intent of Roots. In response, services giving guests the vironmentalist David Suzuki and Robert Sarner, Director of chance to sample the latest in author Margaret Atwood are also Communication and Public this field. featured speakers at the show. Affairs wrote the Post, which The Roots presence is not • Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to published his letter. Here is an excerpt: limited to its booth. In a show 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “For the record, Roots of support for the event, Roots Tickets range from 6$ for students shares Ms. Moore’s concern and seniors to 9$ for adults. Kids made custom T-shirts for the for protecting the environment. under 12 get free admission. Ontario Environment Ministry It’s an intrinsic part of our ethi-

GOING ORGANIC Roots steps up its production of eco-friendlier cotton products

id you know that conventionally grown cotton consumes approximately 25% of the insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the world? Pesticides can be quite nasty for both people and the environment. For each conventional T-shirt, a third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers is used to grow the cotton. Roots first got involved with organic cotton in the late 1980s. As part of its on-going commitment to the environment, Roots carries a line of clothing made of organically grown cotton. The Roots Organics line offers a wide

Issue 71 - May 2007

CLARIFYING THE ISSUE

array of clothing for all ages (including for babies) providing the beauty, comfort and strength expected from regular cotton products, while minimizing the harm to humans and the earth. The difference between organic and conventional cotton is not just due to the use of pesticides and insecticides in the farming process. Conventional cotton is also subjected to numerous chemical baths and treatments when the fabric is loomed and prepared for cutting. Additionally, conventional cotton uses dyes that sometimes contain heavy metals. In contrast, organic cotton is processed without

the use of chemicals and either left natural, dyed with low-impact environmental dyes or with natural colourants such as clay. In general, organic cotton costs more to grow than regular cotton. Organic cotton is highly beneficial to children and babies as they can be sensitive to the chemicals used in the conventional cotton growing process. Here are some of the latest Roots Organics babyies and kids items: The ‘Demand…’ short-sleeves, ‘Love Nature’, and the ‘Nature’ short-sleeves cap T-shirt styles have recently hit stores. Made from 100% organic cotton jersey, they’re available in a variety of colours in select Roots stores all over Canada. The ‘Love Nature’ T-shirts are also available in US stores. Organic cotton is growing in importance at Roots, as the public becomes more aware of its benefits and ready to pay more for it. We feel it’s worth it.

cal, socially responsible approach to doing business. Roots has long practiced and advocated sound environmental practices based on the core values of our company. In the case of the Stop Global Warming bracelets, we actually make them from scrap leather at our factory in Toronto that was left over from the making of our usual leather products. For all such products, we use only cowhides from environmentally friendly tanneries. This hide is a byproduct of cows that are first and primarily used for the making of food supplies. Admittedly, this is small consolation, especially for vegetarians, but it does give a more complete picture of this issue. These bracelets have proven an effective vehicle for raising awareness about global warming and raising funds for the cause. This month, Roots surpassed $100,000 in its bracelet fundraising campaign for the benefit of the Stop Global Warming Fund. Although plastic and (synthetic) rubber are perhaps more common materials for such cause-related bracelets, the use of a petroleum-based product increases greenhouse gas emissions that in turn contribute to global warming. Just another example of how things are often more complex than they first seem from the outside.” Robert Sarner, Director of Communication and Public Affairs

The Source 5

ROOTS IN THE FAR EAST Historic step forward with opening in China of Roots in China is planned for later this summer when a flagship store opens in Shanghai in June and another opens two months later in Beijing. The two stores that opened in April are the first of many more locations to be opened in China over the next three years. Roots will also soon be announcing another important development in its growth in Asia.

major new chapter in the Roots expansion in Asia began in mid-April with the launch of the first two stores in China. In conjunction with its Asian partner Li & Fung, Roots opened a new location in Beijing and another in Shanghai. Liz Dogget, Manager of Wholesale

Operations, traveled to China to assist with the openings. The initial Roots retail presence in Beijing is part of a new department store, Shingkong Mitsukoshi, in the capital while in Shanghai it’s part of an existing department store. An official festive opening

ROOTS ADDS TO ITS FILM CREDITS Leather bag makes an appearance in new Adam Sandler movie oots has a cameo role in the just-released film Reign Over Me, in the form of actor Adam Sandler’s bag. The leather bag was custom made for the movie at the request of its producers. The bag is also on the other side of the seen being carried by Sandler in street. “The new location is on a the film’s promotional posters. Astute viewers will also much better part of Queen notice that during the scenes in Street,” says Heidi Botis, which Sandler is hospitalized, Field Business Manager. “The new store is in a more he’s wearing a shirt with a beaver insignia, otherwise known exciting, livelier area. This way, the Roots store is guar- as the logo of Camp Tamakwa, anteed more pedestrian traf- the summer camp in Ontario’s Algonquin Park that the film’s fic and better exposure.” “When you walk into our writer/director Mike Binder new store, it feels amazing,” (as well as Roots Co-Founders says Keyholder Diana Koch Michael Budman and Don Blackman. “This store may Green) attended in his youth. Reign Over Me is about a be smaller than the other one man who lost his family in the but I would say this one Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks works much better.” on New York and runs into his The new store puts a old college roommate. Their strong accent on the highly friendship rekindles and it besuccessful line of leather bags, which occupy a greater comes the one thing that appresence than in the previous pears able to help the man recover from his grief. The film Queen St. location. was released nationally earlier • 369 Queen St. West, Tothis month. ronto. Tel: 416-977-0409

MOVING EAST ON QUEEN WEST New store opens in downtown Toronto

Diana Koch-Blackman, Stan Halmaseda, Anne Theriault in the new store

t the same time Roots was opening in China, it was also launching a new store in its own neck of the woods. In mid-April, Roots opened its latest Canadian retail presence with a 6

The Source

smart new store on Toronto’s hip Queen Street West. With a friendly, inviting street presence and wood-filled interior, the 900-square foot location replaces the Roots store situated a block west

Issue 71 - May 2007

CONVERGING ON HEADQUARTERS

PHOTO: ROANNE CAMAGAY

Senior members of retail team in annual conference at Head Office

Ross Shafer, Rosemary Eisenhut, Samara Snyder, Heidi Botis, Monica Urbaniak, Lyn Frankel, Sanjiv Khanna, Ginette Fillion

or three-intense days in late April, the retail leadership of Roots from all parts of Canada participated in a series of workshops at the Head Office in Toronto and went on various related field visits. Led by Director of Retail, Rosemary Eisenhut, the conference brought together the Regional Directors and Field Business Managers representing all the major urban regions of the country. The group was comprised of Ginette Fillion (Quebec), Samara Snyder

(Western Canada), Monika Urbaniak (Eastern Canada), Lyn Frankel (Western Canada), Heidi Botis (Ontario), Sanjiv Khanna (Ontario), and Ross Shafer (Western Canada). The action/info-packed agenda focused on all aspects relating to store operations from sales and merchandising strategies to inventory followup and health and safety issues. Participants also met with Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green and had sessions with

members of various departments including Visual, Merchandise Flow, Human Resources, Finance, Resource Protection, Marketing and Communication. In addition, the Design Department presented a preview of the full spring/summer collection and showed the focus of the fall line and the inspiration behind it. When not in session at 1400 Castlefield Avenue, the Regional Directors and FBMs toured several Roots stores and even fit in a class at the Roots Yoga Studio.

STICKHANDLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE Toronto youth take part in sleepless game in support of Shoot For A Cure

n line with its on-going involvement in the community, Roots recently supported a charitable initiative of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO). Some 35 young men and women attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest floor hockey game ever played to raise funds for a worthy cause. In total, the event raised nearly $300 for Shoot For A Cure, an organization which supports spinal cord research. Roots played a key role in the event donating the uniforms worn by both teams, who broke the record by playing for 24½ hours. Nick Kanevsky, a York University intern in the Communication Issue 71 - May 2007

and Public Affairs Department at Roots, took part in the game held in Toronto. “It’s impressive to see young people taking the initiative to organize such an event

and dedicate their weekends to such a good cause,” says Nick, himself a BBYO alumni. “It meant a lot to the players to have the support of Roots.”

FRESH INK A selection of coverage of Roots in the media Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • Glow magazine, May/June issue: Reversible Beach Bucket bag in silver and white featured in the ‘Trend Watch’ section. Also, the Roots kids rock lane orange tank featured in the ‘mom life’ section. • Globe and Mail, April 17. Roots cropped sweats in the ‘Style Counsel’ feature. • National Post, April 14. Daryl Hannah spotted at the Roots flagship store on Bloor St. checking out Roots bags and the Oxia. • The Globe & Mail, April 21. Article entitled ‘It looks red but it’s green’ mentions Roots leather loungers and furniture made from reclaimed lumber. • The Globe & Mail, April 21. Article entitled ‘If you love this planet’ cites Roots as one of the new ecofriendly fashions. • Metro, April 20, Toronto 24 Hours, April 11, The Toronto Star, Mar 19. Article mentions Roots has raised more than $100,000 for the Stop Global Warming Fund through the sale of Stop Global Warming bracelets. Also highlights Roots T-shirts with strong messages to send and bamboo tops. • Chocolat (Montreal) magazine, April: Photo of the Roots natural bees wax candle. • The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON), April 17, Fort McMurray Today (AB), March 30. In article on Canadian designers with a social conscience, Roots is cited for championing the anti-global warming trend since 2005. Michael Budman is quoted. • Homemaker’s magazine, March: Spotlight on the Roots dark green yoga featured in ‘The best yoga pants’ section. - Compiled by Carmela Ledo The Source 7

GOING FOR GOLD IN STYLE Roots to be official outfitter of Bermuda at the Island Games

lthough it’s hard to predict who will finish on top in the 2007 NatWest Island Games in Greece this summer, Team Bermuda is a good bet to take gold in the

style sweepstakes. In the first such partnership between Roots and the Caribbean paradise, Bermuda’s 250-person delegation will be outfitted with tracksuits, baseball caps, camp hats, backpacks, shorts, T-shirts and polos to be worn at the competition. Celso Afonseca, Product Coordinator in the Businessto Business Department, facilitated the project at the Head Office. As of now, 25

islands representing most major regions in the world, will be competing in this year’s games, which will be celebrating its12th anniversary. Held every two years, the competition will feature some 2,000 athletes taking part in 14 sports including basketball, tennis and golf. The games will take place on the Greek island of Rhodes from June 30 to July 6. For more information, go to www.rhodes 2007.com

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

Mike Keane The Source

Hamilton, ON where she shopped and autographed a copy of The Source for the staff. • Vancouver (Pacific Center) – Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, stopped by the Pacific Center location and bought a pair of Grassroots Vintage and Varsity sweatpants. • Winnipeg (Winnipeg Outlet) – Mike Keane, former Montreal Canadien and current captain of Sinbad

Doug Brown

Nicole Scherzinger

Roots lends its support to national competition

n early April, Roots outfitted 40 finalists in the annual CanSpell National Competition in Ottawa. Winners of the three-day event received various Roots items including Tshirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps and duffle bags. This year’s CanSpell, which began in 2005, was shown on national television. The Roots logo was included in all CanSpell promotional material. The winners of CanSpell 2007 advanced to the largest, longest-running spelling bee in North America, known as Scripps, which will take place in Washington in late May.

THE HOT LIST

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures from around the world of entertainment and sport who visited Roots stores recently • Toronto (100 Bloor St.) – Players from the NHL’s New Jersey Devils recently visited the Bloor St. store while in town for a game against the Maple Leafs. Actress Darryl Hannah was at the store purchasing the Roots Oxia oxygen. She also visited the Jackson Square store in

SPELL CHECK

the Manitoba Moose AHL team, visited the Roots Winnipeg outlet location. Also, Winnipeg Blue Bombers all-star defensive tackle Doug Brown was recently shopping at the same store. • Niagara Falls (Canada One Factory Outlet Mall) – Actor/ comedian Sinbad dropped into the Lundy’s Lane outlet store while in town performing at the Niagara Fallsview Casino.

Darryl Hannah

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: • Men’s Thelon polo • Men’s Hudson stripe polo • Men’s Vanier pique polo • Women’s Gwen pique polo • Men’s capital graphic T-shirt • Women’s Grassroots vintage T-shirt • Women’s long softie T-shirt • Women’s California slub Tshirt • Women’s basic kanga hoody • Women’s varsity sweatpants • Women’s 12oz jersey workout short • Women’s fold over sweat capri • Women’s Original Cropped sweatpants (style 1) • Women’s Original Cropped sweatpants (style 2) • Women’s pure yoga jacket • Women’s Mind and Body hoody • Roots Stop Global Warming bracelet • Roots Mints • Roots Crocs • Village Bag (Prince leather) Issue 71 - May 2007

SPIDERMAN HAS ROOTS

ON THE MOVE

Producers of new sequel know who to turn to for custom-made apparel

New appointments and promotions at Roots

he already warm relationship between Roots and Hollywood continues to develop as Wendy Goodman, the company’s representative in Los Angeles, strikes new deals with movie producers. In the latest collaboration, the makers of the soon-to-be released film Spiderman 3

placed a major order for Roots apparel as gifts for the cast, crew, production team and media. In the past, Roots also made the apparel for the two previous Spiderman movies, both of which were huge hits at the box office. Made in Canada from of a mix of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, the black full zip hoodies have grey puff web print on the hood and three spiders embroidered on the chest. The order was coordinated at the Head Office by Mary Jane Saliba, Senior Product Co-ordinator in the Business-to-Business Depart-

ment. Directed by Camp Tamakwa alumni Sam Raimi, Spiderman 3 follows the adventures of Peter Parker, a man who develops super powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Hitting theatres in early May, the new Spiderman stars Kirsten Dunst and Toby Maguire.

• Ashley Allwood appointed full-time Graphic Designer • Amanda Baker promoted to Assistant Manager, MicMac Mall, Dartmouth, NS • Stephanie Briers promoted to Manager, Graphic Design • Lee Fancy promoted to Manager, Merchandise Planning, Leather • Kelly Francis promoted to Manager, Allocations and Planning Administration • Jarar Kazmi promoted to Executive Director, Design and Merchandising • Paulomi Patel promoted to Communication and Marketing Coordinator • Jennifer Russell-Short returned from maternity leave to be Director, Merchandising • Selina Terra promoted to Manager, Merchandise Planning, Accessories

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff

Filip Trajakovski, Store Manager, Pickering Town Center, Pickering, ON and Jennifer Ferreira, Assistant Manager at Yorkdale Mall, Toronto, ON recently announced their engagement and will soon set a wedding date. • Please send us details of similar good news and we’ll be happy to publish it in The Source (email: rsarner @roots.com)

SPREADING THE WORD Guide to new ads appearing in late April

ALL IN THE FAMILY Roots provides the perfect gift for the whole gang

ecently, Connie Gilmour was preparing for an upcoming family gathering. She wanted to get something for each of her children and grandchildren that she could give them at the event. A longtime customer of Roots, she decided the perfect solution was to be found at her favourite Canadian brand. She was right. The above picture shows the Gilmours sporting their new look courtesy of Connie — red Roots Athletics hoodies — at the family get-together at the Blue Mountain ski resort in Collingwood, Ontario.

Issue 71 - May 2007

• Thurs/Fri., Apr. 26/27 – Community newspaper ads for ‘Roots 73’ stores featuring the Friends and Family event. • Thurs., Apr. 26 – Now (Toronto), Back cover ad featuring the Friends and Family event. Inside ad spotlighting Roots wallets. • Thurs., Apr. 26 – Metro (Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton): Back cover ad featuring the Friends and Family event. • Fri., Apr. 27 – Metro (Toronto, Vancouver): Ads featuring the Friends and Family event. • Sat., Apr. 28 - National Post (Toronto section): Back cover ad featuring the Friends and Family event. The Source 9

GREEN TIP #36 Easy ways to help the environment

STARTING LINEUP Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores As part of our continuing series of team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is shining the spotlight on the store in Fairview, Point-Claire, Quebec. From left to right: Nathalie Masicotte, Jessica Gaudin, Marie-Michèle Renaud, Suzanne Ghamraoui, Tatiana Barakat, Melissa Sukosd; Missing in action: Mary Bastawrose, Sarah Macrury and Kimberley Greenblatt.

Skip the warm-up: Many people still seem to think their car needs a morning idle before they drive each day. This has long been fiction. When car engines became electronically controlled, idling to “warm them up” became totally unnecessary and a source of air pollution. Source: Green Tips - How to Save Money and the Planet, published by Green Living Enterprises

HEALTH TIP #33 Easy ways to help you stay healthy.

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 recently The Source, started 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 be used in The Source.

Alisa Kopp, 3 months, Bergen, Norway 10

The Source

Go Fish: If you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll want to make intelligent choices about the meat you eat. Of all animal products, fish is the healthiest, due to its high protein and low fat content. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish, along with other nutrients, protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce inflammation, prevent high blood pressure, and help you maintain good respiratory health. Populations with a diet consisting mainly of fish, fresh fruit, and local vegetables experience virtually no cardiovascular disease and have a high percentage of healthy seniors. Owen Borg, 10 months, Mississauga

Source: The Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni Issue 71 - May 2007

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

PERFECT FOR PORTAGING Roots launches its latest camp gear as summer approaches

s we enter camping season, the popular Roots Camp collection offers two new additions. The first is a new Strip Polo, comprised of 95% cotton and 5% organic cotton. The polo is silicone washed, making it extra soft and features a tree patch on the left sleeve as well as velvet taping in the back and side slits. The second new product is the Voyageur short, made from 100% cotton twill. Distress washed, the short has zippered side pockets for secure storage along with drawcords in the waistband and cuff for adjustability. The polo is only available in one colour, (moss green with silver birch), while the short comes in two colours, fatigue and putty. Both these new garments feature a Roots Camp main label with a blank space for the owner to write his/her name and other vital details. They both also come with a hangtag map of Ontario’s Algonquin Park and a pin with a tree graphic. Sizes: XS-XXL; Retail price: Polo - $46

WATER IS GOOD, PLASTIC BOTTLES ARE NOT Eco-friendly water containers now available at select locations

s everyone should know by now, you need to drink lots of water all year round if you want to be healthy. The need is most pronounced during the warm weather of spring and summer. With that in mind, Roots has its focus on hydration, with the introduction of Sigg water bottles. Made in Switzerland, the eyecatching containers have a contemporary, high-tech style, making them a functional yet fashionable way to carry and enjoy H2O. Best known for their durability, the Sigg bottles are also coated with a baked-on inner lining that is taste neutral, resistant to fruit acids and easy to clean. Not only do they combine 100 years of Swiss crafts-

Issue 71 - May 2007

manship, they help reduce unnecessary environmental waste caused by plastic throwaway bottles. Roots is promoting the Sigg products in an effort to encourage customers to reuse bottles instead of throwing them out. In Canada, several million water bottles are added to landfills every day. The aluminum canteens retail between $24.95 and $36.95, depending on size. They come in three styles and four colours (red, green, blue and silver). Available in Toronto (Rosedale, Bloor, Central, Yorkdale, Bayview, Sherway, Lodge); Montreal (Centreville); Vancouver (Robson); and Mt. Tremblant (Quebec) and Whistler (BC).

HERITAGE MEETS STYLE Roots introduces new jewelry line

n an original collaborative effort, IceRok and Roots have created a new line of jewelry now available in select stores. Known for their sense of innovation in design and fashion, IceRok and Roots are introducing a modern, Canadian-inspired twist to the classic charm with the launch of the Roots Heritage collection. “IceRok Jewelry caters to the young professional with a stylish flair, while being well made and affordable,” says IceRok CoFounder Michael Wainstock. “A lot of our pieces can be worn with both jeans and a T-shirt, or dressed up to go out on the weekend.” With a little something for everyone, the Heritage collection is sure to dazzle the necks of Roots customers, from the young and sporty to the more mature professional. The Sterling Silver Heritage collection consists of pieces ranging from the always-recognizable Roots beaver charm to the Canoe and Paddle charm set, to less traditional Roots designs like the Flower Key charm. IceRoks’s style and Roots themes will allow customers to get creative with their accessorizing this season. “When I think of a new line, I’m inspired by what’s going on around me, not only around the world, but in my own life,” says IceRok Co-Founder Russell Gozlan. “When we began designing unique pieces for Roots, we looked to our Canadian heritage, the seasons, our summers at camp, and Canadian sports for inspiration.” The Source 11

The Source

Issue 71 - May 2007