September 2007

PHOTO BY COLIN MACDONALD

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 75 • September 2007

ORIGINAL ROOTS Text for sub-head to go here hopefully this will work and look decent

Having played many roles at the company since it started in 1973, Lyn Frankel is today a central figure in the success of Roots on the West Coast Issue 75 - September 2007

The Source • 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 75

THE SOURCE TURNS TWO Roots in-house magazine marks anniversary with benchmark issue MORE ROOTS PLANTED IN ASIA In another major step forward, flagship store opens in China SENSATION MODE HITS TORONTO New fall looks of Roots premiere at free outdoor fashion show SPREADING THE WORD Roots participates in inaugural spa-related consumer fair in Aspen NEW LOOK FOR ROOTS PROMENADE Store opens to rave reviews after renovation LOS ANGELES GALAXY COMES TO ROOTS Beckham-led team drops in to flagship store during Toronto visit

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 CARLY ANDERSON 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

2 • The Source

PHOTO BY ROANNE McCREADY

ORIGINAL ROOTS With her unique vantage on the evolution of Roots since its inception, Lyn Frankel has played many roles in the growth of the company including its current success on the West Coast.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots A WINNING TEAM A few weeks ago, I kept hearing on the radio of all the plans for the launch of the much-anticipated new Harry Potter book, which was a huge event worldwide.

Here in Canada, the focus was on the Indigo bookstore chain and the parties at each of their locations to celebrate the book release. Their staff were decked out in special T-shirts made by Roots to add to the party atmosphere.

After listening to the reports, I started smiling and my wife enquired into my well-being. I explained to her that it was a proud smile. It came from the pride I felt for our team since we were the silent players behind the scenes who helped to make the Indigo events happen within a limited timeframe.

We received the blank shirts and turned them around quickly.

We then got the finished (printed) product back and proceeded to build more than 200 store packs before shipping them to Indigo. We took care of all the logistics surrounding these events, additional resources, etc. and to keep the processing costs down, we delivered with our own truck. I think my wife was bored but I had to give her all the details so that she could understand my strange smile.

All this was possible because various people at Roots came through once more on a

special project. All concerned deserve to be recognized for such exemplary work. In particular, David Jackson, in the Business To Business Department, must be saluted for his efforts. There are times when he drives us crazy but he is easy to work with and like good wine he seems to be getting better with age. He coordinated all the sales and administrative parts of this exercise including liaising with the customer continuously to get us answers quickly.

Events such as these are moments of great pride and motivation for me. They make me proud to be a player on the Roots team.

Bob Baker, Director Roots Distribution Centre WHAT A CHARM I would like you to know that your store employee Janet Vanderhor, who recently looked after me, went out of her way to satisfy my request for one of your promotional leather charms.

Janet did not have to mail it to me, but she did! She wanted me to have it prior to my upcoming trip to Whistler.

It was a nice gesture on her part and much appreciated.

Joan Honeyman Vancouver GOOD SERVICE IN ACTION I just wanted to share some positive feedback about two staff at our store. We recently

had a great customer who came in on a Friday evening. The young woman was looking at our Eco bags. When I told her about the special promotion connected to the bag, she bought it. She said she was going to bring her sister in because they were from Florida and her sister’s last name was Root, and that she would enjoy the store.

True to her word, she came in the next day with her sister.

They spent close to $1,000 on various Roots products. They told me they were very impressed with the store and they cited in particular the service they received from sales associates Alek Treiber and Valentina Enriquez. It was a great experience.

Farzana Khalid Roots Bloor Street • 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.

DEPT. OF CLARIFICATION In Issue 74 of The Source, the ‘New and Noteworthy’ column featured an item on the Roots Modular Backpack entitled “The perfect companion for your laptop.” Please note that the compartments on the inside of the bag cannot be moved around. Only the wallet/waist pouch element can be transferred to the interior of the bag.

- Please address any corrections, relevant updates and revisions to rsarner@roots.com

EXTRA! EXTRA!

In keeping with our monthly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will appear in late September.

Issue 75 - September 2007

ORIGINAL ROOTS With her unique vantage on the evolution of Roots since its inception, Lyn Frankel has played many roles in the growth of the company including its current success on the West Coast. By ROBERT SARNER

COLIN MACDONALD

A

couple of weeks ago, on August 15, one person at Roots in Vancouver was particularly sensitive to the date. For Lyn Frankel, the day had special significance. For her, it triggered poignant memories. For her, it was filled with warm thoughts and fond feelings.

Unlike any other current employee, Lyn experienced the creation of Roots in 1973 on both a personal and professional level. As a result, every year when August 15 rolls around, Lyn thinks of that day when Roots first opened for business in Toronto.

She can rightly lay claim to having played a key role in the lead-up and launch of Roots, and beyond. Way, way beyond.

Indeed, 34 years later, Lyn is still playing an important role at Roots. Today, her title is “Retail Ambassador, British Columbia” but it doesn’t do full justice to either her multiple duties in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler or her previous positions.

“Having witnessed first-

Lyn at the West 4th St. store in Vancouver’s Kitsilano quarter

hand the birth of Roots, its incredible development ever

Lyn a few months before Roots opened for business in 1973

Issue 75 - September 2007

since is a source of great satisfaction for me,” says Lyn, who over the years has worked in several jobs at Roots in various cities in Canada and Europe. “It’s amazing how it’s evolved after starting with a basic idea. I see it as a tremendous journey, a compelling story that’s as vital and relevant today as it was when Roots began. What’s even more impressive is that exciting new parts of the story are still being written every day.”

In the summer of 1973, Lyn was the girlfriend of Roots CoFounder Michael Budman in

Toronto. Given their close relationship, Lyn was actively involved in discussions about the business for which Michael and his partner Don Green were laying the groundwork.

In the months leading up to the opening of the first Roots store, Lyn often wore a prototype of the Roots negative heel shoes that were to launch the business so auspiciously. At the time, she was working at the Royal Ontario Museum in the gift shop. On the eve of the first store opening, Lyn made a steak dinner for Michael and Don as they worked feverishly to get everything ready for the first day of business.

Lyn, who grew up in Toronto, first met Michael in 1966 when he was the Canoe Instructor at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario’s fabled Algonquin Park. It was to ultimately prove an important moment in her life. Two years later, Lyn met Don at Tamakwa.

“Already early on, I was convinced that both Michael and Don were destined for great things,” says Lyn. “Even back then, you could see their qualities would lead them to major achievements.”

Since 1973, Lyn has worn many hats at Roots. From working in the original Roots store to owning and operating Roots franchise stores in London and Kitchener in Ontario to being involved in public relations and special projects in California and France in the 1980s, and opening and managing a store in Edmonton, Lyn has experiContinued on next page The Source • 3

Lyn and Western Canada Field Visual Merchant Colin MacDonald at the 4th Ave. store Continued from previous page

enced Roots from different angles. In the early 1990s, she moved to British Columbia and coordinated in-store and company special events and corporate sponsorship in Vancouver. In 1997, Lyn was involved in the opening of the West Coast flagship store of Roots on Vancouver’s Robson Street. In the late 1990s and into the new millennium, Lyn put on fashion shows at the Robson St. store and handled corporate sales and sponsorship initiatives. One highlight was when Lyn helped organize the outfitting of world leaders in Roots leather jackets at the

Laurie Campbell with Jennifer Hume and Calvin Macado of the West 4th staff 4 • The Source

the Roots culture and family out here in Western Canada,” says Samara Snyder, Regional Director, Western Canada. “Her love for the company is endless, and is seen daily in the way she interacts with customers and staff. West 4th, the new concept store in Vancouver, is her most recent Roots project where her ability to sell and inspire other staff has been amazing.”

Not all of Lyn’s Rootsrelated accomplishments have been on the professional side.

She derives great pleasure from having been the one who introduced Don to his future wife Denyse. In June 1973, Lyn was helping host a birthday dinner for the late comedian Gilda Radner in Robson store manager Toronto.

Elizabeth Coates with Lyn Having

APEC conference in Vancouver in 1997 that generated photos published and broadcast around the globe.

For all her illustrious past at Roots, Lyn takes special pride in her current role and the success of Roots in BC. She points to the work of her West Coast colleagues who she says are highly supportive of her work and incredibly devoted to Roots. Over the past year or so, Lyn was instrumental in the opening of the new store in Whistler and the latest Roots location in Vancouver, inaugurated in May on 4th Avenue.

“Lyn is an integral part of

met Denyse at the Royal Ontario Museum where both were working at the time, Lyn invited Denyse to the dinner.

Don and Denyse are thankful she did.

With her radiant smile, warmth and calming presence, Lyn has a positive influence on virtually everyone she comes into contact with at Roots, both staff and customers.

Within the company, her easy manner and dedication to Roots are legendary.

“We’re fortunate to have Lyn as such an important part of Roots,” says Michael. “In addition to her current role, she’s an integral part of the heritage of this company. She’s seen it all. She’s contributed so much and she’s been an incredible friend to Don and I, supporting and encouraging us even before anyone had heard of Roots. It’s great to have Lyn anchoring things for us on the West Coast, especially this summer when the store on Robson St. is the top one in the company.”

If every August 15, Lyn has more reason than most people to think back to that fateful day in 1973 when Roots opened for business, she is very much in the present in her work.

“Roots is experiencing an exciting new chapter in its current activities in British Columbia,” says Lyn. “We’ve expanded our presence here and of course we’re looking forward to the Olympics in Vancouver. But the truth is that every year I’ve been at Roots, regardless of what city I’ve been in, I’ve always been inspired by the on-going story of this enterprise. First and foremost, it’s a human adventure led by two individuals who have inspired and motivated me in so many ways to tackle new challenges and to always seek excellence. That’s something that’s always relevant.”

- R.S. Issue 75 - September 2007

THE SOURCE TURNS TWO

Roots in-house magazine marks anniversary with benchmark issue

T

his month, The Source is publishing its 75th issue since its launch in August 2005. What began as a twopage text-only newsletter has evolved into a full-colour, photo-illustrated magazine distributed to all employees in Canada and the United States, all Roots licensees and to a growing mailing list of ‘Friends of Roots.’ At the same time, much of the editorial content of each

Issue 75 - September 2007

issue of The Source is posted on the Roots website as a blog.

The look, content and number of readers may have evolved since Issue 1 but the editorial purpose has remained constant. Quite simply, the aim is to present the pulse and passion of Roots in every issue, focusing on the people, core values and achievements that make this company so special.

To mark our second anniversary, we are publishing here a selection of previous covers of The Source, starting with the first issue and spanning chronologically the two years since.

As always, readers are welcome to give us their feedback to recent issues and to submit ideas for future articles.

Please send your comments and letters to rsarner@roots.com.

The Source • 5

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: • Fashion, Sept. issue: Spotlight on the new fall Roots Lori Bag, Red Clutch and Green Chase bag.

Also, there’s a great review on the patent Uptown Bag in red and the patent leather laptop bags.

• The National Post, Aug 21.

Mentions the Roots Heritage Sueded Kanga Hooded sweatshirt.

Also, spotlights the Roots “Property of Roots Canada” basic men’s fit crew T-shirt in the ‘Roots does it again’ section.

• The Gazette (Montreal), Aug. 11. Mentions actor/model Heidi Klum and Naomi Watts wearing a black Roots Flat Bag. • The National Post, Aug. 11; The Toronto Star, Aug. 7; The Globe and Mail, Aug. 4. Spotlight on David Beckham visiting the Roots flagship store on Bloor St. with the rest of his LA Galaxy team.

• Divine.ca, Aug 8. Roots Washed Leather Lauren Tote featured in the ‘Fashion & Beauty’ section in both English and French.

• Lou Lou, Aug.: Mentions jewellery label, The IceRok available at Roots featured in the ‘Hot Spots’ section.

• Fashion, Aug: Roots Milano Bag featured in the ‘Fashion Shops’ section “Must-haves.”

• The Vancouver Sun, (Vancouver), July 31, Times-Colonist (Victoria, BC), July 28: Articles mention the Roots baseball cap featured in the ‘Sun Hat’ section.

• Times-Colonist (Victoria, BC), July 31, Moose Jaw TimesHerald (Moose Jaw, SK), July30: Article mentions Roots bamboo classic T-shirts, bamboo flare pants and organic ‘chakra’ pants.

• Hello! magazine, July 16. Roots navy plaid shorts featured in the ‘Short and sweet’ section.

• Gardening Life, July: Roots Heart Log Stool featured in ‘The furnishings’ section.

• EnRoute, June: Roots minihandbag featured in the ‘Like Daughter’ section.

• 2 Magazine, June. His/her Roots watch offered to reader whose letter is chosen “Letter of the Month” next issue.

• National Post, June 23. Roots Leather Lauren Tote featured in the ‘Obsession of the Week’ section.

• Avenue, June 30. Roots Eton crank radio featured in the ‘Cool Hunter’ section.

6 • The Source

MORE ROOTS PLANTED IN ASIA

In another major step forward, flagship store opens in China

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n early August, Roots inaugurated its first flagship store in Shanghai with a festive event attended by hundreds of people. Located on the city’s bustling Huaihai Road, the store is spread out over two stories and features a yoga studio on the third floor.

Several senior executives from Li & Fung, Roots’ partners in Asia, were at the launch in addition to members

of the Canadian Consulate and Chinese media.

Roots Co-Founder Don Green extended a warm welcome to everyone via a specially prepared video that was shown during the event.

A special “eco tree” decorated with green tips written on maple leaf cards greeted guests as they entered the store.

There was a customdesigned ice sculpture with Roots wording.

One of the high points was the fashion show featuring

young models wearing the latest in Roots styles, showing the broad appeal and versatility of the brand. For the first several weeks of the store’s opening, the sales revenue from a certain range of T-shirts was donated to environmental groups in China.

Next on the Asian horizon for Roots is the imminent opening of several stores in Korea later this month. Stay tuned for more details and photos in the next issue of The Source.

SENSATION MODE HITS TORONTO

New fall looks premiere at free outdoor fashion show

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ith cooler temperatures and school just around the corner, Roots showcased 30 new styles from the Fall/Winter collection in downtown Toronto in late August as part of the city’s inaugural Fashion and Design Festival.

The three-day extravaganza, which began August 23, marked the first time the

“fashion-for-the-people” festival was held in Toronto after establishing itself in Montreal in recent years under the name Sensation Mode.

Roots has participated in the Montreal version for the past several seasons with great success. (See cover story in The Source, Issue 47).

Some 25 fashion companies, both established

and upcoming designers from Canada and the United States strutted their stuff on an outdoor stage at the Yonge and Dundas Square. Special nighttime presentations were given by Highlight Toronto, a showing of local talent and French Kiss, a presentation of 50 Quebecois designers. Local artists, bands and DJs also took part in the event.

Roots men’s and women’s fall fashions on the outdoor runway of Yonge and Dundas Square

Issue 75 - September 2007

NEW LOOK FOR ROOTS PROMENADE Store opens to rave reviews after renovation

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he newly renovated Roots store at the Promenade Shopping Centre in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, is off to a great start. The store opened in early August after a month-long construction project coordinated by Howard Pollack, Director of Purchasing and Facilities, and Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Development. So far, both staff and customers have responded enthusiastically to the change with higher sales per square foot than before the renovation.

The new incarnation of

Roots Promenade has a sharper focus due to its more compact 3,100 sq. feet size and its more inviting layout. It was renovated in an environmental manner in terms of recycling existing elements and using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recovered wood fiber, water-based glues,

and paint with no volatile compounds. The store features a green ‘living wall’ that enhances the quality of the air and a reverse osmosis system for healthy drinking water for customers and staff.

When Roots first opened at this location in 1996, the store was designed by the late Morris Lapidus, a famous US-based architect who created several celebrated buildings including two landmark hotels in Miami, the Fontainebleau and the Eden Roc. Some of his original designs for the store have been preserved in the renovation.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff

• Tequiera Bedard, Store Manager at Sunnyside Mall in Bedford, NS and Steve Howe expanded their family with the addition of a baby boy.

Quintan Micah John was born August 3.

• Karen O’Hearon, Assistant Manager at Spring Garden Place in Halifax, NS got married to Brandon Bing on August 4.

SPREADING THE WORD

Roots participates in inaugural spa-related consumer fair in Aspen

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n Colorado earlier this summer, Roots took part in Aspen Spa Day, the spa industry’s first consumer show.

The one-day event in late July showcased top spas from around the world and the best in spa lifestyle products.

Nearly 3,000 spa-goers attended the exhibition in addition to a large contingent of writers and editors, which generated extensive media coverage.

What made the Spa Day

set-up for the booths had an show unique was that all the exhibitors provided an interac- environmental aspect as they used lots of bamboo and hemp. tive experience for people The Roots attending, such Eco-Bag, as massage, which was make-up, handed out at a healing theraVIP event the pies and in the night before, case of Roots, a proved to be a yoga demo. huge hit as Representmany of the ing Roots at the green bags event were Laurie Campbell in action were spotted in Nella Walker, Aspen throughout the weekwho is developing Roots Yoga end. in the US, and Roots Having the Roots store in yoga specialist Laurie Aspen so close to the event Campbell who did an tent was a boom for sales that advanced 3rd level weekend, particularly with Ashtanga demonstration Roots Yoga product. that stopped people in But the most lasting benefit their tracks. was the amount of exposure Like Roots, most the event created for Roots exhibitors featured ecoYoga/lifestyle products. Good friendly products. There contacts were made with was a strong emphasis owners and managers of yoga on organic merchandise studios and resort shops including skin treatthroughout the United States ments, food and drink, who expressed interest in and linen used in some Roots Yoga display at Aspen Spa Day Roots Yoga. of the resorts. Even the

Issue 75 - September 2007

Clare Elizabeth Grace Thomas

• Drew Thomas, Manager at Bayers Lake Power Centre, Halifax, NS, and wife Emily recently became the proud parents of a baby girl named Clare Elizabeth Grace Thomas.

• Janet Vanderhor, long-time Keyholder at the store in Whistler, BC, is getting married to Beau Westcott in late August.

Janet Vanderhor, Beau Westcott

• Johanna Ventoso, Store Manager at Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth, NS and Dino Micolucci recently welcomed a baby boy. Nicolas Sebastian Micolucci was born July 14.

Hearty congratulations to all of the above for these great moments in their lives.

• Please send us details of similar good news and we’ll be happy to publish it in The Source (email:rsarner@roots.com) The Source • 7

LOS ANGELES GALAXY COMES TO ROOTS

Beckham-led team drops in to flagship store during Toronto visit

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embers of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer club recently spent an afternoon at the Roots flagship store on Bloor savouring Canada’s premier lifestyle brand. The night before, the team battled to a 0-0 draw with Toronto FC before the largest crowd ever to watch a Major League Soccer (MLS) match this season at BMO Field in Toronto. At the time, the Galaxy were on a four-game road trip.

The entire squad, including World Cup stars David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Abel Xavier and team president Alexis Lalas, arrived on the team bus to the mid-town store. Once inside, hundreds of customers and other passersby stopped to get a

glimpse of Mr. Beckham and his teammates.

The players, including Canadian team members Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse and coaches led by manager (and former Canadian World Cup star) Frank Yallop enjoyed a tour of the store. During their visit, they were presented genuine leather blue and gold

Roots Galaxy Athletic Bags, custom made at the Roots state-of-the-art leather factory in Toronto. The team then had refreshments and spent an hour and a half shopping throughout the store.

Out of respect for the privacy of the Galaxy players, their visit to Roots had not been publicized in advance.

The LA Galaxy with their new Athletic bags at the flagship store in Toronto

But it didn’t take long for word of their arrival at the store to spread. Within minutes of entering 100 Bloor Street, the area around the store was packed with paparazzi, media cameras and scores of onlookers.

Shortly after their arrival in Toronto, Roots co-hosted a reception for the Galaxy at Ultra Supper Club where Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and his son Matthew met the players and personally invited them to come to the flagship store during their Toronto stay.

Roots ‘woman’ Mercedes Leggett, Roots VicePresident, Wholesale and Business Development, Melinda McDonald and Roots Director of Public Relations Raymond Perkins also attended the event.

YOGA FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Vancouver community holds event for children’s camp

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n late July, Laurie The two-hour Yogathon took Campbell, the Torontoplace outdoors at Thunderbird based yoga instructor and Stadium, an outdoor facility at head of the Friends of Roots the University of British Yoga initiative (see The Source, Issue 72) traveled to Vancouver to meet with the local yoga community as they organized a fundraiser for a special cause.

Participants get into position for a good cause In what was to be Canada’s largest gathering of Columbia. yoga instructors, enthusiasts Participants incorporated a and members of the health and variety of different styles and wellness industry, some 600 poses, many led by Eoin Finn people came together to raise of Vancouveryoga.com and money for Camp Moomba, a other top instructors in the city. camp for children with HIV. In total, they raised more than 8 • The Source

$50,000 for the camp.

Always one to promote a healthy lifestyle and sustainable environment, Roots was on hand, along with 40 other exhibitors, to showcase their yoga-related products and organic tees at an on-site fashion show and with a stand.

Camp Moomba is a special-

ized summer camp program for children affected by HIV/ AIDS. Established in 1997 and the only camp of its kind in Canada, Moomba provides HIV/AIDS children with a brief respite from their illness in a camp community based on equality, friendship, and support.

Roots on-site display for Yogathon enthusiasts Issue 75 - September 2007

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’LL RUN INTO NEXT Talk about Roots teamwork in action! Even in an unexpected context

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t’s no secret that Roots employees are a devoted bunch. Sometimes they show their dedication to their work in unexpected ways.

When it comes to the retail staff, they do far more than simply sell merchandise.

Among their attributes is being alert and thinking fast on their feet.

A case in point occurred early one evening a few weeks ago at the flagship store on Toronto’s Bloor Street. Just after 7 p.m., a female customer opened the store’s front door and yelled: “A guy just stole some stuff from you!” and indicated the direction he fled.

Hearing this, store manager Brenda Preston and Visual Merchant Candice Hilmarson saw that a table with women’s polos on it was missing three piles. They quickly exited the store in search of the suspect.

From a distance, they saw him stop near his bike in a nearby laneway and shove the piles of

Brenda, (left), and Candice to the rescue

polos into his backpack and a spare bag he was holding.

He then jumped on his bike and started riding away. At the opposite end of the laneway, next to Bay Street, Brenda and Candice saw a passer-by, and tried to get his attention to intervene.

They yelled: “Stop that man on the bike!” The kind citizen promptly responded to the call for assistance. He hollered at the suspect sternly:

“Drop the bag!” Fearing what might happen if he did not obey, the thief dropped the bag filled with the polos and took off on his bike.

A few moments later, Brenda and Candice walked toward the passer-by to thank him. They were pleasantly shocked when they discovered that the man who had come to their aid was none other than Ladi Popoola from the Head Office, where he works as an

Account Manager in the Business-To-Business Department.

“Roots staff are incredibly passionate about the business and our product,” says Julie McCahon, Director of Loss Prevention. “This example at Bloor St. shows the rewards of teamwork and communication which we see in all our stores.

Staff are trained to handle unfortunate situations like shoplifting with their safety being the first priority. Brenda, Candice and Ladi did an excellent job in recovering the merchandise as you never know how you’re going to react under an adrenaline rush situation like being hit by a professional thief. As always, we continue to work as a larger team in ensuring our product remains in the store for our honest customers by communicating with each other and local authorities as Roots has zero tolerance when it comes to theft.”

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL MAKING WAVES TO THE TOP Spotlighting the top performing stores in July Roots-supported kayaker triumphant

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s this issue of The Source went to press, the final sales figures for August were not yet in but July certainly had some winners. Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the Kingston, Ontario location that captured the Store of the Month honours, topping its sales target by 121 percent.

As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Carrefour de l’Estrie in Sherbrooke, Quebec took first place with a score of

Kingston staff Issue 75 - September 2007

Staff at the Sherbrooke Outlet

269 percent over its sales budget.

Congratulations to Manager Emma Bury of the Kingston store and Manager Valerie Gagnon of the Sherbrooke outlet, along with their respective teams, for their winning performances, and to all the other stores that met or surpassed their sales targets in July. Stay tuned to the next issue of The Source for August’s winners.

ompeting in Europe, Rootssponsored Canadian kayaking sensation Adam van Koeverden just captured his first world title. In midAugust, at the world championships in Duisburg, Germany, Adam won the gold medal in the men’s kayak single (K-1) 500-metre race with a record time of 1 minute and 36.2 seconds.

The 25-year-old McMaster University graduate has taken part in many Roots events in recent years and appeared in numerous ads and posters including this summer. He is already preparing for next year’s Summer Olympics in Beijing with the aim of repeating his

gold medal performance at the Summer Olympics in Athens in 2004.

While winning the world title last month, Adam also used the event to promote a good cause, one also supported by Roots.

To draw attention to work of the Right To Play humanitarian organization, he displayed its logo all over his kayak. The Toronto-based charity uses sport to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children around the world.

Adam’s gesture was the first time anyone had advertised a charity on their boat on the international canoe-kayak scene and as such it helped raise awareness for Right To Play.

The Source • 9

THE MYSTERY MAN OF ROOTS

While everyone else is sleeping, Hugo Lopez is hard at work

H

ugo Lopez is a name not many Roots staff are familiar with. Even fewer at the Head Office in Toronto have ever even seen him although he’s been working on the premises since 2005 in an important role.

As a Systems Operator in the IT Department, Hugo is responsible for running nightly, weekly, monthly and yearly processes, balancing sales and inventory numbers, generating and printing reports for various Roots Head Office Departments.

The reason Hugo remains so mysterious and invisible to his Roots colleagues is due to his unusual schedule. Hugo begins his daily shift long after everyone else at the Head Office have left the building. He reports for duty at 11 p.m., working alone through the night and finishing at 7 the next morning. The nocturnal hours are the only time that all users

are off the computer system, allowing changes to be implemented.

His weekend shift starts on Sunday morning and ends when all weekly processes are completed.

“Since I started with Roots in this

position, the greatest challenge for me has been adjusting to my schedule,” says Hugo, 37. “Sleeping has sometimes been an interesting challenge.”

The other main challenge Hugo cites is the lack of interaction with coworkers, but he takes it all in stride.

“One thing I’ve learned about myself is that working alone allows me to concentrate better on the task at hand,” he says. “ Considering all the challenges I’ve faced, I must say that the first year was the most difficult.

The second year proved to be much better and at this point I’m very happy to be working for Roots. I’m proud of what the company stands for and I look forward to continue working here. It’s the people behind Roots that make things happen.”

Hugo moved to Canada from his native El Salvador in 1984 and currently resides in Toronto.

TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SHARING A GOOD LOOK Special edition watches fund cancer research Zip Car staff get outfitted by Roots

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oots and Cosmoda have teamed up with the Rethink Breast Cancer Foundation to create two special edition watches hitting stores in time for the upcoming October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Roots Splendour Watch is a classic design.

The sleek silver chain link band is offset by the elegant pale pink analog dial, adorned with the symbolic pink ribbon.

Retail price: $115 The Roots Fiesta Watch is a durable, athletic design with a stopwatch function, reminding wearers about the importance of physical fitness in combating the illness. The pink of the band matches the

10 • The Source

etched ribbon on the face of the digital dial. Retail price: $45. Both watches feature the Rethink logo on the back.

Available at select stores across Canada, the watches will appeal especially to survivors of cancer, those battling the disease, their friends and relatives and those who want to raise awareness.

Proceeds from sales will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer, with the purchase of every Roots Splendour Watch $10 will be given and $5 from every Roots Fiesta Watch.

To view the entire Roots collection online, visit www.watchroots.com.

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mployees at Zip Car, the eco-friendly car-share business, will soon have a new look. The Massachusetts-based company teamed up with Roots to outfit their staff across North America and the UK with customized golf shirts.

David Jackson in the Business-toBusiness Department facilitated the arrangement, with more than 500 garments ordered. Made in Canada, the bright green golf shirts feature the Zip Car logo on the chest and bottom. In the first collaboration with the car-share company last spring, Roots made customized T-shirts for the Zip

Car customers.

Zip Car provides an innovative, convenient and cost effective mode of transportation (gas and insurance are included in the rental fee).

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Zip Car is the world’s largest and fastest growing car sharing service with more than 100,000 members and 3,000 vehicles in major cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Boston, New York, and London, England.

Issue 75 - September 2007

MUSICAL ROOTS

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds of Roots for September

This month we spotlight singer Akon

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fter winning over a multitude of fans with his 2003 multiplatinum debut CD Trouble, Senegalese-born singer Akon returned with his sophomore CD Konvicted.

It’s a hybrid of Akon’s silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats.

The son of accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was introduced to varied musical styles at an early age.

“I grew-up listening to all kinds of music,” says Akon.

“I love soul songs, but I also like mixing in other types of music.”

Well known for his melodic sing-songy hooks, Akon has 20 Billboard Hot 100 songs to his credit. He is the only artist to ever hold the number 1 and 2 Billboard spots simultaneously on two separate occasions.

Akon’s multifaceted sensibilities are evident on Konvicted. Akon produced and wrote all but one song on the album which was nominated for a Grammy. It features tracks recorded with Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Konvicted mixes wit, studio originality and

common sense to create one of the most honest releases of 2006.

“When I’m composing songs, I try to be more to the left musically,” Akon explains.

“There is a love and passion I have for trying to create different sounds.”

Working out of his own Koncast Studios in Atlanta, the crowning jewel on Konvicted is the powerful “Africa.” A percussion heavy anthem dedicated to his homeland, Akon’s lyrics discuss various issues from slavery to skin colour. He has said one of his goals with the song is to make people more

aware of the continent.

In April 2007, Akon drew criticism for a raunchy dance with a 15-year-old girl at a Trinidad club, as part of a fake contest, despite the club’s claim to have an 18 years and over age limit. The incident was filmed and later uploaded to the internet and soon after shown on TV. Amid criticism in the media, Verizon Wireless removed ringtones featuring Akon’s songs. Verizon has also decided not to sponsor an upcoming tour where Akon was to be the opening act for Gwen Stefani. However, Universal Music Group did not take action against Akon, but simply ordered the video clip removed from video-sharing site YouTube.

In a newly released song, “Sorry, Blame It On Me”, Akon apologizes to the young girl for the incident at the club, but cites the club for admitting the girl because she was under 21, and the parents for letting her go out.

He also tells how Verizon ceased promoting him and Gwen’s tour,

1. Sorry, Blame It On Me, Akon 2. Roots Is The Future, Davin and The Voyce 3. Get Ready, Fergie and The Temptations 4. She’s Royal, Taurus Riley 5. Do It (Remix), Nelly Furtado Feat. Missy Elliot 6. Always On My Mind, Deville Feat. Sean Paul 7. Same Girl, R Kelly Feat.

Usher 8. 1,2,3,4, Feist 9. Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do, Joss Stone Feat. Common 10. Mr. Magic, Amy Winehouse - Compiled by Davin Bujalski

and stopped the sale of his ringtones. He also makes several other apologies to his children and wife as well. The song is currently playing on Roots Radio and is Number 1 on this month’s Top 10.

With the brilliance of Konvicted, label owner, singer, songwriter and producer Akon has broken down musical barriers while also validating his importance as a soul man for the new millennium. Like fine wine, Konvicted proves that Akon only gets better with time.

- Davin Bujalski - For more info on Akon visit: http:// www.akononline.com; http:// www.myspace.com/akon

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

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elebrities have long made a point of movies, visited the store recently. He picked Defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres Brian shopping at Roots. A month rarely up some kids T-shirts and was presented with Campbell shopped at the store, picking up goes by without well known people a sweater, hat and Village Pack courtesy of Camp Sweatshorts, the new Open Bottom coming to a Roots location to shop or spend Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman.

Sweatpants and a Clearwater Popover some time. Here are the latest sightings of • Masonville Place, London, ON – Hoody. prominent figures from the world of entertainment and sports who visited Roots stores recently: • BCE Place, Toronto - Former Canadian Olympian runner Donovan Bailey stopped by the store recently. Staff remarked on how polite and funny the track and field star was as he picked up a men’s wallet.

• Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON – Verne Troyer, Brian Campbell Verne Troyer, (middle) with Yorkdale Staff “Mini-Me” in the Austin Powers Donovan Bailey Issue 75 - September 2007

The Source • 11

RUSSELL TRUE TO CANADA

FALL FORWARD

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reat things for fall are happening for customers of all ages at the ‘Roots 73’ outlet stores.

Not only is the selection of new merchandise superb but their presentation in the retail locations has been further enhanced.

For adults, the men’s and women’s fashion shops have been updated, highlighting the new fall denim collection and a variety of sweats, T-shirts and polos.

Meanwhile, for the younger set, the accent is on a fresh collection of back-to-school tops and bottoms in sweats that will have the kids well prepared for the cooler temperatures of autumn. So far, the hoodies with “Roots” written

Academy Award winner puts his mark on new order of Roots apparel cclaimed actor and longtime friend of Roots Russell Crowe has added a new dimension to his involvement with the brand.

In August, he received his latest order of personalized items made in Canada by Roots for his Australian rugby team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Coordinated by David Jackson in the Business-toBusiness Department, the order consisted of 700 Full Zip Hoodies for men and women and 100 Poorboy Caps. This is the first time Crowe has ordered hats from Roots. The hat design is featured in two styles: one pays homage to

Australia’s 45,000 BC origins, while 1908 design commemorates the establishment of the Sydney rugby team.

The Academy Awardwinning performer first began working with Roots in 2004 when he ordered products as gifts for cast and crew of the film Cinderella Man. Since then, he’s placed several large orders for Roots items for projects he’s involved with including his South Sydney rugby team. During his many visits to Toronto, the New Zealand-born Crowe has been photographed many times shopping for himself and his family at the Roots flagship store on Bloor St.

Positive developments at ‘Roots 73 ‘ stores for the autumn/winter season

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in capital letters across the chest are proving the most popular top in sweats for kids.

A special promotion involving a backpack, lunch bag and pencil case has proven a phenomenal success to the point where almost all the stock has sold out.

Meanwhile, due to popular demand, new styles of the ‘relaxed line’ that was introduced last spring for women to great success, have arrived in stores for the fall.

To help promote the fall/ winter lines, Senior Art Director and Chief Photographer Ilich Mejia created a winning series of images that are featured in posters and signage displayed at all ‘Roots 73’ stores.

STAYING POWER

THE COUNTDOWN IS UNDERWAY

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Saluting those who go the distance ecently, many Roots employees marked major anniversaries of their time at the company. By ‘major,’ we mean benchmark achievements as in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years spent at Roots.

We invite anyone celebrating such an anniversary to send the relevant information to The Source.

Congratulations to the following employees for their significant contribution and enduring loyalty to Roots: (listed by seniority)

• Rosa Galarza, Leather Sewing, Leather Factory, Toronto, 30 years • Gail Solnick, Sales Associate, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, 15 years • Nina Khozin, Manager Application Services, Head Office, Toronto, 10 years • Chan La Ngoc, Leather Table Work, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • George Maniatis, Sales Associate, Eaton Centre, Toronto, 10 years • Iolanda Marcucci, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Daniel Galliera, Supervisor, Purchasing and Customer Service, Head Office, Toronto, 5 years • Jannia Orozco, Sales Associate, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Peter Paquette, Senior Visual Merchant, Head Office, Toronto, 5 years • Shonelle Ramserran, Sales Associate, 100 Bloor St., Toronto, 5 years 12 • The Source

Roots to be part of the action at Toronto Film Festival s Toronto gears up for its annual September celebration of film, Roots is once again preparing to host a series of special events in conjunction with the 32nd Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Right in the heart of the event’s downtown core, the Roots flagship store at 100 Bloor St. will be transformed into a meeting spot for the entertainment industry.

The main focus will be the second floor Roots VIP Lounge, a haven for celebrities, which will be presided over by Canadian entertainment news program eTalk Daily. Host Ben Mulroney

will be at the store everyday conducting interviews with prominent figures from the world of cinema.

In addition, an eTalk Back Talk booth will be created at Roots for the 10-day extravaganza. It will allow customers to provide their own reviews of films shown at the festival.

True to a 20year tradition, Roots will also be helping organize and host the annual star-studded George Christy lunch in the framework of the festival.

Roots is also providing official merchandise for TIFF which runs from September 6-15.

Issue 75 - September 2007

BUDDY THE BEAVER VISITS SHERWAY

Roots mascot meets and greets customers in special event

HEALTH TIP #37

Easy ways to stay healthy

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hoppers in to kids with donations the Toronto going toward breast suburb of cancer research and Etobicoke got a sponsoring Brian in special surprise (and the upcoming Run For a great photo opporthe Cure. tunity) when they “It was great to get spotted a giant beaver out and interact with Buddy the Beaver and Mesila Malitezi pose for a picture lumbering through the public and create Sherway Gardens in more brand awareearly August. ness,” says Brian.

The venerable “We took the bull Roots mascot, by the horns and went otherwise known as after business. We got Buddy The Beaver, people aware of the was helping to new fall line and promote a special Buddy got to expand one-day summer sale his social network. event at the Roots Buddy the Beaver and Mesila Malitezi pose for a picture The kids loved it and store. In a stellar it definitely created for the day. As part of the performance, Store Manager great publicity and a buzz storewide event, face painting Brian Moniz played Buddy about Roots.” and fake tattoos were offered

ON TRACK WITH THE GRAND PRIX

Roots provides gear for Audi racing enthusiasts

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n the final weekend in August, Roots was present at the Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON, the venue for the only Canadian stop for the prestigious high profile American Le Mans Series the Grand Prix of Mosport presented by Mobil 1.

In collaboration with the luxury car brand Audi Canada, Roots provided custom made high end polos, technical jackets and baseball caps for both men and women. Made in Canada, the items are

Issue 75 - September 2007

emblazoned with logos of the R8 line and the S series of vehicles and were sold at the racing event as well as used as giveaway prizes. David Jackson in the Business-toBusiness Department facilitated the order of more than 900 pieces.

As Canada’s largest sports car race, the Grand Prix features teams, drivers and manufacturers with worldclass renown, driving top makes including Audi, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari and Panoz.

MAKING GOOD BETTER Scarborough Roots gets eco-friendly makeover

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hile new Roots stores are opening in Asia, many established locations in Canada are getting a fresh look.

One of the most recent renovations just took place at the Roots store at the Scarborough Town Centre in Toronto. After undergoing a six-week transformation, the new concept store opened in late August.

Coordinated by Howard Pollack, Director of Purchasing and Facilities and Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Development, the 3,400 square-foot store is more compact but better planned than the previous Roots store at the same location. In addition to a new storefront, it features many of the environmentally friendly designs being implemented nationwide.

Liquid of longevity: Water has always been highly regarded for its therapeutic virtues. Centenarians often swear by their native water as the source of their long lives. One thing they all have in common is purity: no chemicals, no toxins. Tap water in urban areas contains pesticides, industrial pollutants, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. Well water and mountain streams in some parts of the countryside fare no better due to acid rain and toxic levels of minerals present in groundwater.

There are many filtration processes that remove contaminants. The best kinds use activated charcoal, which removes impurities but leaves the water-soluble minerals. Avoid water softeners, which remove essential minerals. At the same time, do not store water in plastic bottles or containers, as their polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) leach into the water.

- Source: Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni

ON THE MOVE

New appointments and promotions at Roots • Kim Court-Hampton promoted to Executive Assistant and Fashion Coordinator, Head Office • Liz Doggett promoted to Director, Wholesale Operations, Head Office • Farzana Khalid promoted to Manager at Oakville Place, Oakville, ON • Carmela Ledo promoted to Office Coordinator, Head Office The Source • 13

GREEN TIP #40

Easy ways to help the environment

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores

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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 Chateau Frontenac store in Quebec City. From left to right: MariePhilippe Cloutier, Nathalie Giroux, Gabrielle Jean, Annabelle Pigeon and Fanny Tremblay Girard.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT

Customers of all ages show their Roots wherever they go

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egular readers of The Source know that early this year, we launched this feature to showcase photos of children wearing Roots. It grew out of the fact that we often receive unsolicited photos from customers who want to share with us pictures of their children, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or even pets wearing Roots and asking if Kimberly Veenstra and Phil Kenny show their Roots in Greece they could be in a future ad campaign for Roots.

Kimberly and Phil were there on holiday.

In this issue, for the first time since we Everyone is welcome to submit their favourstarted publishing such photos, we are featurite shots to The Source to be considered for ing a picture with grownup children. Andrea publication. Please send your pictures to Veenstra of Brockville, Ontario sent us this photogallery@roots.com. Be sure to include the photo of her daughter Kimberly Veenstra and name and age of each child or pet in the photo, her boyfriend Phil Kenny who are students at where it was taken and a sentence stating that the University of Auckland in New Zealand. you agree for the photos to be used in The The photo was taken in July in Greece while Source.

14 • The Source

TOPPING IT OFF RIGHT A green roof is not simply a roof with plants growing on it. It functions like a “breathing wall,” consuming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emitting oxygen. Green roofs generally use lowmaintenance, droughtresistant plants. Vegetation is planted or laid down as prevegetated mats on a thin layer of soil. More intensive greenroof systems may contain trees and larger plants, but these require deeper soil and are more expensive.

One of the biggest benefits of a green roof is water management: it can absorb more than 50 percent of rainwater, thereby reducing runoff, a major source of pollution in our waterways. Plus, it can help reduce air-conditioning costs during the summer. The vegetation looks after itself through the seasons and creates a habitat for insects, which, in turn, provide food for birds.

Green roofs can also last more than twice as long as conventional rooftops. They look better, too. For more information, visit www.greenroofs.com.

- Source: Vanity Fair magazine Issue 75 - September 2007

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

BACK TO SCHOOL IN STYLE

Roots introduces children’s twill jackets for fall

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ith the onset of fall fast approaching, it won’t be long before everyone is swapping their summer clothes for cozy, warm jackets. The children’s line at Roots is offering up two stylish answers to the colder months ahead, both of which are now in Canadian stores.

The girls Frontier Twill parka is made of 100% cotton twill and features a sherpa-lined hood for added

insulation. A multitude of flap front pockets are featured on the front of the garment, perfect for storing winter gloves and other items. The jacket is currently available in Walnut.

Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $89.95 The matching 100% cotton twill boy’s jacket features a high sherpa-lined neck for protection from the elements and added warmth. Available

SUPERIOR WARMTH FOR FALL

Classic hoody hits stores for September

in Walnut, the piece has a decidedly scholarly feel lent by the Roots embroidered

KEEPING BABIES WARM

New collection offers cozy features for little ones

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ne of the newest Roots products to arrive in stores is the reversible Superior zip hoody.

Made of a cotton-polyester blend, the garment has a heavy sueded feel, retaining softness and comfort. For added warmth in the cooler temperatures, a 100% cotton waffle lining has been added, which can also be worn on the exterior as the hoody is reversible. Ribbed lambs wool is added on the Issue 75 - September 2007

hem and cuffs for extra protection from the elements.

Zippered main pockets allow for secure and ample storage while the Roots athletic crest is emblazoned on the left chest.

The Superior zip hoody is available in black coffee throughout all stores in Canada and the United States, and in charcoal mix in select stores.

Sizes: XS-XXL; Retail price: $118

crest on the front chest.

Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $89.95

nspired by the layering so prominent in the Fall/Winter ’07 line for adults, the Ilich Collection for babies features attractive styles in cozy textured fabrications perfect for the cooler months ahead.

The Ilich Plaid Hoody is made of 100% cotton flannel, gently brushed (and layered with jersey) for added warmth.

Available in Harvest Red Plaid.

Sizes: S-5T; Retail price: $32.95 The Ilich Cord Jacket (lined in sherpa) and matching Cord Pants are 100% cotton cord and are softly washed for comfort and durability. Avail-

able in Peacoat and Cashew.

Sizes: S-5T; Retail price: Jacket: $49.95, Pants: $34.95 For added protection from the elements, the collection also includes a variety of accessories.

The Ilich Cord Earflap Hat is made of 100% cotton cord and is lined in soft sherpa for added warmth.

Sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2T-5T; Retail price: $19.95 The Ilich Beanie is 100% knit acrylic and features innovative print techniques.

Available in Olive and Harvest Orange.

Sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2T-5T; Retail price: $16.95 All pieces are currently available in stores in Canada and the United States.

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16 • The Source

Issue 75 - September 2007