December 2007, by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 78 • December 2007

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA

STANDING TALL FOR THE BIG SEASON

Issue 78 - December 2007

Holiday period of eatt offf to a g grrea star oots startt a att R Roots

The Source • 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 78

ROOTS GOES BACK TO SCHOOL New interactive site is the source on leather HOLLYWOOD ELVES VISIT ROOTS The smaller stars of Fred Claus spend some time instore IMPORTANT GARBAGE Documentary shows that the eco-revolution starts at home ROOTS WALKS THE RUNWAY Fashionistas gather to take in the season’s latest styles NURSING A GOOD SENSE OF STYLE Hospital staff get outfitted in kid-friendly attire

Departments FINE PRINT GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS STAYING POWER

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Editorial Assistant CARLY ANDERSON Interns KASI BRUNO LAURA TSCHERNOW 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 ILICH MEJIA

THE BIG SEASON Holiday period off to a great start at Roots in lead-up to festive celebration

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots LOST AND FOUND This letter is to acknowledge exceptional customer service that I received at one of your stores in Edmonton, Alberta. The staff there deserve special recognition for going well above and beyond on behalf of this customer. My family was readying for a trip to Italy in November. I was looking for a handbag suitable for carrying passports and other documents and at the same time appeal to my oldest daughter’s tastes. I went to your store at the West Edmonton Mall and selected one of your newest designs. However, I returned it as my daughter preferred a smaller handbag. I did not realize that when I’d used my passport to test the size of an interior pocket of the bag at home, I forgot to remove it when I returned to the store. When the store staff tried to reach me by phone to tell me they had found my passport, I could not understand the voicemail due to a machine malfunction. I was still unaware that I did not have my passport. As I had not called the store, the staff then went the extra mile and sent the passport to my home by courier. I wasn’t even aware that I’d lost my passport. It would have been a disaster if I’d not received it back well

ahead of our trip to Europe. Although I phoned the store to thank them, I also wanted to tell the Head Office what a special crew you have in Edmonton. Thank you, from a very pleased and grateful customer. Susan Wingert Morinville, Alberta I WILL BE BACK Last month, I noticed a defect on a sleeper that my mother had purchased at Roots for my daughter who had only worn it a couple of times. The zipper was separating from the fleece. Unhappy with this I called the Roots store in Woodbridge, Ontario and spoke with the manager, Colleen Weber and key holder Rina Palumbo. I explained my issue and these two women were extremely kind and understanding. Even though I no longer had the receipt, they assured me that I could come in and get a new sleeper or a store credit. When I went into the store, the key holder working, Flo Eliya, helped me choose a new sleeper and did not give me a hard time. I am so thankful for everything done by the Roots Woodbridge staff. I will definitely be back to shop at Roots again! Jessica Rossi Woodbridge, ON

WORDS FROM DOWN UNDER I am an 18-year-old Australian and this year I worked for Roots at the Whistler, British Columbia store for half a year before returning recently to my home country. I just wanted to say how pleasurable my experience was. JM Ogden was my manager and he was absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t have hoped for a better team. I made some of my closest friends working at Roots. The team there was fun, enthusiastic and professional. JM was very understanding and always there to accommodate any of our needs. Melissa-Anne Stentiford, the Assistant Manager, was such a lovely person. She and JM worked hard to make sure everyone was happy. I’m writing not only to commend the Roots management team but to thank JM and Melissa-Anne for making my Whistler stay so memorable. Meagan Torelli-Scurrah Brisbane, Australia • 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! Due to the upcoming end-of-year holidays, the next issue of The Source will appear in early January. Issue 78 -December 2007

THE BIG SEASON

Holiday period off to a great start at Roots in lead-up to festive celebration

ike with any major production, there are many key players and countless details, big and small, that must come together in time and harmony for a successful holiday season at Roots. It’s a type of puzzle for which each piece must fit into place. The customer can take it for granted but everyone at Roots cannot. If preparations for the allimportant holiday season start long before the weather gives any hint of winter, it’s only in mid-fall that the first visible signs start appearing of what’s in store for the Roots holiday

experience on the retail side. In early November, each store was already transformed into a special showcase of holiday spirit in the Roots style. It operates on many levels - both in terms of the assortment and quality of products on view and the decoration of the stores. This year, the winter collection of merchandise is nothing short of superb. From the outerwear to accessories, from the leather bags to the sweats, there’s an excellent choice of gift possibilities for all ages. On the visual side, Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Develop-

The online catalogue features great holiday gift ideas for the whole family

Issue 78 - December 2007

The windows of the flagship store on Bloor shine with holiday cheer

ment, and her Visual Team have transformed the stores with an effective mix of props and design techniques to create a warm, inviting feel, evoking the spirit of the season. The colour theme is green (following last year’s holiday season accent on red) which is carried through in the use of trees, wreaths in the shape of peace symbols and special green holiday shopping bags featuring a creative rendering of the Roots beaver. In the flagship stores, there is wallpaper with greenery from Heather Cooper’s iconic beaver painting she did for Roots back in the 1970s. From the store windows to the winter accoutrements displayed amidst the merchandise, the atmosphere is unmistakably Roots. It’s no secret that in the retail industry, the holiday season covering both November and December - generates a disproportionately high amount of the annual sales due to the huge amount of gift purchases. “There’s a great mood and energy in our stores now,” says Jarar Kazmi, Executive Director, Retail. “With that

something special in the air, our staff love the challenge of the holiday period and they’re working hard to make it a successful season to conclude the year on a positive note.” Far from the retail stores, Roots is also busy for the holidays in cyberspace. So far, the recently redesigned website, which features various new innovations, is having its best holiday season on record. Online sales are way ahead of projections with another month still to go before the New Year marks the end of the holiday period. Continued on next page The Source • 3

The new Holiday catalogue is featured solely online in an environmental effort to reduce the waste created from traditional paper copies.

“In the online department, we’re incredibly happy and proud that customers have been so responsive to all the extra efforts we’ve put in place for the holidays this year,” says James Connell, Director of E-commerce, Digital Marketing and New Media. “It indicates that roots.com is on the right track and provides further encouragement to con-

tinue to make the online experience for Roots customers even better.” To that end, a special holiday catalogue was prepared for this season. Designed and photographed by Senior Art Director Ilich Mejia and styled by Visual Coordinator Patrick Davis, the 34-page catalogue offers an excellent selection of gift possibilities easily ordered online. When you click on each image, up pops the relevant details about the products featured. Although the countdown to the annual December 25 celebration has not yet quite begun, the holiday shopping fever has already started to kick in and it augurs well for Roots in the final month of 2007. - R.S.

PACKING IT ON FOR WINTER Popular men’s outerwear item in demand for the holidays

ith the cold weather finally upon us, there’s nothing like being prepared for the snow and sleet with a cozy and versatile jacket. Although the Packable Parka previously appeared in The Source (Issue 76), the strong positive response from customers has led us to feature it once again as an excellent holiday gift idea. Designed by the menswear team, the jacket is made of 95% down fill, which insulates the body while retaining a lightweight feel. The slim cut allows for a wide range of movement while still being thin enough to wear underneath a shell jacket. The hem is adjustable for a snugger fit, with a storm flap behind the main zipper to keep 4 • The Source

the elements out. Front zippered pockets provide secure storage of valuables and gloves within an additional pocket inside. True to its name, the Packable Parka is ideal for traveling as it can be easily folded up into the interior mesh zip pocket taking up minimal space. A similar design is seen in the matching layering vest sold separately. “In my opinion, the packable collection is one of the most technical garments we have produced to date,” says Dylan Anderson, Associate Men’s Wear Designer. “It’s truly the ultimate layering piece for cold weather. These parkas provide maximum insulation and warmth with minimal loft

and bulk. The fact that they can be made so compact to fit into a pouch makes them ideal for hiking and traveling. And they have a great look!” Available in black at most stores in Canada and the United States. Sizes: S-XXL; Retail price: $198

Issue 78 -December 2007

ROOTS GOES BACK TO SCHOOL New interactive feature gives informative and entertaining lessons on leather

tarting in “Often late people know Novemthat our ber, visitors to leather Roots.com products gained access to look good an inventive new but they feature. Created don’t know as a way to that we better educate make our customers, the items from Roots School of Italian Leather is an leather, interactive venue sourced devoted entirely from to the products tanneries made from the that use the popular fabric. best enviWeb viewers get a guided tour of the Roots leather experience Against a ronmental courtesy of Diane Bald and Andrew McCurbin scenic country practices,” backdrop, the site’s video says James Connell, Director, production process. The segnarrators Diane Bald, Lead E-Commerce, Digital Marketments are succint with many Designer of Roots Leather and ing and New Media. “We quick links offered at the side for Andrew McCurbin, Leather wanted to make the on-line more specialized information for Specialist, lead viewers through experience fun and educathe consumer. product showcases, care instructional as well as introduce The intent of the Leather tions, the history of Roots some of the people who are School is to raise awareness leather and what goes in to the behind our leather goods to among people who have never making of a product. A video our customers.” been to Roots and aren’t familiar tour of the state-of-the-art Roots with the products or those who Other online incentives factory in Toronto gives an include a contest to win a don’t have the goods offered in informative look into the Roots shopping spree. Fourtheir nearby stores.

HOLLYWOOD ELVES VISIT ROOTS The smaller stars of Fred Claus spend some time in-store

dorned with Christmas trees and holiday décor, the front foyer of the flagship store on Toronto’s

Bloor Street was recently transformed into a mini North Pole workshop. Stars of one of this season’s Hollywood holiday

Manager Brenda Preston hosts the elves from Fred Claus Issue 78 - December 2007

hits, Fred Claus, visited the store as a part of a cross-promotional initiative with Roots. The actors, dressed as their elf characters from the movie in full holiday costume, were the highlight of the evening event. During their two-hour stay, the six elves decorated cookies and wrapped gifts with customers and kids. In addition to their Toronto visit, the elves also visited Roots Ottawa. Fred Claus, starring Vince Vaughan, Paul Giamatti, Kathy Bates and Kevin Spacey was released in early November. The film about Santa’s older brother, the black sheep of the family, moving back to the North Pole, is already proving to be quite popular with moviegoers.

teen prizes are available to be won including 11 weekly prizes of a $50-gift certificate to stores and three monthly prizes for a $500-gift certificate. To learn more about Roots leather, visit www.rootsleather.com.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff • Stephanie Briers, Manager of Graphic Design, Head Office, Toronto, wed Mark Holden on October 13 in Mississauga, ON.

Mark and Stephanie Holden

• Brian Moniz, Manager at Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke, ON and Stephanie Moniz welcomed a baby girl named Gabriella Rita Moniz on November 12.

The Moniz family

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 • 5

FINE PRINT A selection of coverage of Roots in the media Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • Flare, Dec. issue. Roots leather bomber jacket featured in the ‘Flare Finds’ section. • Globe and Mail, Nov. 17. The cover of the Style section featured the white fur Trapper Ear-Flap and the red plaid Trapper Hat. Also, men’s style expert Russell Smith mentioned Roots leather bags in his weekly column – including a photo of the Colorado bag in tribe leather. • The Toronto Star, Nov. 17. Mentions the Roots outlet store on 120 Orfus (Toronto) in Holiday Shoestring Shopping Guide. • WestEnder (Vancouver), Nov. 8. Article entitled, ‘A Canadian clothing revolution’, focuses on Roots as one of the top ecoconscious labels in fashion. Michael Budman is quoted. • Where Vancouver, Nov. The men’s Hockey Sweater is featured in Holiday Shopping Guide and again in the ‘20 Things We Love About Vancouver’. Also, included in this issue, a Roots shopping directory. • Glow, Winter issue. Roots Melinda Clutch featured in the ‘Holiday Gift Guide’ section. • Fashion, Winter issue. Roots women’s Colette Fairisle Cardigan featured in the ‘Cabin Fever’ feature. • TBS’s Movie and a Makeover, Nov. 24. Correspondent Amy Goodman showcased a roundup of holiday gift offerings including the Stop Global Warming bracelets. • Metro (Vancouver), Nov. 11, The Toronto Star, Nov. 3. Article cites music played in Roots stores, quoting Michael Budman and referring to him producing three CDs featuring Motown, soul and reggae music. • National Post, Nov. 10. Roots kids Tshirts and the tribe leather Raiders Messenger Bag featured in the Holiday Gift Guide. • Wish, Oct. Roots leather pouch in crinkled patent-leather featured in the ‘L’Oreal Fashion Week’s Most Wanted’ section. Roots Uptown Flat Leather bag cited in the ‘This season’s must-have items’ section. Roots Madonna Bomber jacket featured in the ‘Fashion Files’ section. • Famous, Toronto Life, Oct. issue. Roots Super Shopper leather bag in black vernice/organza. • Lou Lou (Montreal), Oct. Roots patent leather Lauren tote and Uptown flat bag, Roots watch, Plaid Wilderness down-filled vest with removable hood and faux fur trim and Nella Fairisle Cardigan Sweater. • Chocolat (Montreal), Oct. Roots leather round club featured in the ‘Sofa-centric’ section. • Toronto Star, Oct. 28. Photo of socialite Paris Hilton wearing the Keep It Cool tee and blue Roots hoody. • National Post, Oct. 27. Roots Equestrian Toggle Sweater, Men’s Snowy Fox MockZip Sweater and Shaker Peaked Toque. Also, in the Weekend Post section, photos taken at the Roots Bag bar with VIPs who attended the week’s events. • The Toronto Star, Oct. 24. Article mentions the L’Oreal Fashion Week tent. Michael Budman is quoted. • Toronto Living, Oct. 22-29. Episodes feature Roots Rosedale store and Roots Yoga Studio, including interviews with Michael Budman and Laurie Campbell. -

6 • The Source

IMPORTANT GARBAGE Documentary shows that the eco-revolution starts at home

s a part of its ongoing support for environmental initiatives, Roots recently hosted an evening event in Toronto for a new documentary film entitled Garbage! In an informative and entertaining way, the movie draws much needed attention to an oftenoverlooked problem. Canadian filmmaker Andrew Nisker illustrates how the average household is a major environmental offender. Garbage! follows a couple as they save all of their waste over a three-month period. The 76-minute film shows how seemingly innocuous household activities have a surprisingly negative ecological impact. Nisker hopes his film will encourage viewers to connect the dots between their actions at home and their affect on the

environment. In mid-November, the Roots flagship store on Toronto’s Bloor Street, hosted a prescreening gala that attracted journalists, environmentalists and other assorted friends of Roots. Nisker circulated through the crowd, discussing his project and giving media interviews. Among those in attendance was Emily Hunter, daughter of the late environmentalist, Greenpeace founder and popular City-TV news reporter, Bob

Hunter. It was actually his saying, ‘the revolution starts at home’ that originally inspired Nisker to make his film. “It’s great that my father’s message is still able to inspire people even after his passing,” said Emily, a journalism student at the University of Toronto. “He would be happy to know that his words and work continue to make a difference.” For more information on Garbage!, go to garbagerevolution.com.

ROOTS WALKS THE RUNWAY Fashionistas gather to take in the season’s latest styles

n late October, attendees of Toronto’s L’Oreal Fashion Week ventured away from the tents of Nathan Phillips Square and into the glamorous nightlife of Ultra Supper Club. At the end of the weeklong fashion frenzy, Roots showcased new looks from its fall/winter line to a packed house of press and enthusiastic clubgoers in a midnight presentation. The evening was hosted by celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton

with music courtesy of Parisian DJ Chris Laroque. The 10 models (including familiar faces from the recent winter campaign) strutted their stuff showing off the latest in leather, winter accessories and cozy knitted sweaters. Styled by Nella Walker, Director of Design and Sophie Green, Creative Coordinator, the event attracted considerable media attention with various representatives from The Globe

and Mail, Much Music, CTV and Lou Lou magazine. Among those in the crowd, actor Jude Law was spotted enjoying the ambiance. Roots played an active role in the weeklong festivities, with the traditional runway show as well as an exclusive cocktail party hosted by Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman. A Bag Bar was also constructed on-site highlighting new and iconic leather products.

Issue 78 -December 2007

NURSING A GOOD SENSE OF STYLE Hospital staff get outfitted in child-friendly attire

n early November, Roots staff from Head Office and stores all over the Greater Toronto Area came together to spend a week at The Hospital for Sick Children. Their mission was to deliver the much-anticipated, customized uniforms designed and made by Roots for the 1,400 nurses of the downtown Toronto hospital. With lineups down the halls, the volunteers were great representatives of the Roots brand. They tirelessly helped distribute the orders, which included polos, tees, fleece vests, jackets and bottoms. Nurses collaborated with the designers to help create the attire to best suit their specific needs. All items were made with natural fabrics such as cotton (which washes well) and were preshrunk to avoid additional loss in the hot water necessary to kill germs. Practical details include extra high necklines on collars and shirts to prevent stethoscopes from rubbing on necks and

POWER UP WITH A WRIST TWIST New Automatic watches require no batteries

Toronto nurses help the sick in style with new Roots uniforms

plenty of handy pockets. The collection’s five bright hues were taken from the SickKids colour palette and child-friendly graphics were added to put patients more at ease. “The nurses were so excited they were changing into their clothing immediately,” says Michael Rotstein, a Registered Nurse at SickKids and Chair of the Registered Nurses’ Council, who helped coordinate the

venture. “It’s great to have such a practical, yet fun and comfortable uniform for the work we do.” Coordinated by the Businessto-Business Department, this is the first time Roots has undertaken such an initiative for a hospital. It has already generated interest from other hospitals to possibly develop a custom design program for their institutions.

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN

he new line of Eco Automatic watches is an innovative addition to the Roots collection. Powered by the natural energy wrist motion generates, they eliminate the need for batteries. This avoids battery disposal, making the watch an environmentally sound choice. Using kinetic technology that converts the wearer’s movement Frontier into power, the watches remain properly functional, accurately keeping time. In addition to their eco-centric efficiency, they come in three stylish designs. The black and silver Frontier offers classic style with GMT dual time. The Evolution Evolution, available in a stainless steel and leather band, is a sporty interpretation of the sustainable technology. For those who like to be on the cutting edge, the Adventure Adventure model includes a power indicator function, analog date and second subdials.

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

STAYING POWER

Saluting those who go the distance

dropped by the elebrities have long made sports gloves. store picking up a a point of shopping at • Beverly men’s Cooper Zip Roots. Here are the latest Hills, CaliforPolo and an sightings of prominia – Rush Olivia Sweater nent figures in the Hour 3’s Tunic for herself. world of entertainJackie Chan • Georgian Mall, ment and sports who dropped by Jackie Chan Barrie, ON – visited Roots stores Eugene Levy the store and Star of the recently: checked out • Rosedale, Toronto upcoming American Pie the new winter merchandise; – Eric Bana (MuPresents: Beta House, Taking a brief stop from Eric Bana nich, Hulk) and his Eugene Levy was her Best of Both Worlds wife made a return extremely personable, North American tour, visit to the store where chatting with staff Hannah Montana’s they picked up sweatpants as he picked up Miley Cyrus visited the and yoga long sleeved Tstore and picked up the tees. Staff shirts and Madonna Bomber remarked on Miley Cyrus sweatpants. jacket; what lovely • Chateau Best known for her role Sale and Pelletier customers Frontenac, Quebec City as Mimi on The they were. – Canadian figure Drew Carey • Jackson Square, skating stars Jamie Sale and Show, Kathy Tiffany Amber Thiessen Hamilton, ON – David Pelletier (who took home Kinney dropped Tiffany Amber the gold medal at the 2002 Salt by Roots and Thiessen of Saved By the Bell Lake City Olympics), stocked up picked up a and Beverly Hills 90210, Kathy Kinney on gift cards and black smoke Midtown bag. Issue 78 - December 2007

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) • James Connell, Director, New Media and E-Commerce, Head Office, Toronto, 10 years • Yvette Gordon, Picker Packer, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Filip Trajkovski, Store Manager, Pickering Town Centre, Pickering, ON, 5 years

The Source • 7

ROOTS BEVERLY HILLS GETS A NEW LOOK Renovation stylishly pairs sustainability and accessibility with eye-catching results

n early November, the 2,000square foot Roots store in Beverly Hills received a major makeover. In a matter of just ten days, both local store staff and the Roots renovation team worked around the clock to expedite the transition. The main goal was to improve the customer experience and streamline employee practices, with increased merchandising, storage space and more fitting rooms among the various changes. “The new shelving and storage space really help us to access product quickly and efficiently,” says Nicole Redd, manager since 2005. “Having the inventory on the floor is great. We can now respond to customer needs a lot more swiftly. The combination of better inventory management and a great new look is already generating more store visits.” As a part of the store’s first renovation since 1998, the redesign puts a deliberate emphasis on its new feature showcase, a 20-foot high wall spotlighting the Roots premium product — leather bags. Designed by Pauline Landriault, Director of Visual Planning and Store Develop8 • The Source

ment, the new look enhances both the overall customer and employee experience and — much like Roots Rosedale in Toronto — incorporates environmental sustainability. The many eco-friendly features include the use of organic paint, energy-efficient lighting and recycled fixture material. The flooring is made of bamboo and reclaimed wood, the latter found on the forest floor thereby avoiding the need to cut down trees for materials. For its part, bamboo contributes to sustainability as it grows in abundance and quickly. While the renovation is already generating great buzz, increased sales and lots of positive customer feedback, more changes are in the cards for the store. Permit pending, next year will see the entire storefront redesigned for added street presence. The design team is also looking into adding a greenwall to the store, a feature already present at Roots in Toronto’s Promenade Mall. Such displays are unique in that their plants grow horizontally to create a lush wall of greenery, furthering the earthy in-store atmosphere and aesthetic appeal and improving the quality of air. Issue 78 -December 2007

Manager Nicole Redd in the newly renovated store

Issue 78 - December 2007

The Source â&#x20AC;˘ 9

ROOTS AND REALITY TV

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL

Hamilton, Ontario store helps stressed-out newlyweds get out of debt

Spotlighting the top stores in October

s we’ve commented before, you never know where Roots will appear next. Latest case in point: Recently, Roots provided the setting for a segment of the popular Canadian reality show ‘Til Debt Do Us Part. The program features married couples facing financial difficulty and marital breakdown as a result of household debt. Most episodes include a job hunt segment, where one of the spouses hands out resumes in order to secure additional income. Producers of the show that airs on the Slice network chose the Roots store at Jackson Square in Hamilton, Ontario as a potential workplace for featured husband, Adam. During the mid-October shoot, Adam, accompanied by his wife and some crew, was filmed meeting with store manager Gwen Darling, while

submitting his resume to Roots. The filming was fairly quick, with Adam and Gwen nailing the scene in only two takes. Each episode follows a newlywed pair as they work with the host to correct spending habits and regain financial and marital stability. Look for Roots in the episode scheduled to air next season, in early 2008, and find out if Adam has joined the store team.

s this issue of The Source went to press, the final sales figures for stores in November were not yet in but we’re delighted to report the performance of most stores in October was to be celebrated. Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the Cataraqui location in Kingston, Ontario that captured the latest Store of the Month honours, beating its sales target by 131%. As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Orfus Road Outlet

The Cataraqui staff is all smiles as they celebrate the holiday season

GETTING GREEN WITH CHINA

Roots takes part in multi-national environmental forum

n early November, more than 100 leaders in the fields of government, industry, and academics gathered at Rotmans School of Business Management in downtown Toronto to discuss future environmental opportunities between Canada and China. With the continuing expansion of Roots in Asia, the growing Chinese economy and its impact on natural resources, is a source of great interest. Sophie Green, Creative Coordinator at Head Office, was on hand to welcome keynote speaker Douglas Tingey, (who works with Kyoto Protocol Clean Development projects in Asia) and to affirm the commitment of Roots to the environment. Douglas was presented with a Roots Banff bag in black 10 • The Source

store in Toronto took first place with a score of 138% over its sales budget. Congratulations to Manager Darlene Bain of the Cataraqui store and Andy O’Neil of the Orfus Outlet, along with their teams for their winning performances. Special mention also goes out to the Roots Home Store in Toronto for beating its sales target by 145%. Likewise, hats off to all the other stores that met or surpassed their goals.

are arising and work together to come up with ethical and ecofriendly answers.” The not-for-profit event was designed to foster business relationships between the two Sophie presents custom-made Roots gifts at countries while Canada China Environmental Forum 2007 addressing the environmental challenges and prince leather with a personalcreative market solutions. ized inscription on the interior Throughout the day, speakers bearing his name, the date and presented examples of innovathe conference title. tive approaches, sustainable “Due to the current expansion of Roots in China, I thought operations and how to use Canadian technology to meet it was appropriate for us to China’s growing needs. support and attend this event,” The event was well covered says Sophie. “Because of our by both Chinese and Canadian ongoing commitment to the environment, it’s important to be media, including CCTV, The Globe and Mail and CBC Radio. aware of global situations that

ON THE MOVE New appointments and promotions at Roots • Lauralei Bufford appointed to Assistant Store Manager, Oakville Place, Oakville, ON • Taryn Cokayne appointed to Store Manager, Oakville Place, Oakville, ON. • Amy Deyne appointed to Assistant Store Manager, Burlington Mapleview Centre, Burlington, ON. • Aaron Drever appointed to Network Administrator, Information Technology, Head Office, Toronto. • Jacquelyn James appointed to Senior Planner, Outlet Division, Head Office, Toronto. • Parita Naran appointed to Manager, Recruitment and Training, Head Office, Toronto. • Gary Shiga appointed to Manager, Purchasing and Facilities, Head Office, Toronto. • Josh Tillo appointed to Customer Service Associate, Head Office, Toronto. • Lauren Vescan appointed to Account Manager, Business-toBusiness, Head Office, Toronto. Issue 78 -December 2007

MUSICAL ROOTS

THE ROOTS TOP 10

This month, we spotlight popular American singer Alicia Keys

ost people got their first glance of a superstar in the making in 1985 when, at the age of five, a young Alicia Keys appeared as one of Rudy’s sleepover guests on TV on the Cosby Show. Gifted from a young age, by the time Keys was seven she was learning to master the music of Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin, her favourite. Born in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood in 1980, Alicia Augello-Cook is the only child of an Irish-Italian mother and Jamaican father. After her parents separated, Alicia and her mother moved to the city’s Hell’s Kitchen area where she spent most of her formative years. Turning down a scholarship to Columbia University to focus wholly on her music, she signed a demo deal with hit record

maker Jermaine Dupri. Keys recorded a few songs but nothing solid materialized. She would eventually meet record mogul Clive Davis who signed her to his new record label, J Records. Since then, Keys has released a string of multiplatinum albums, selling more than 25 million CDs in total worldwide. She has also won numerous awards including nine Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards and three American Music Awards. When not wowing audiences with her voice and not-to-miss live performances, Keys devotes a lot of time to honing her acting skills. She recently starred alongside Ray Liotta, Andy Garcia and Ben Affleck in Smokin’ Aces. She plays an assassin and has received much

praise for her acting ability. Look out for Alicia’s next big screen role as Philippa Schuyler, a biracial child prodigy in the US in the 1930s and 40s. Keys is also an active philanthropist. She is a spokeswoman for many organizations and has collaborated with other musicians such as Bono to raise awareness for various social causes. Her latest album recently

A guide to the sounds of Roots for December 1. No One, Alicia Keys 2. Papercut, Roz Bell 3. Valley Winter Song, Fountains of Wayne 4. Nite Runner, Duran Duran featuring Justin Timberlake 5. Apologize, Timbaland featuring One Republic 6. Do You Feel Me, Anthony Hamilton 7. Shut Up & Drive, Rihanna 8. Just Fine, Mary J. Blige 9. Lesson Learned, Alicia Keys featuring John Mayer 10. All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey - Compiled by Davin Bujalski

debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Albums chart. Make room for Alicia Key’s. She will continue to open doors wide open. - Davin Bujalski - Listen to Roots Radio to hear the music of Alicia Keys. To find out more about her, go to www.aliciakeys.com

A MONSTER OF A PRODUCTION

DOCUMENTARY SHOWS ACTOR’S TEAM IN STYLE

Roots crafts bags for Broadway horror spoof

Star TV showcases New Zealand-based Rabbitohs in Roots custom-made apparel

he opening night of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein at New York’s Hilton Theatre kicked off in style recently with customized gifts by Roots arriving for the cast and crew. Comedic actor and SCTV alum Andrea Martin, who stars in the play, ordered 60 Roots Idea City Totes with the insignia of the production embroidered on the front of the bags. The order was coordinated by David Jackson, Account Manager in the Business-to-Business Department. Based on the 1974 film of the same name, the reimagining of the classic horror legend sees Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon, inheriting a Transylvanian castle from his grandfather, Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. He becomes Issue 78 - December 2007

I committed to carrying on the deranged genius’ experiments in the reanimation of the dead. Directed by Susan Stroman, Young Frankenstein has been garnering much media attention and is one of the most popular Broadway productions this season. The theatre version features Megan Mullally, Roger Bart and Shuler Hensley as The Monster.

n mid-November, Star TV, the popular Canadian entertainment network, aired a documentary focusing on an elite rugby team with a special connection to Roots. The sixpart series offered an inside look at the ups and downs of New Zealand’s South Sydney Rabbitohs as they began their season under new owner and friend of Roots, Russell Crowe. The Academy Awardwinning actor has a longstanding relationship with Roots and his decision to outfit the team in the popular apparel was featured in the October 2007 cover story of The Source. Players can be seen throughout the documentary wearing many of the Roots hoodies, leather jackets and hats Crowe purchased as a part of his continuing loyalty to the brand.

Fans of rugby and Roots apparel will enjoy Russell Crowe’s South Sydney Story The Source • 11

GREEN TIP #43 Easy ways to help the environment

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

s part of our continuing series of team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is shining the spotlight on the Whistler Village store in Whistler, British Columbia. Back row (from left to right): Melissa Anne Stentiford, JM Ogden, Middle row (left to right): Sarah Nicholas, Michelle Poty, Kalen Lennox, Sarah Schuster, Front row (left to right): Jo Whittington, Tahnee VanLieshout, Megan Voth, Missing: Janet Vanderhor, Veronique Belanger, Jessica MacDowell.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT The littlest customers show their Roots

the name and egular readers of The age of each Source know that early child or pet in this year, we launched the photo, this feature to showcase photos where it was of children wearing Roots. It taken and a grew out of the fact that we sentence often receive unsolicited photos stating that you from customers who want to agree for the share with us pictures of their photos to be children, cousins, nieces, used in a future nephews, grandchildren, or issue of The even pets wearing Roots. They Source. often ask if they could be used in a future advertising campaign for the brand. We can’t promise that but we are happy to publish them in The Source. Everyone is welcome to submit their favourite shots to The Source to be considered for publication. Please send your pictures to photogallery@roots.com. Erik Kristian Werner, 8 months, Ajax, ON Be sure to include

12 • The Source

Taylor Ryan, 3 1/2 years old, Ottawa, ON

TOILET TALK: Time was a lowflush toilet guaranteed you membership in the Double Flush Club - hardly an environmental savings. But new toilet-tank technology is such that a six-litre (1.6 gallon) tank does the job quickly and completely, using less than half as much water as old models. Some municipalities offer sizeable rebates on low-flush toilets when you get rid of your old one. But with minor adjustments, even older toilets can become more efficient water-users. Displace some of the water in the tank with a capped, plastic litre bottle filled with water. Plumbing leaks account for a remarkable amount of water consumption, so check that your toilet isn’t a silent culprit. Add food colouring to the tank water and let it sit for 20 minutes. If you see the colour in the toilet bowl, your tank is leaking. - Source: Green Tips: How to Save Money and the Planet, published by Green Living Enterprises.

HEALTH TIP #40 Easy ways to stay healthy

CHEW IT UP: To live longer, be kind to your insides. How? Each time you take a bite of food, chew at least 30 times before swallowing. When you do, your food is predigested in the mouth by the enzyme ptyalin, found in your saliva. As a result, the stomach doesn’t have to work as hard, and absorption of important vitamins and nutrients occurs more readily. Remember: Your stomach doesn’t have teeth! It breaks down food with nothing more than gastric juice and acid. Eating too quickly also contributes to an increased production of acid, resulting in the common problem of heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Another benefit of chewing thoroughly is that you will feel full after eating less food, keeping your weight at a healthier level. - Source: Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni Issue 78 -December 2007

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY

PRETTY IN PLAID

The festive season inspires new designs for kids

Winter accessories offer chalet chic

ith the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to stock up on comfortable basics for kids. The cheery colours and wintry sayings emblazoned on the garments celebrate this special time of year and makes for a great photo opportunity. For babies, the Santa’s Little Helper Jumper made of a cotton/ polyester fleece blend will help keep them warm throughout the cold winter nights. The arm and leg openings of the one-piece are ribbed for comfort and a zipper runs the length of the garment for easy access. “Santa’s Little Helper” with the Roots beaver logo is featured on the chest. Available in Harvest Red. Sizes: XS-XL; Retail price: $29.95 To complete the ensemble is the matching Holiday Hat and Mitts

set. Made of 100% acrylic fibre, the pair is featured in Harvest Red Stripe. The toque has a small pompom atop the head and the beaver logo on the brow. The mittens are ribbed at the bottom for added security from the elements and are joined together by a string which can be threaded through the back of a jacket so they won’t be lost. Sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2T-5T; Retail price: $24.95 For girls, the Holiday Graphic Tee is available in a variety of colours. The classic tees are made out of organic cotton and come in Harvest Red, Black and Spruce. For a festive twist, the shirts come with a choice of “Tell Santa I’ve Been Good,” “Peace on Earth” and “Santa’s Little Helper” inscribed on the chest with the Roots logo on the left sleeve. Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $19.95

oots is adding some cozy apparel to its winter lineup, just in time for the cold season. The Canada collection, centered on pink, yellow Sunshine Scarf Earflap and plaid designs, includes many Brights accessories to help curb the winter chill. The feminine and youthful look is inspired by the outdoor ski and chalet experience. The new additions effectively pair the practicality of warmth with style. For the outdoors, there are Woodsman Earflap Caps, the Aurora Quilted Mitts Aurora Quilted and the Sunshine Scarf. The Aurora Quilted Mitt Trapper merchandise also features some great indoor accessories, perfect for Women’s Winter Plaid PJ Pant the post-ski repose. Chalet gear $48 includes the Iceland Sock Mock, Canada Earflap Brights $28 Winter Plaid Pyjamas and the Sunshine Scarf $38 Fireside Lounge Pant. Aurora Quilted Trapper $45 Aurora Quilted Mitt Woodsman Plaid PJ Pant $38 Earflap WoodsHat man Earflap Cap $38 Women’s Fireside Sock Lounge Pant Mock $48 Iceland Sock Mock $29.95 (left)

FUN FABRIC, CLASSIC STYLES

VINTAGE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Tweed fleece collection hits stores in time for the holidays

New men’s wear shirt is a Roots classic

ood news for fans of Roots sweats. The popular design is getting a fresh look courtesy of Associate Women’s Wear Designer Joanne Joseph. The material features small clusters of bright yarn, which gives the appearance of a colourful woven patterning to the cotton–polyester garments. Now available in stores, the collection is featured in vintage white, medieval blue and greymix tweed. The Tweed Toggle Sweatshirt is a more sophisticated take on the basic kanga hoody. Retaining the warmth and practicality of the large front pocket, it has a relaxed fit making it suitable for layering over tanks and tees. The lowered ribbed neckline (with toggle closure) and longer length on the hip make it Issue 78 - December 2007

flattering to wear over denim or a pair of leggings. Sizes: XS-XL; Retail price: $88 The matching Tweed Cropped Pant is an updated version of the popular fleece bottoms. Like other select styles, “Roots” is embroidered on the rear in uppercase letters. Sizes: XS-XL; Retail price: $52.95

familiar look from the recent winter photo shoot in Algonquin Park is now available in stores. The Roots Vintage Overshirt is a versatile piece with a relaxed fit perfect for layering in cold weather. It can be worn over a graphic or long sleeve tee or under a warm sweatshirt or cardigan for many different looks.

This original design is handwoven with a two-sided weave out of 100% natural cotton. A heavy distressed wash was added as a finish for a comfortable worn-in feel. Two flapped front pockets on the chest allow for secure storage. Available in green plaid and navy plaid. Sizes: S-XXL; Retail price: $59 The Source • 13

14 â&#x20AC;˘ The Source

Issue 78 -December 2007