April 2008

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 82 • April 2008

GREENER THAN EVER

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA

New “tree-tap” bags latest innovation in expanding line of eco-friendly products at Roots

Issue 82 - April 2008

The Source • 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 82

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHATELAINE Preeminent magazine commemorated with namesake “IT” bag ROOTS ACROSS KOREA Continued expansion of stores throughout the country LIGHTS OUT! Roots stores flick off for Earth Hour BIGGER, BETTER AND GREENER Roots takes part in second annual eco-friendly event LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN VIPs on latest tour get Roots keepsakes

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 Intern KASI BRUNO 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

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA

GREENER THAN EVER New “tree-tap” bags are the latest innovation in the expanding line of eco-friendly products at Roots

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots THE WAY TO BE I have been a regular shopper at Roots in Vancouver and I want to commend one of your employees there in particular.

Jacquie Thomas, [now Manager at West 4th, Kitsilano, BC] is always very kind and helpful.

She is to be congratulated for her outstanding performance and for her excellent customer service. She treats all customers with the utmost respect, and is so professional and down to earth in her manner.

Jacquie and her staff make me feel completely at home in their store. By the way, Jacquie guessed correctly the number of Roots T-shirts that I accumulated during 2007. A total of 50 Tshirts no less and that doesn’t include the sweatpants and hoodies that I bought. Jacquie is truly special and one of the most amazing individuals that I’ve encountered during my 44 years.

Betty Jang Vancouver, BC A REASON TO RETURN I am sure that most people who write to you do it to complain.

That’s certainly not the case in this instance. One evening in early March, I had occasion to be in the Roots store in the Scarborough Town Centre

(Toronto) with a friend to purchase some gifts for my grandson’s birthday. We were assisted by a nice young woman whose name was Kyla Scott.

I went into the store because of your product line but I would return and strongly recommend the place because of her. She was helpful, knowledgeable, and very pleasant. She should be, you might say, but unfortunately that’s not always the case in today’s retail world. Ladies and gentleman, Kyla is a keeper!

Please pass this along to her.

John McNeil Toronto VALUED SUPPORT During a recent weekend at our store, we experienced some problems receiving authorization for certain credit card and debit card purchases made by customers. As you can imagine, this can make for some challenging moments.

Fortunately, we had the support and cooperation of the Roots retail accounting group in Toronto. They could not have been more helpful. In particular, the work of Janice Blair, Retail Store Systems Analyst, was exemplary.

When I asked Janice if there was an easier, faster method of

obtaining verbal credit card approval, she suggested contacting our retail accounting rep. I emailed Maria Caradonna with my tale of woe and she sent the request out to her team. We have a copy of the cyber conversation between the departments and, sure enough, they came up with alternative phone numbers. It was exactly the type of assistance we needed, and always appreciate as such support makes our work easier and more efficient.

Thank you to Janice and the rest of the retail accounting group at Head Office. You make a great difference.

Jamie Quinn Manager, Roots 73 Niagara Falls, Ontario • 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 81 of The Source, the ‘New and Noteworthy’ column featured an item on the baby organics line entitled “It’s a jungle out there.” Graphic Designer Ashley Allwood created the embellishments for the collection.

- 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 at the end of April.

GREENER THAN EVER New “tree-tap” bags are the latest innovation in the expanding line of eco-friendly products at Roots. By KASI BRUNO

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s a part of its ongoing efforts at staying vital and relevant in an increasingly eco-centered market, Roots often makes room for innovative and sustainable new product development. The recently launched Roots Green assortment of apparel illustrates this ever-important hybrid of fashion and sustainability. The clothing, made of a blend of natural and organic materials, is gaining a more prominent place in Roots stores across Canada and in the United States. Underlining its growing importance, the in-store “way-finding” system, including floor clings and displays, directs customers to the Roots Green products.

“Roots Green was launched as a way to better highlight the organic and sustainable items in our stores,” says Stephanie Holden, Manager, Graphic Design, who designed the program’s logo, labels and hangtags and created the concepts for the in-store signage.

“The logo for Roots Green is a graphic sprouting plant. It symbolizes that we are planting a seed for our future by creating environmentally responsible clothing. It’s a collection that is young and growing, similar to the sprout.”

New designs and graphics under the eco-branding initiative

Available in May, the eco-friendly ‘wild leather’ tree-tap bags are created in some of the most popular and practical Roots designs: the laptop bag, tote and flat bag.

are introduced monthly. While organic blends are a significant part of the Roots commitment to create socially responsible merchandise, the brand is always looking to go one step further as a pioneer in environmental product development. To that end, the Roots leather division is now preparing to introduce a highly original, new creation, which no other major label in North America is currently offering shoppers.

This most recent expansion

involving Roots bags comes as a result of a rekindled curiosity in a time-honoured South American tradition called tree-tap. The process, first developed and still carried out deep in the Brazilian Amazon region, involves the extraction of latex rubber from trees to create an interesting material. Once harvested, the rubber undergoes a heating process to solidify the liquid latex. This vulcanization procedure, which remains truly organic, is done prior to shipment. After the rubber is extracted from the trees, it is placed on a cotton canvas backing and dried over a smoldering fire and under the hot, Brazilian sun. It is this drying process that effectively gives the “wild leather” its distinctive texture and colour. In addition, the scent from this organic process still remains. In fact, the bag’s authenticity rests not only in its rich South

American roots, but also in its distinct aroma.

“It’s incredible how when you hold a Roots bag with treetap rubber close to you, you can actually smell the rainforest,” says Karl Kowalewski, Roots leather specialist who initiated this project after first discovering the material in the early 1990s. “What’s most gratifying for us about this whole initiative is that by integrating this material into Roots products, we are supporting the tree tappers in Brazil whose work helps protect a massive area of the Amazon rainforest from being cut down.”

As the first major branded retailer to offer tree-tap products to the public, Roots is introducing the new material to its leather bag collection, specifically two-toned and dual material bags, which are growing in popularity. For its part, Roots has taken this trend one Continued on next page

The driving force behind the innovative tree-tap bags, Karl Kowalewski, (right), with his brother Henry. Both have played a seminal role in the Roots leather program at the state-of-the-art factory in mid-town Toronto since the company’s inception in 1973.

Continued from previous page

step further, engineering an ecofriendly match made in heaven.

In addition to using the vulcanized latex, the new Roots bags also incorporate vegetabletanned leather into the designs.

This revolutionary blend of vegetable-tanned leather — the most sustainable tanning method — and tree-tap rubber, create a fully ecologically sound bag.

This tanning process, whereby pigment is created involving tree bark, uses no chemicals.

Through the combination of vegetable-tanned leather and tree-tap material, Roots has effectively engineered one-of-a-

kind bags that pay tribute to the environment through-andthrough. The organic nature of the bag further manifests itself through its natural aroma.

Due to the unique character of the latex and its natural composition, the bag breathes and matures even after production, slightly changing colour and texture. As such, a special solution (to be applied with a flannel cloth) is included with every bag for those who want to preserve its original texture and tone. Alternatively, for those who like the look of an authentically maturing accessory and want the natural developing tones and textures of the mate-

The Roots Green line gets close to nature with a comfortable blend of organic materials (including cotton, bamboo, hemp and soy) fashioned into the cozy, stylish garments.

4 • The Source

rial — often referred to as “wild leather” — they can leave it as is. Witness and wear the natural evolution of the latex turned leather. Tree-tap wild rubber gives a distinct feel, sheen and durability to a bag. Thanks to these qualities, such products become more beautiful with use.

Although initially approached to use tree-tap extract in its products nearly 15 years ago, Roots did not proceed with the addition at the time due to imperfections in the vulcanization process as well as various aesthetic hurdles. Fast-forward to the 21st century, tree-tap production has matured and is now easily commercialized. Not only is this new innovation fashionable and functional, it also effectively contributes to sustainability in the Brazilian region in which its materials are harvested.

Tree-tap creates a viable business for the indigenous population in the Amazon area and its surroundings. The establishment of this microindustry, utilizing the renewable resource the rubber extracted from the trees provides, helps conserve more than two million acres of rainforest. The trees’ commercial utility discourages people from cutting them down, thus protecting this invaluable resource and local culture.

“By pairing the tree-tap with the vegetable-tanned leather, Roots has made a bag that’s truly environmental,” says Karl, one of Canada’s top leather designers with 35 years of working at the heart of Roots. “At first glance, the bags do not look

Amazon Tote

much different from the rest of the leather collection. It’s when people hear the incredible, international story of the tree-tap journey, do they instantly connect with the bag.”

Roots plans to introduce the tree-tap bags in three different styles and the latest additions to the anchor leather bag collection will be available in stores in May. Customers can chose from a laptop bag, the popular flat bag, as well as the Valencia tote, whose tree tap counterpart will be appropriately renamed the Amazon tote. - K. B. Issue 82- April 2008

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHATELAINE National women’s magazine commemorated with namesake “IT” bag

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n early April, Chatelaine magazine will celebrate its 80th anniversary in grand style. A leader in the coverage of women’s interests and issues, the Canadian magazine is being fashionably immortalized in the form of its own custom-made Roots leather handbag.

It is called the Chatelaine bag and its design is inspired, in part, by the acclaimed Roots Banff bag. Made from Italian full grain leather, the material is processed at an eco-friendly vegetable tannery. The glossy red licorice finish is gradually shaded throughout the bag, for a richly darker appearance at the bottom.

Made at the state-of-the-art leather factory in mid-town Toronto, the Chatelaine ($248) comes with a branded stamp of

the magazine’s logo on the inside and a matching red licorice and silver accented heart charm. Whip stitched handles are long enough to sling over a shoulder or elegantly hang from the crook of an arm. The result is a youthful yet sophisticated accessory, perfect for everyday wear.

Created by the design team of Karl Kowalewski, Director of Leather, Diane Bald, Lead Designer of Roots Leather and Denyse Green, creator of the Roots Yoga line, ads for the bag will be featured in Chatelaine from the months of May through to July.

Roots will also be the national sponsor of

the anniversary gala evening at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto in early April. An exclusive shopping event at the Bloor Street flagship store is in the works as well.

Launched in 1928 and based in Toronto, Chatelaine publishes separate editions in English and French every month. It reports on areas of concern to women, including current affairs, food, health, fashion and home.

ROOTS ACROSS KOREA Continued expansion of stores throughout the country

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he past several months have seen a whirlwind of construction, grand openings and celebrations as Roots enhances its presence in South Korea, with stores spreading ever further south of the capital city, Seoul.

Adding to the three flagship locations already in place (whose openings were covered

by The Source last year), six sites within department stores

Cheonan Yawoori Issue 82 - April 2008

will have launched throughout the country by the end of March.

Two more are slated to open in late April.

Staying true to the quality and values of Roots, ecofriendly features have been incorporated into the store designs with bamboo flooring and natural fixtures. The use of canoes and the beaver icon lend a distinctly Canadian feel, even overseas.

Meanwhile, last month, in other recent Korea-related developments, the March issue of Korean Cosmopolitan magazine featured an impressive fashion spread, On the Street, Watch Out!, (right), showcasing the latest in-store collection of Roots in the form of paparazzi snapshots. For more information and to view the complete editorial shoot, visit www.rootskorea.kr.

Inside the Roots store at the Samsung Plaza Bundang The Source • 5

LIGHTS OUT!

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

Roots stores flick off for Earth Hour

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he ambience was noticeably darker for customers out shopping on the evening of Saturday, March 29 — with good reason. To show its support for the fight against global warming, 19 Roots stores across Canada turned off their lights for one hour between 8 pm and 9 pm, as part of the international climate change initiative Earth Hour.

In accordance with its long established concern for the environment, Roots joined hundreds of individuals, businesses and cities around the world to make a statement.

Wherever technically possible, all store lights were turned off.

For certain stores, due to lease agreements in shopping malls (that don’t allow tenants to turn off all lights and close early), all non-essential lighting was turned off instead, in order to partici-

pate in a more symbolic manner.

The environmental awareness initiative run by the World Wildlife Fund aims to convey the message that individual action on a mass scale can change our planet for the better, especially when it comes to the environment. Inspired by Sydney, Australia’s Earth Hour efforts in 2007, this year, major global cities such as Copenhagen, Chicago, Brisbane, Tel Aviv and Toronto came together to switch off. Canada proudly led all countries in participants. For more information about Earth Hour, go to www.earthhour.org.

BIGGER, BETTER AND GREENER Roots takes part in second annual eco-friendly event

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or three days in late April, the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto will be transformed into a mecca of environmentalism with a

highly visible presence once again from Roots.

A consumer exhibition dedicated to all things green, and growing with popularity, the second annual Green Living Show will be double the size of last year’s inaugural event. More than 300 eco-friendly vendors will be on hand to offer the latest in a variety of products and “greenovations” for use in everyday life.

This year, the Roots booth will inform the public about the steps the company is taking in support of the environment, which includes showcasing the newest designs from the organic Roots Green line (which incorporates sustainable fabrics

such as bamboo, hemp and soy) as well as yoga active wear. A yoga stage will be set up conveniently nearby, offering live demonstrations and mats for visitors to participate in mini-classes.

Presented by Green Living Enterprises, this year’s event will feature various experts in the fields of energy, building, health, fashion and tourism to enlighten and entertain visitors. Noted guest speakers include former US President Bill Clinton, the Waterkeeper Alliance’s Robert F. Kennedy Jr., actor Ed Begley Jr., and French explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau.

LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN VIPs on latest album tour get Roots keepsakes

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n late March, seminal rock band The Eagles launched a world tour in support of their latest CD release, The Long Road Out of Eden. In honour of their first album of new material since 1979, Roots is supplying leather mementos to VIP ticket holders on the UK leg of the concert tour.

Premium concert ticket provider I Love All Access ordered more than 800 red leather book covers and 2,600 matching luggage tags embossed with the band’s logo and tour 6 • The Source

name for special fans. Depending on the ticket package purchased, concert-goers are eligible for a combination of the gifts, custom-made at the Roots leather factory in Toronto.

The order was facilitated by Melinda McDonald, VicePresident of Wholesale and Business Development, and coordinated with the Roots leather factory

by David Jackson, Account Manager in the Busi-

The Eagles

ness-to-Business Department.

Formed in Los Angeles, The Eagles are among the most successful recording artists of the 1970s, with six number one albums and five Grammy Awards.

Big developments in the life of Roots staff

• Jennifer Sage, Translator, Head Office wed Samiran Dwivedi on February 11 in Calcutta, India.

Hearty congratulations to Jennifer and Samiran for this great moment 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)

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance

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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 contributions and enduring loyalty to Roots: • Isabel Avila, Leather Table Work, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Dorota Krol, Leather Production Administrator, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Lina Osorio, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Madalena Ramos, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Maria Simoes, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, Toronto, 10 years • Laura Hanna, Store Manager, Spring Garden Place, Halifax, NS, 5 years Issue 82- April 2008

LENDING STYLE TO LEATHERHEADS Roots provides gift apparel for new George Clooney production

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ast and crew of the upcoming film Leatherheads and lucky members of the international press now have a fashionable Canadian memento to celebrate the release of Universal Pictures’ latest big-name sports comedy.

More than 1,000 longsleeved fleece henley shirts in midnight blue and black, embossed with the movie’s logo, were commissioned by the studio to be custom-made

by Roots. The order was coordinated by Wendy Goodman, Los Angeles-based

Cast of Leatherheads

Roots representative and executed in Toronto by Mary Jane Saliba, Senior Product Coordinator in the Businessto-Business Department at Head Office.

Starring George Clooney, Renee Zellweger and The Office’s John Krasinski, Leatherheads is a romantic comedy set in the world of 1920s football. A strait-laced college sensation (Krasinski) is drafted to a professional team, only to watch his new coach fall for his fiancee. The period piece, directed by Clooney, is to be released in early April.

YORKDALE GETS CONNECTED Interactive technology hits newly renovated store

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hopping at Roots is getting easier and easier. The transformation of Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre flagship location into a sleek, eco-friendly showroom in late March was further enhanced by the new computer kiosk project recently introduced in-store.

Director of Information Technology Robin Nelson and her team, along with Director of E-Commerce, Digital Marketing and New Media James Connell, created an interactive kiosk giving customers access to

browse and buy on the Roots.com web site. The project was coordinated with Director of Visual Planning and Store Development Pauline Landriault.

This new innovation allows the store to show a wider range of products, which they might not ordinarily carry, thereby increasing their ‘bricks-andmortar’ presence. The online video option is helpful in highlighting special product lines and can be used to convey important themes and product

knowledge to staff as well as customers (as seen in the recent Roots School of Leather video).

Teaming up with digital signage company Adflow Networks, the kiosks give Roots the opportunity to better understand their customers through surveys, contests, feedback and consumer behaviour monitoring.

Possible future plans on the horizon include motion sensor marketing with media content to educate and entertain shoppers about Roots promotions.

BEST OF FINE PRINT A selection 2 of0coverage 07 of Roots in the media Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines: • Canadian Living, April issue.

Roots Green Eco-Handbags featured in the ‘Trend Watch: Reusable Bags’ section. Also, mentions the Roots Envelope Clutch.

• Glow, April. Roots two-tone Envelope Clutch is featured in the Quiet Riot fashion shoot section.

• Style, March. Article mentions Roots sweats for L’Oreal Fashion Week Spring 2008.

• National Post, March 22.

Article features Roots leather factory in Toronto as a Canadian company still manufacturing products locally. Michael Budman is quoted.

• The Calgary Herald, Mar. 14.

Roots Envelope Clutch featured in the ‘Double-Bag It’ section.

• Now, March 12. Roots now carries a leather version of Converse’s celebrated Jack Purcell shoe, featured in the ‘Life & Style’ section.

• Globe and Mail, March 1.

Roots Milano leather bag featured in the ‘All the spring’s men’ section.

• The Jewish Magazine, March. Roots Village Pack is featured in a Travel Product Guide section.

• Gardening Life, April/May. Roots women’s organic Love Birds T-shirt and tree-tap rubber tote bag.

• Vancouver’s Lifestyle, Spring. Roots ‘I’m a Green Bag’ tote is featured in a rating of various eco-chic and friendly bags.

• Canadian Family, April.

Roots Envelope Clutch in grass featured in the ‘What a girl wants’ section. The editor calls it the “new favourite evening bag.”

With its grand opening in late March, the newly renovated space at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto was transformed into a concept store of boutique-style shops. Using eco-friendly sustainable building materials throughout and with new Store Manager Jennifer Ferreira at the helm, the resized store is getting positive reviews.

Issue 82 - April 2008

- Compiled by Carmela Ledo

The Source • 7

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing stores in February

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The Ontario tourism marketing campaign features scenic views of Quetico Provincial Park near Thunder Bay (left) and the winter fun offered at Mount St. Louis Moonstone near Barrie as postcards. This summer’s campaign, with the help of Roots, focuses on getting kids active with fun, physical events.

YOURS TO DISCOVER New provincial campaign enhanced by Roots

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ntario as a tourist destination has been in the spotlight recently with a series of commercials featuring successful singers from the province (among those Molly Johnson, Keshia Chante, Toya Alexis) alongside eye-catching montages of bustling cityscapes and scenic countrysides. As a follow up initiative to the acclaimed campaign, Ontario Tourism is getting in touch with its roots

for the new summer program.

More than 2,500 Roots backpacks and several leather jackets were commissioned to be given away as prizes at more than 40 events during the coming months at Yonge and Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.

Sponsored by YTV, the kid-friendly activities will promote good health and an active lifestyle for youth and will put Roots at the top of people’s minds in time for the

back-to-school season.

“Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership is delighted to partner with Roots,” says Mara Pezzutto, Senior Manager, US Marketing.

“We feel it’s a perfect match between Ontario as a premier destination and Roots, a Canadian brand icon.”

The order was facilitated by Ladi Popoola, Account Manager in the Business-to-Business Department.

s this issue of The Source went to press, the final sales figures for stores in March were not yet in but we’re delighted to report the performance of most stores in February was to be applauded.

Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the St. Vital Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba that captured the latest Store of the Month honours, beating its sales target by 194%.

As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Sunnyside Outlet store in Bedford, Nova Scotia took first place with a score of 474% over its sales budget.

Congratulations to Joseph Meissner, Manager of the St. Vital store and Malcolm Leach, Acting Store Manager of the Sunnyside Outlet along with their respective teams for their winning performances.

Likewise, hats off also to all the other stores that met or surpassed their goals in February.

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

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Ottawa, ON – In elebrities have long made ladies sweatpants. town for the Canaa point of shopping at • Beverly Hills, California Roots. Here are the latest dian Idol auditions, - The original Daisy Duke sightings of prominent host of the from TV’s The Dukes of figures in the world of realityHazzard, Catherine Bach entertainment and singing shopped at the store. sports who visited program – Striker Roots stores recently: Ben for the • Catarqui Town Mulroney Catherine Bach Los shopped at Square, Kingston, Angeles the store, picking up two Galaxy, ON – Starring as baseball caps to replace “Troy” in the Disney Edson the worn-in Roots hat he Buddle On Ice’s High School Ben Mulroney was wearing.

Musical production, stocked up on Edson Buddle • Prince George Jordan merchandise.

Brauninger Pine Centre, - Star of Prince George, visited the American Pie BC – Up-andstore, and SCTV purchasing coming Brazilian alum, Eugene model Isabella some Levy dropped men’s tees. DeCarli dropped by the store, • Rideau by, picking up picking up Jordan Brauninger Isabella DeCarli someT-shirts.

Eugene Levy green cropped Centre, 8 • The Source

Sunnyside Outlet on top again

ON THE MOVE New appointments and promotions at Roots • Daniel Allen appointed to Senior Designer, Men’s wear Department, Head Office • Allyson Lewis appointed to Senior Designer, Women’s wear Department, Head Office • Alex Patalas promoted to Keyholder, Robson St., Vancouver, BC • Jessika Rahmberg promoted to Keyholder, Robson St., Vancouver, BC Issue 82- April 2008

MUSICAL ROOTS

AUGUST This month, we spotlight Bryan Adams

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t’s not only due to his many international concert tours that singer/ songwriter Bryan Adams has seen so much of the world.

Born in Kingston, Ontario, he spent his youth in several countries as his father was a diplomat and served in the Canadian Forces. Long before he made a name for himself in the music field, Adams lived in Israel, England, Portugal, France and Austria. Today, he’s based in London, England.

Early on, he developed a passion for music. He was taken to Vancouver by his mother at the age of 14 and was soon performing in nightclubs with bands such as Shock and Sweeney Todd. In 1978, when he was 18, he sent some of his demo recordings he had made with songwriter Jim Vallance to A&M records in Toronto and was quickly signed for a whopping $1.

Since then, Adams has released 14 albums, selling millions worldwide. He has won 18 Juno Awards, along with two Grammy Awards in 1992 and 2008. He was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 1998 and more recently into Canada’s

Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Adams has also received the Order Of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.

During a ten-year period starting in the mid-1980s, Adams was one of the most successful rock singers in the world. His popularity was helped by his blue-collar image – in concert, he usually wore blue jeans, sneakers and a white T-shirt – which mirrored his straightforward rock n’ roll style and the hard-working values of his lyrics. The partnership with Jim Vallance led to heart

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds of Roots for April wrenching songs of love found, love lost and loneliness, all sung with his distinctive raspy voice.

With major hits like “Lonely Nights,” “Cuts Like A Knife,” “Run To You,” “Summer Of ‘69,” and “Everything I Do (I Do For You),” Adams became a musical icon. He toured extensively, selling out large stadiums, gaining new fans everywhere.

Many of his songs were featured in some of the biggest blockbuster movies of the 1980s and ‘90s. He continues to score music for film and television to this day.

In addition to his musical achievements, Adams has been involved in many humanitarian initiatives, playing a major role at historic concert events such as Live Aid, Rock For World Peace, Amnesty International, and at concerts celebrating various causes including the fall of the Berlin Wall and Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday.

Adams is also an accomplished photographer. His work has been featured in major publications and books that have raised funds for organizations

1. Any Other Day, Wyclef Jean featuring Norah Jones 2. Go Back To Your Woods, Robbie Robertson 3. Like You’ll Never See Me Again, Alicia Keys 4. Chest Fever, The Band 5. Everything I Do (I Do For You), Bryan Adams 6. Lively Up Yourself, Bob Marley & The Wailers (Bombay Dub Mix) 7. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey 8. Strength, Courage, Wisdom, India Arie 9. Something Big, Burt Bacharach 10. Keep That Same Old Feeling, The Crusaders - Compiled by Davin Bujalski

such as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. His photos have been published in many international magazines including Vanity Fair, Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar.

His recently released album entitled 11 is available now in stores and online. Listen to Roots Radio to hear his music.

- Davin Bujalski - To find out more about Bryan Adams, visit http:// www.bryanadams.com/

CHEF’S CORNER Roots-friendly recipes to bring pleasure to your palette

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his month, we’re introducing a new feature in The Source.

As part of the Roots accent on wellness and health, we will present a recipe for a healthy dish in each issue.

Resident food maven Anne Theriault will be providing the list of ingredients and instructions to help you concoct memorable things in the kitchen. Anne, who works both in the Customer Service Department at Head Office and at the Queen Street store in Toronto, welcomes your Issue 82 - April 2008

comments and suggestions.

For this inaugural Chef’s Corner, we present the recipe for making spicy lentil soup.

Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed

1 medium onion, chopped 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped 2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 6 ounces red lentils, washed 5 cups vegetable broth 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat the oil in a large

saucepan over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds, and when they begin to pop, add the onion and cook until golden.

2. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook gently for 10 minutes. Add the remaining spices and cook 1 minute, then add the lentils.

3. Pour in the broth. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for one hour.

4. Remove the bay leaf and serve with bread and a side salad.

- Anne Theriault The Source • 9

GREEN TIP #47 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 Orfus Road Outlet store in Toronto, ON. Front Row - (l to r): Ameljeta Ganjola, Nikitta Pasram, Cherisse Crooks, Elise Anque, Evelyne Okiror, Maria DaSousa, Renato Di Carmine, Eadyn Asamoah, Helen Couto, Ronald Smith, Rohan Laing. Back Row - (l to r): Cristina Granados, Nakeitta Bowen-Moore, Rushaine Rosewest, Carla Alegre, Karen Godomar, Lovett Patti, Christina Dao, Zherdain Powell, Jessica Meireis. Photo taken by Andy O’Neill, Store Manager.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT The littlest customers show their Roots

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egular readers of The Source know that last year, we launched this special 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,

Alexander Spears, Shelburne, NS 10 • The Source

GOING WITH THE FLOW: A soothing bath definitely has its place in our busy lives, but for most wash-ups, take a shower.

A five-minute shower uses four litres of water, whereas a bath requires about 75 litres to fill up.

Check that your showerhead is a low-flow model; they release water at about nine litres per minute. Don’t worry — that doesn’t mean an end to good water pressure. In fact, many new showerheads increase the force of the spray by directing the water more efficiently.

Installing a new showerhead takes just a few minutes, but the savings go on and on. A family of four, taking five-minute showers with a low-flow showerhead, can save about $250 a year on water bills. While you’re at it, go low-flow on all the taps in your house, especially the shower.

HEALTH TIP #44

nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or even pets wearing Roots.

They 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.

Be sure to include the name and age of each child or pet in the photo, where it was taken and a sentence stating that you agree for the photos to be used in The Source.

Hudson, age 2 , Winnipeg, MB

Easy ways to stay healthy

OPEN SESAME! PASSWORD TO A TREASURE...OF HEALTH: The most common oil consumed

by Chinese centenarians, sesame oil is enjoyed for its refined, nutty flavor but possesses therapeutic properties as well. Chinese medicine lists sesame as a kidney and liver tonic, a blood builder, and a bowel protector and regulator.

Sesame is rich in phytic acid, an antioxidant that may prevent cancer. The oil of one variety, lignan sesamin, was found to drastically reduce cholesterol levels in the liver and bloodstream of rats. To enhance flavors and improve health, sprinkle sesame seeds and oil in your food regularly.

- Source: Secrets of Longevity,

by Dr. Maoshing Ni Issue 82- April 2008

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

SUMMER OF LOVE Colourful new tees celebrate the season

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uring warm weather, the T-shirt is a subtle way to take part in the a staple for comfortable everyday Summer of Love theme wear. With this in mind, currently sweeping stores.

Merchandise Manager of The beaver crest is coloured Baby and Kids Marisa with a delicate wash of a Battaglia and Senior rainbow of hues for a tieSummer of Love Tee Designer of Babies Elsa dyed effect. Available in DeSouza have created a coral sunset and white.

Love Tee takes familiar aspects of diverse line of tees in Sizes: S-5T; Retail price: this season’s designs and gives stores now, fit to last during $14.95 them a slightly more grown-up feel, the long days of summer The Hippy Dippy SS as seen in the longer, slimmer fit of and beyond.

Tee features sweet ‘60sthe shirts. Retaining a youthful vibe For babies, the bright, inspired graphics on a are the graphics, which again feature Daniel Stripey Tee eco-friendly collection is background of the Roots logo and made completely out of 100% bright colours. The probeaver icon in a tieorganic cotton jersey. The graphics, peace sentiments are dyed water colour illustrating the free-spirited nature of available in light grey mix, wash and pro-peace the designs, were created by Ashley paradiso mix and sunrise sentiments. Available Allwood, Graphic Designer. yellow mix. in sugar coral, sunrise The Daniel Stripey SS Tee for Sizes: S-5T; Retail: yellow and blue mist, boys is cozy, soft and machine$14.95 the shirts are a blend washable. The striped shirt with For kids, the of 90/10 organic cotton Tie Dyed Tee ribbed neck features the Roots logo collection was inspired jersey. and classic beaver icon emblazoned by the adult line for Spring/Summer Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $18.95 on the chest. Available in sunrise 08, with graphics created by Ashley For a bolder take on the trend, yellow, athletic Allwood, the Tie Dyed SS Tee is a fun and blue and Graphic youthful option. The 100% cotton pumpkin.

Designer jersey shirt Sizes: S-5T; and Tracy with crew Retail price: Klem, neck $14.95 Graphic proclaims, For girls, the Artist.

“Peace, Love Water Colour The girls’ + Roots” and Water Colour Beaver SS Tee is Summer of is perfect for Beaver Tee Hippy Dippy Tee Roots Ringer Tee

a day in the sunshine. Available in sugar coral and blue mist.

Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $19.95 For boys, the Cooper Roots Ringer Tee is a classic design that can make the transition from one season to the next. The 90/10 organic cotton jersey shirt has ribbed arm and neck holes in contrasting shades with a weathered beaver logo on the chest for a cozy worn-in

Roots Pick Stitch Tee feel. Available in cloud, vintage white and after dark.

Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $18.95 The Roots SS Pick Stitch Tee, made of 90/10 organic cotton jersey, is a sporty option guaranteed to help you get outside and be active. The athletic-inspired graphics also pay tribute to the vintage sportswear theme for spring.

Available in Indian teal, English mustard and bleached red.

Sizes: S-XL; Retail price: $17.95

WELCOME TO THE GOOD LIFE Spring into summer with elegant new timepieces

T

his season, live in the lap of luxury with the new Good Life Collection from Roots and Cosmoda. Using a classic colour palette of black and white contrasts and accented with stainless steel and leather, the line of high-end watches provides a sleek and sophisticated look for spring.

For women, the Roots Portofino is a stylishly athletic stainless steel watch with genuine ceramic links and rotating bezel.

Available in white or black, the analog timepiece Portofino compliments the Issue 82 - April 2008

chronograph and date casual athletic gear features a carbon fibre functions, the multi-utility dial on the distincfor the season. dial comes in a choice of tively oversized Retail price: black or white. crown. Other useful $165 Retail price: $195 functions include The Roots The Roots Meridian is luminous hands and Santorini features the perfect watch for the markers in addition to a geometric design trend-setting man. With a chronograph and date with a casual, Catamaran sleek crystal faceted dial and functions. The lavish Santorini hand-made feel. luminous hands and face, timepiece is available The wide leather the stainless steel timepiece is band adds a touch of sophistica- in three different bands: leather, available in black or silver. stainless steel and a smoke tion with its intricate and Retail price: $140 PVD-coated strap (a thin film feminine mesh-inspired pattern.

With the streamlined designs that prolongs the performance of Available in black or white, the and lavish detailing of the Good items).

Santorini is a practical Life Collection, Retail price: $150watch and fashionable all eyes will be on $195 bracelet all in one. this luxurious The Roots CataRetail price: $115 spring wrist wear. maran is a bold, For the man on the For more informago, the Roots Longitude oversized design that tion on Roots makes a strong, stylish makes sure you get there statement on any man’s timepieces visit: in style. The athleticLongitude www.watchroots.com. Meridian wrist. Featuring inspired silhouette The Source • 11

12 • The Source

Issue 82- April 2008