May 2008

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 83 • May 2008

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA

JUMPING FOR

SUCCESS

With great spirit and a sharper focus, new retail team at Head Office helps take Roots stores to a new level

Issue 83- May 2008

The Source • 1

KNOWING RETAIL IS DETAIL Led by Jarar Kazmi, the new retail operations team has introduced fresh energy and many innovations to Roots stores, making for a better experience for customers and staff ROOTS HONOURS ROBERT KENNEDY JR. Special event pays tribute to environmentalist’s work IMPRESSIONS FROM THE EAST New Brunswick store recognized for great achievements LUCKY CHARMS Free gift celebrates the Summer of Love WALKING THE ROOTS RUNWAY Edmonton staff strut their stuff in the latest fashions

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 MARA SOFFERIN Cover Image Enhancement MATT COE

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.

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA

I N S I D E I S S U E 83

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots SUBMERGED DOWN UNDER In January, my family and I went on a camping trip to the coast of New South Wales, Australia.

One afternoon, we stopped at a beach and took to the waves with our surf mats.

At one point, my board snapped its ankle strap and I waded in closer to shore to enjoy the shallows. While I was stretching out in the water, I noticed a shiny object flicker beneath me and discovered that it was a watch.

More specifically it was a Roots men’s watch with a leather strap. To my surprise, it was still working, with the correct time!

As one of the pins was missing, I figured that someone (perhaps a Canadian tourist) had lost it while in the water.

I walked up and down the beach looking for the unlucky person, thinking that if it was a Canadian traveler I might see a maple leaf flag on a backpack or even overhear some foreign accents. However, I made no such discovery and decided to keep the watch for the time being.

I would be happy to return it to its rightful owner if you have proof of who he/she is. Even if that’s not possible, I thought you might enjoy learning of my find and know that although the watch may have been in the sea for days, weeks or even months,

it was still working just fine.

Simon Lyas Canberra, Australia Editor’s note: We have deleted several identifying details from this letter. If you or someone you know lost a Roots watch in Australia earlier this year, please send an email to rsarner@roots.com. Include the model of the watch or the name of the beach where it was lost.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE I recently went on a quest to find a Canadian company to purchase clothing from for the kids I work with at the Adelaide Street Youth Centre. Many of those who arrive at our doorstep have only the clothing on their back. We provide them with a safe environment to stay and all the necessities of life.

Our clothing is typically donated by our staff who work here and their families. Luckily this year, we were fortunate to get a small amount of funding to purchase some items for the youth to wear while in our care.

My requirements were not so simple. I needed 50 outfits of excellent quality in a range of sizes from small to XXL, that were fashionable but also comfortable.

I stopped by the Roots 73 store in London, Ontario and talked with store manager Phil Papadopoulos. I told him what I needed and how much I had to spend. Within a few short weeks, I had the outfits at a

price I could manage. Your staff went above and beyond the call of duty, and providing excellent support and care. They made the experience a positive one. I know that Roots has an excellent reputation for supporting local communities, but I was impressed with the outstanding service we received.

Derek Muir Residential Supervisor Adelaide Street Youth Centre, London, ON SIMPLY AMAZING I was recently in your store in Bayer’s Lake, Halifax and as I received outstanding customer service there, I wanted to write you a letter about the associate, Jen Hendren who served me.

She did an excellent job.

I really appreciate the effort that Roots has made over the years and continues to make in the present. What an amazing company and an excellent team!

I commend you for all your work.

Jason Crouse Halifax, Nova Scotia • The Source wants to hear from you.

Please send your letters to Robert Sarner at rsarner@roots.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

EXTRA! EXTRA! In keeping with our monthly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will appear at the end of May.

KNOWING RETAIL IS DETAIL Led by Jarar Kazmi, the new retail operations team has introduced fresh energy and many innovations to Roots stores, making for a better experience for customers and staff.

BY ROBERT SARNER

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company’s es, the retail operaproducts tions. Their have to be impact has been great. Yes, the welcomed by prices have to be all concerned, fair. Yes, the staff and stores have to customers look inviting. alike, resulting Yes, the brand in higher sales has to stand for figures. something The new relevant and approach is credible. Yes, all largely the the above are result of a new critical to the retail managesuccess of a ment team put business like together this Roots. But even past winter by all that is not The new team (l to r): Justin Sood, Bethany Peckham, Parita Naran, Jarar Kazmi, Anne Theriault and Josh Tillo Jarar Kazmi, enough if you Executive Director of Retail experience in Roots stores is so values of Roots. don’t have a good retail team Operations. A seven-year veteran positive. It is of course the It’s easy to overlook those both in the stores and behind the at Roots, Jarar was appointed to attitude and attentiveness of who, far from the view of scenes at the head office. his current position last October sales people that help determine customers, play an equally Roots has always been after having worked in a senior whether a customer makes a critical role in the retail reality fortunate to attract excellent purchase and leaves the store of Roots. In recent months, there merchandising role and as a people to work in its stores. store manager in Toronto. satisfied or frustrated. They’re have been a number of major Thanks, in large part, to such the ones on the frontlines day changes and innovations at the committed, motivated men and Continued on next page after day, exuding the spirit and Head Office concerning the women, the retail shopping Here are the people on the Retail Operations Team (in alphabetical order) who are making things happen. See also the next page:

PARITA NARAN

BETHANY PECKHAM

Manager of Recruitment and Training

Customer Service Coordinator

Parita joined Roots last November after working at Abercrombie and Fitch in retail management. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she attended the University of Manitoba before moving to Toronto in 2005.

Bethany took up her current position in January after working in various positions at Roots stores since 2000 including Assistant Manager of Roots in Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario.

Born in Hartland, New Brunswick, she graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Applied Science.

“I was attracted to work at Roots because of the pride in being a Canadian company that is thoroughly involved in helping the environment and the community,” says Parita, 23.

“More specifically, what appealed to me about being part of the retail team was helping provide

our store associates more knowledge about our merchandise so they can better educate our customers on what Roots really stands for as part of making for a better shopping experience. I’m also excited about helping formulate and implement a strategy and seeing the trickledown effect of what we can produce.

Roots has performed amazingly for the past 35 years, but with the ever-changing retail environment it’s really important to keep up with our competitors, and be one step ahead of the game.”

“I welcomed the opportunity of coming to the head office after many years in stores,” says Bethany, 30. “It was a way to continue growing with Roots while going from having an impact on one store to impacting stores across

Canada. I wanted to help not only our customers, but also to be a source of support for our sales associates in their daily endeavors. I enjoy building relationships with our stores.

Having been a manager myself, I understand how disconnected from Head Office you can sometimes feel, especially for the stores located far from Toronto.

In my work, I like trying to bridge that gap. I want to be someone our teams can trust to support them through any customer issues.”

JUSTIN SOOD

ANNE THERIAULT

Retail Operations Analyst

Customer Service Coordinator

Justin joined Roots in January after working in several retail positions at Abercrombie and Fitch/Hollister Co. during eight years.

Born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Justin graduated from the University of Western Ontario in London, majoring in Business and Sociology.

“With my previous retail experience, I felt I could bring a fresh perspective to Roots,” says Justin, 27. “I was attracted by the history of the brand and by the prospect of being a part of the company’s

growth. I was excited about working with a Canadian brand, at a Canadian head office, with people who’ve had an impact on the retail operations of Roots in recent years. Working on customer experience is the most imperative initiative I can help implement at Roots. I want our customers to leave our stores with a feeling of awe and satisfaction, having had the best service and an overall incredible experience while shopping at Roots.”

Anne began working at Roots in 2005 as a sales associate in Halifax.

After moving to Toronto last year, she was transferred to the Roots downtown store on Queen St. Three months ago, she also became a parttime Customer Service Representative at the Head Office. Previously, she worked at a second-hand clothing store and as a caregiver and tutor for a young man with autism. Born in Montreal, Anne grew up there and in Kitchener, Ontario before studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax, majoring in Classical Studies.

“I love that I work for such a well-known Canadian company as Roots,” says Anne, 25. “I also appreciate the company’s image, with our environmental ethics and impressive code of conduct. It’s great to be in Customer Service as I love serving customers nation-wide and even internationally. I enjoy talking to people and helping resolve their problems. Another bonus is I now get to deal with the fantastic staff at all of our stores.”

Continued from previous page

“Over the winter and spring, we’ve introduced new people and practices that have already made an important difference in how our stores are functioning,” says Jarar. “In addition to our

A VITAL LINK New team of District Managers plays important role in Roots retail world

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een far more often at the stores than the Head Office, the District Managers contribute greatly to the retail success of Roots. Each is responsible for a different region that can include between 10 to 20 stores. In recent months, three new DMs have joined the Roots retail team. Here is the current DM roster, listed alphabetically: Kim Anderson - East Coast Jennifer Aycock - Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba Heidi Botis - Toronto Susan Kalbfleisch - Northwest Ontario Monica Urbaniak - British Columbia In addition, Roots has two top-notch senior retail people who each brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective areas of responsibility. Rosemary Eisenhut is the Director of Roots 73/Outlet stores in Ontario and Quebec, while Ginette Fillion is Regional Director, Quebec.

4 • The Source

new members of the retail management team at the Head Office, we’ve created a solid retail district management team that allows us to be more consistent operationally. With these changes we now have a solid platform from which we can aggressively pursue and explore all kinds of opportunities.”

The new and expanded retail management team consists of (in alphabetical order): Parita Naran (Recruitment and Training Manager); Bethany Peckham (Customer Service Representative); Justin Sood (Retail Operations Analyst); Anne Theriault (Customer Service Representative); Josh Tillo (Retail Operations Coordinator).

Together, they represent the strongest retail management team ever assembled at the Roots Head Office, in terms of their abilities and responsibilities, and strengthen the vital link between the Head Office and all of the stores.

“The connection between the Head Office and the stores is critical to our retail success,” says Jarar. “It must work well in both directions. Store employees have to feel comfortable in contacting us in the office,

JOSH TILLO Retail Operations Coordinator

“The camaraderie and

atmosphere at Roots are the biggest reasons I’m still working here,” says Josh 28. “Despite the many tight deadlines and challenges in my work, I find the Head Office a friendly and welcoming environment. As the liaison between the stores and Head Office, things are being thrown at me every day (not literally!).

Multi-tasking, prioritizing and quick resolution are big keys in my work.

As we’re trying to implement both new and existing strategies, we have to make sure that none of them interfere with store operations.”

informing us of any aspects that need improvement. We in turn must make them feel confident that we in the office are attentive to their needs and follow up on their requests promptly. There must be a good free flow of ideas and opinions exchanged including sharing with us feedback on the products. The retail team in the field including our District Managers needs to be very clear on the expectations and strategies in a timely manner. That’s why we’ve made various

changes in the way we communicate with the field.”

Thanks to the work of the new retail management team at the Head Office and the work of the expanded group of District Managers (see box, A Vital Link), there’s a stronger sense of coordination and vigor in the relationship between the stores and the Head Office. Is it any mystery then that the difference is manifesting itself positively on the bottom line?

No mystery.

- R. S.

Like many on the new Head Office retail team, Josh started working in his current position in January, although his Roots career began long before.

Since joining the company five years ago, he worked at several Roots stores, most recently as Assistant Manager of Roots Central in Toronto. Born and raised in Toronto, Josh graduated from York University, majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology. Since 2006, he’s been working part-time as an on-site Athletic Therapist.

Issue 83- May 2008

ROOTS HONOURS ROBERT KENNEDY JR.

LUCKY CHARMS

Special event pays tribute to environmentalist’s work

Free gift celebrates the Summer of Love

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he arrived to speak at MSU as part of his campaign to become the Democratic Party candidate for President. (Less than two months later, Kennedy would be assassinated in Los Angeles.) Today, 40 years later, Michael is a good friend of the Eco-crusaders Kennedy (left), Mayor late Senator’s son David Miller (middle), actor Ed Begley Jr. Robert and sits on the Board of the Waterkeeper next American president to Alliance, an organization make eco-responsible energy devoted to protecting rivers and development a top national lakes and which Roots has often priority. supported in the past.

Guests at the event included Following Michael’s speech, actor/environmentalist Ed Robert Kennedy Jr. Begley Jr. (who also spoke at addressed the crowd, the Green Living Show); film speaking passionately director/producer Norman about Waterkeeper’s Jewison; Toronto mayor David origins and achieveMiller; CEO of Indigo Books ments and the and Music Heather Reisman importance of and her husband Onex Corporasustainability. His tion Chairman Gerald Schwartz; words echoed the Zoomer magazine editor ideas he expressed so Suzanne Boyd; and Waterkeeper cogently in an essay Canada’s Mark Matson. An in this month’s acapella performance by The special green issue Canadian Tenors of their Michael Budman, Diane Bald greet honouree of Vanity Fair in special blend of pop-opera was Robert Kennedy Jr. (middle) which he urged the another highlight of the evening.

ate last month, while in town to speak at Toronto’s Green Living Show, the founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended a dinner in his honour at the home of Roots CoFounder Michael Budman and his wife Diane Bald. The evening was co-hosted by fellow Co-Founder Don Green and his wife Denyse Green.

In his speech introducing the noted environmental lawyer, Michael recalled how in 1968, as a student at Michigan State University, he and fellow fraternity brother Don Green went to Lansing Airport to greet Senator Robert Kennedy Sr. as

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here is much more than meets the eye when purchasing a Roots leather bag. Not only are you getting a high quality product made at the state-of-theart factory in Toronto, but since late April, all bags come affixed with a complimentary peace sign charm (available in assorted colours).

Inspired by the new Roots Summer of Love collections now sweeping stores, the symbol of the ‘60s is a stylish, eco-friendly accessory perfect for adding flair to any leather purchase. They are made from recycled leather scraps, which would otherwise end up in landfills. The detachable embroidered charms are just one of the many ways Roots is doing its part to be environmentally friendly.

The time for peace signs is now

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE EAST New Brunswick store recognized for great achievements

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ince being appointed Executive Director of Retail Operations last fall, Jarar Kazmi has traveled to different regions across Canada, visiting as many Roots stores as possible. He recently returned from the East Coast where he personally met with dozens of Roots retail employees at stores in two provinces. Among the highlights was the Regent Mall store in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

“I was impressed with their incredible visual standards,” says Jarar. “This kind of commitment leads to a great looking store that complements the brand image and truly distinguishes Roots from others. It Issue 83- May 2008

also has the effect of elevating the perceived value of the products we carry. The manager

Fredericton staff

had the entire staff motivated and as a team they were able to make their location one of the best I’ve seen so far in terms of visual presentation.”

For Store Manager Sarah Lewis, there’s little mystery

behind her store’s success. She attributes it to her team’s strong sense of organization and dedication to the brand, which is evident throughout the store.

“We have a great staff who are all really interested in the visual side of things,” says Sarah.

“It’s a small store but everyone contributes in his or her own way and we

make sure to pay really close attention to detail. The new products this season are very exciting, so it makes everyone that much more enthusiastic.

We’re having a great quarter so far!”

The Source • 5

WALKING THE ROOTS RUNWAY Edmonton staff strut their stuff in the latest fashions

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pring is finally here and the Roots employees at Alberta’s West Edmonton Mall were so inspired by the recent collection in its stores, they just had to show it off.

With a new season full of environmentally friendly, organic materials (such as bamboo, hemp, soya and cotton), Store Manager Michael Rohanchuk conducted an information session about the line for the staff, helping everyone to get on the same page about the ecoinnovations. To cap off the meeting as a Sarita Stauffer team-

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance

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Manager Michael Rohanchuk

“Everyone here loves the atmosphere of Roots and working with such amazing people,” says Sales Associate Sarah Cheung. “We all really enjoyed modeling such a great collection, even if it was only amongst ourselves. Our favorites, and the products getting the biggest customer response so far, are those with organic cotton in them from the Roots Green line. They are all extremely soft to the touch and so comfortable to wear that they should be in everything!”

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: • Maria Fonseca, Leather Lining, Leather Factory, 25 years • Maria Teresa Dos Santos, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, 15 years • Dan Donnet, Senior Network Administrator, Information Technology, Head Office, 5 years • Daisy Li, Merchandise Flow Analyst, Merchandising, Head Office, 5 years • Elizabeth Rogers, Technician, Head Office, 5 years

Robson Kids store tops the pack

Park Place leads the outlet stores

Living the life of Roots models

bonding event, they put on an impromptu fashion show where everyone got to experience life as a Roots model.

Styled by Keyholder Heather Challoner, each employee walked the makeshift catwalk while showcasing the latest trends in leather bags, sweats, organic tees and the ever-popular textured scarves.

As an added educational bonus, the features and benefits of each outfit were narrated aloud as the “models” proceeded down the runway.

A WORKING LUNCH Behind-the-scenes of Head Office pilates sessions

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oots has always embraced “The classes are fun, challenging and convenient, not to an active lifestyle as one of the core values of the mention competitively priced,” company, and as such supports says Caroline Brentnall, Men’s Technician and coordinator of the pilates sessions at Head Office for the staff. Introduced as a 12-week pilates program at Head Office. trial shortly after Roots moved to “There’s no need to travel to a gym after work and the instructors 1400 Castlefield Ave. in 2005, the program has run non-stop since are excellent!” then with much positive feedback Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th from staff.

In conjunction with Sphinx century by Joseph Pilates. He Pilates, classes run three times a intended to improve the rehabilitaweek with anywhere from eight to tion program for returning veter12 people per class. Instructor ans from the First World War. The Riikka Wilson teaches the exercises focus on the core Monday evening session, which postural muscles, which help keep utilizes the pilates principle of core the body balanced and are stability to focus on strength essential to providing support for training. Jessica Acs takes over the spine. the one-hour lunchtime classes on Wednesday and Thursday, which incorporate the stretching and releasing of major muscle groups.

Lessons are based on a sliding price depending on the number of people registered, with Roots Pilates is in session at Head Office contributing half the cost.

6 • The Source

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing stores in March

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s this issue of The Source went to press, the final sales figures for stores in April were not yet in. But, we’re delighted to report the performance of most stores in March is to be commended.

Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the Robson Kids store in Vancouver, British Columbia that captured the latest Store of the Month honours, beating its sales target by 126%.

As for the Roots 73/Outlet

category, the Park Place Outlet store in Lethbridge, Alberta took first place with a score of 142% over its sales budget.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Thomas, Manager of the Robson Kids store and Amber Wray Burbank, Store Manager of the Park Place Outlet along with their teams for their winning performances.

Likewise, hats off to all of the other stores that met or surpassed their sales goals in the month of March.

Issue 83- May 2008

THE ROOTS CLASS OF 2008

GIFTS FOR A GRAD

Scholarship program begins for lucky grads

Celebrate the Class of ‘08

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ith a good education as valuable as ever, Roots and Cosmoda are teaming up for the third year in a row to help graduating members of the Class of 2008 in their quest to attend postsecondary institutions this September.

Five eligible students will each win scholarships of $1,000 to put toward their higher learning goals. Applicants can nominate themselves or be recommended by family and friends. Those interested in the program are required to fill out an application form (available at select Roots stores) and answer

questions relating to their scholastic objectives, current academic standings and future career aspirations. Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2008, with the winners chosen six weeks later.

For more information and full contest rules visit www.watchroots.com.

s graduation nears, a timeless gift is close at hand. The latest commemorative watches are offered in two classic, stainless steel designs with a “Class of 2008” imprint on the face of the dial as well as etched on the back of the case.

Each timepiece comes with a Roots photo frame as an added keepsake (while quantities last).

For men, the Roots Cafe Saratoga is sporty and stylish with a rotating bezel and stopwatch function.

Retail price: $125.

For women, the Roots Café is a sleek, jewelleryinspired piece.

Retail price: $100.

Saratoga

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

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elebrities have long made Mario Lemieux and store, purchasing a a point of shopping at men’s Tuff belt. his wife Nathalie went Roots. Here • Beverly Hills, CA – on a are the latest While in town, actor spending sightings of promiand long-time friend spree at nent figures in the of Roots Russell the outlet world of entertainCrowe dropped in store.

Mario Lemieux ment, sports and with his family, • media who visited picking up several sweatshirts Kenaston Outlet, Roots stores recently: for himself, along with some Winnipeg, MB – • Queen St., Toronto Jeanne Beker yoga Prior to winning the - With her Roots Chatelaine bag pants title at the Women’s World in tow, Canadian fashion maven and a Curling Championship, Team and host of Fashion Television variety Canada (skip Jennifer Jones, Jeanne Beker shopped at the of tank lead Dawn Askin, second Jill store, picking up a Village bag in Officer, third Cathy Overtontops tan. for his Clapham, and coach Janet Danielle, Russell Crowe • St. Clair, Toronto – Canadian wife.

Arnott) dropped by the store to R&B pick up singer CanadaJully themed New appointments and Black was sweatshirts promotions at Roots a pleasure and T• Kim Anderson appointed as she shirts to Canadian women’s District Manager of the East shopped at wear in curling champs Jully Black Coast the the • Jennifer Aycock appointed store, stocking up on competition.

District Manager of Alberta, several pairs of leggings, • Spring Garden Place, Manitoba and Saskatchewan tank tops and hats.

Halifax, NS – Front man • Susan Kalbfleisch • Kanata Outlet, for the Canadian rock band appointed District Manager Kanata, ON – Former Matt Mays and El Torpedo, of Northwestern Ontario Pittsburgh Penguins star Matt Mays Matt Mays shopped at the

ON THE MOVE

Issue 83- May 2008

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: • Wish, May issue. Spotlight on Roots Jack Purcell white leather sneakers and the new Emily Bag (in Equestrian leather).

• Living Magazine Windsor, March/ April. Article entitled ‘Eco-friendly fashions’ mentions Root Green bamboo and cotton blend shirt. Also, cites Roots products made of organic cotton and bamboo, including the popular Flick Off T-shirts, bracelets and purple graphic print tee.

• Elle Quebec, April. Article mentions Roots as among the socially and environmentally responsible companies in the fashion business.

• Bayview Mills Town Crier, April 30.

Article entitled ‘East York Town Centre a real community bag’ spotlights Roots tote, scarves, costume jewellery, wallets and knapsacks.

• Where Edmonton, April 30.

Mentions Roots bed linens in the ‘Home Furnishings & Décor’ section.

• Luggage, Leathergoods & Access (Markham) April 30. Roots mini umbrella featured in the ‘Inspiring Outerwear’ section.

• The Globe and Mail, April 27.

Article entitled, ‘Shirts, shorts, shoes’ mentions Roots purple Super Palma Lux Midtown Slide.

• Wish, April 17. Roots Treetap Wild Rubber tote featured in the ‘Daily Wish’ section.

• Winnipeg Free Press, April 12.

Canadian Blood Services partnered with Roots to offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, key chains and backpacks to attract, retain and reactivate blood donors.

• The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Calgary Herald, La Presse (Montreal), Winnipeg Free Press, Calgary Sun, and other newspapers Apr. 8. Articles mention how Roots gains from no longer being an Olympic outfitter as media report on Roots and US Olympic Committee mutually agreeing to go their separate ways while Polo Ralph Lauren will be the outfitter for the US team in Beijing this summer.

• Metro, April 11. Roots lemon yellow relaxed fitted hoody in soft, organic cotton and new lux leather envelope clutch in hot pink and deep orange featured in the ‘You know you want it!’ section.

• Hello, April 7. Photo of Michael Budman, his wife Diane Bald and their daughter Alex at the Fall/Winter 2008 L’Oreal Fashion Week.

• The Globe and Mail, April 5. Roots shirt mentioned in the ‘Off-Duty Cool’ section.

- Compiled by Carmela Ledo

The Source • 7

TAKING UP THE CAUSE Windsor Crossing gets great response in store-wide challenge

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he results are now in and Roots staff have once again proven how willing they are to give from the heart and support a charitable cause.

As previously mentioned in The Source (see Issue 81), the Windsor Crossing Outlet put forward a challenge in March, encouraging stores to aid them in their fundraising for World

Vision.

Led by Sales Associate Tammy Clavet and Store Manager Bernadette O’Beid, donations were put toward purchasing a variety of animals through the humanitarian organization’s online marketplace for needy

families to use as a source of food, health and income.

In total, they raised more than $400, which went toward purchasing two goats, two hens, one rooster, three piglets and two rabbits.

“We really appreciate how

everyone pulled together to help,” says Bernadette. “To raise money for such a worthy cause and know you’re making a difference in people’s lives is a great thing. Thanks to the Orfus Road, Kirkland and Thunderbay Outlets, along with Rosemary Eisenhut [Director of Outlets for Ontario and Quebec], for their donations.”

FLYING THE FRIENDLY SKIES Roots provides bags to VIPs on inaugural flight

Porter VIPs took home a Roots bag

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n late March, guests on the maiden voyage of Porter Airlines’ new service from Toronto to Newark, New Jersey, got more than just a luxurious ride in the sky. As a commemorative token of their muchpublicized trip, custom-made leather goods courtesy of Roots were given to the 70 VIPs at the invite-only event.

The order was coordinated

by Vice President of Wholesale

and Business Development, Melinda McDonald. Members of the select group each received the Destiny bag in navy blue nylon and leather, embellished with the airline’s logo, which generated positive reviews.

“The bags are excellent,” says Andrew Wilson, Director of Sales and Marketing for Porter Airlines. “We are pleased with the product and the service provided to us by the Roots team.”

In March, the airline extended its service to include seven daily weekday flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (whose close proximity to midtown Manhattan makes it one of the busiest airport systems in the world) in addition to regular weekend service.

Flying out of the Toronto Island’s City Centre Airport minutes from downtown, Porter offers a refined and streamlined travel process.

Alain Coumont brings Belgian bread and Roots apparel to Le Pain Quotidien

YOUR DAILY BREAD Roots outfits Le Pain Quotidien’s launch in Canada

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arly last month, celebrated Belgian bread maker Alain Coumont traveled to Toronto to take part in the opening of the first Canadian location of his highly successful European bakery/ café called Le Pain Quotidien. Not only did the food live up to its billing but the staff couldn’t have looked better thanks to their Roots apparel.

Coordinated by Ladi Popoola, Account Manager in the Businessto-Business Department, employees were outfitted with custommade black T-shirts and matching baseball caps emblazoned with the famed bakery chain’s logo. These

garments will also be provided to staff at the several other Torontoarea locations slated to open in the coming months.

Le Pain Quotidien, whose French name means “daily bread,” focuses on serving high quality, fresh-baked loaves using locally produced and organic ingredients where possible. Originating 18 years ago in Belgium, the bakery and restaurant now has locations in New York, Dubai, London and Paris. The internationally recognized establishment is famous for its oversized communal dining table in each location, encouraging conversation among strangers.

THE GREENING OF ROOTS New pamphlets inform staff and customers about company’s commitment to environment

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co-enthusiasts at Toronto’s Green Living Show in late April got the first look at the just-printed environmental literature about Roots. Designed to give both retail staff and customers easy-to-read information on the brand’s longstanding support for sustainability, the pamphlet is now available in all 8 • The Source

stores.

Entitled The Greening of Roots and printed on recycled paper, it explains why green is much more than a colour at Roots, detailing many of the company’s eco-responsible policies, including

support for Flick Off, the Waterkeeper Alliance, David Suzuki and the use of sustainable materials in clothing, among others. An online version is also available under “About Us” at www.roots.com.

Produced by the

Communication and Public Affairs Department, The Greening of Roots will be displayed at all cash desks in stores, beside the newly revised pamphlet on the making of Roots products, which answers many frequently asked questions about how and where Roots merchandise is made.

Issue 83- May 2008

MUSICAL ROOTS

AUGUST This month, we spotlight singer Mariah Carey

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he most successful female recording artist of all time, Mariah Carey rose to superstardom largely on the strength of her stunning fiveoctave voice. Moving easily from heartfelt ballads to hip-hop inspired dance-pop, Carey is often compared to rivals Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, although Carey stands apart by composing most of her own material.

Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Carey moved to New York City at age 17, just a day after high school graduation, to pursue her music career. Her big break came as a backup vocalist on a studio session with pop singer Brenda K. Starr, who handed Carey’s demo tape to Columbia Records head Tommy Mottola at a party. According to legend, Mottola listened to the tape in his limo while driving home that same evening and was so struck by Carey’s talent that he returned to the party to track her down.

After signing to Columbia, Carey began work on her 1990 self-titled debut LP. It proved a chart-topping smash, launching four number one singles. Her overnight success earned her Grammy awards as Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist, and high expectations for Carey’s 1991 follow-up. Emotions did not disappoint, as the title track reached number one, and two other tracks hit the Top 5. Carey’s

next release, 1992’s MTV Unplugged EP, also generated a number-one hit: a cover of the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”

Carey seemed unstoppable.

In June 1993, she wed Mottola in a headlinegrabbing ceremony.

Months later, Carey released her third album, Music Box, her best-selling record to date. She returned in 1994 with a holiday release entitled Merry Christmas, scoring a seasonal smash with “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” 1995’s Daydream reflected a new artistic maturity. The first single “Fantasy” debuted at number one, making Carey the first female artist and just the second performer to accomplish this feat.

Carey also had success collaborating with other artists, including “One Sweet Day,” a duet with Boyz II Men. She also released a duet with Whitney Houston, forming a dynamic duo of the two most successful female recording artists in pop history.

In 1997, after separating from Mottola, Carey returned with Butterfly, her most hip-hopflavored recording to date, and

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds of Roots for May another major success.

Then, with “Heartbreaker,” the first single from her 1999 album Rainbow, Carey became the first artist to top the charts in each year of the 1990s.

However, the first years of the new millennium weren’t as kind to Carey. In 2001, after signing an 80-million-dollar deal with Virgin, the biggest record contract ever, she suffered a public meltdown that included the critically panned movie Glitter and its soundtrack, (her Virgin Records debut), which bombed.

Following these failures, Virgin and Carey parted ways in 2002. That spring, she found a new home with Island/Def Jam, where she set up her own label, MonarC Music. In December, she released her ninth album, Charmbracelet, to little success.

Nearly three years later, Carey made a comeback with 2005’s The Emancipation of Mimi, her most successful record in years.

In 2008, Carey released her 11th studio album, E=MC2.

“Touch My Body” became her

1. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey 2. Piece Of My Heart, Big Brother & The Holding Company 3. Like You’ll Never See Me Again, Alicia Keys 4. You Are, Estelle Feat. John Legend 5. Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis 6. Cruise Control, Mariah Carey Feat. Damian Marley 7. Any Other Day, Wyclef Jean Feat. Norah Jones 8. Beautiful Nightmare, Beyonce 9. Go Back To Your Woods, Robbie Robertson 10. Everything I Do (I Do For You), Bryan Adams - Compiled by Davin Bujalski

18th number-one single on the Hot 100, pushing her past Elvis Presley into second place for the most number-one singles among all artists in the rock era. Carey is now second only to The Beatles who had 20 number-one singles.

Collectively, Carey’s singles have topped the charts for 79 weeks. To celebrate her new # 1 album E=MC2, New York’s Empire State Building was recently lit up for two days in lavender, pink and white lights, the colour motif of the album, now available in stores and online.

- Davin Bujalski Listen to Roots Radio to hear the music of Mariah Carey. To find out more about Mariah Carey, visit: www.mariahcarey.com .

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

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1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 3/4 cup shredded Havarti cheese

INGREDIENTS 6 eggs 1 tablespoon milk or water A pinch of salt 1/8 cup fresh dill weed (or 1/2 tablespoon dried dill weed) 6 flour tortillas (8-inch burrito tortillas work best) About 1/2 package smoked salmon, torn into bite-size pieces

Smoked salmon wraps

or this month’s Chef’s Corner, we present the recipe for making smoked salmon breakfast wraps.

Issue 83- May 2008

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan or a large loaf pan with foil.

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt thoroughly.

3. Pour egg mixture into a skillet or frying pan and cook over medium heat. Rather than stirring constantly, as the mixture begins to set at the bottom and side, lift the cooked portions with a spatula so that the uncooked mixture can flow to the bottom of the pan. Cook until eggs are

thickened throughout, but still moist. Stir in chopped dill weed.

3. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the cooked eggs down the middle of each tortilla. Top with salmon, onion and cheese.

4. Fold and roll the tortilla as you would a burrito and place the wraps seams side down in the pan. Cover with foil and bake until cheese is fully melted.

5. Serve with fresh cut fruit and a side salad or homefries - Anne Theriault The Source • 9

GREEN TIP #48 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 West Edmonton Mall store in Edmonton, AB. Back row (from l to r): Sarita Stauffer, Tracey Balehowsky, Sarah Supersad, Michael Rohanchuk, Heather Challoner, Michelle Cheung, Toby John. Front row: Terri-Lynn Holiday.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT

HEALTH TIP #45

The littlest customers show their Roots

Easy ways to stay healthy

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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, 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.

10 • The Source

Tinkerbell Woodbury, age 3, Mississauga, ON

Bubba, Prince George, BC

BETTER IN PAIRS: Here’s a small change that can easily be incorporated by most homeowners to save time, fuel and dollars. Toronto resident Lucy Silva recently informed us of her eco-initiative which gets neighbours in adjacent homes to place their garbage bags/bins on a coordinated spot so that when the garbage truck stops at the sidewalk, it makes two pick-ups at the same time.

The benefits include fewer stops, therefore less time needed to pick up garbage; reduced fuel and pollution due to fewer starts and stops by the truck; significant dollars saved by the Sanitation Department, thereby allowing it to use savings on other necessary projects.

Cameron Daniel Schacter, 21 months, Richmond Hill, ON

BRING ON THE BROCCOLI...AND APPLES: Our life expectancy is directly proportional to our lung capacity.

For the majority of people living in or near metropolitan areas, traffic and secondhand smoke vastly accelerate loss of breathing capacity and increase the incidence of lung cancer.

However, antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits such as broccoli and apples can help mitigate these effects.

One study revealed that people who ate more than five apples a week had better lung function than those who ate no apples. It’s also been shown that the antioxidant isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli substantially reduce lung cancer risk.

- Source: Secrets of Longevity,

by Dr. Maoshing Ni Issue 83- May 2008

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

IT’S IN THE BAG New multi-purpose carrier perfect for summer

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here’s nothing more useful than a lightweight tote bag. This month, Roots customers get their choice of four stylish colours as the sleek, practical Locker Athletic Bag hits stores.

Created by Senior Accessories Designer Lynne Morris, the polyurethane bag was designed to adhere to the ecoresponsible specifications of Roots. This includes making it 100% PVC-free, thereby reducing factory workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The clean exterior design is contrasted with the numerous handy interior pockets, making

it easy to keep things neat and organized. Larger compartments are suitable for storing an MP3 player or cell phone, with smaller mesh ones for other keepsakes and an individual section for a water bottle. An exterior zipped pocket is perfect for storing wet items without sullying the rest of your valuables. An extended key ring also allows for quick, easy access to daily essentials.

The lightweight quality of the Locker Athletic Bag allows you to load up on belongings, while looking fashionable without being dragged down with excess weight. The longer handles allow for the bag to

gently rest on your shoulder or hang elegantly from the crook of your arm.

Available in black, white, silver and bronze. Retail price: $68.

DYE-ING FOR A CHANGE Bohemian men’s tee inspired by the Summer of Love

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he colourful, carefree style of the Sixties is sweeping Roots stores this season and the menswear line is no exception.

Inspired by the Summer of Love theme and Jack Kerouac’s seminal novel On the Road, Associate Menswear Designer Dylan Anderson has created a line of T-shirts in bright, bold hues.

The Carlo Slim Dip Dye Tee is made of lightweight 100% cotton jersey for optimum comfort and breathability

during the hot days of summer.

The slender fit of the garment’s torso allows for a more flattering appearance, while the printed label at the neck won’t rub and irritate the skin.

The dip dye process, done by hand, ensures that each garment is an original. The T-shirt must be washed separately to avoid colour bleeding. All graphics were designed by Graphic Artist Tracy Klem.

Sizes: XS-XL; Retail price: $29.95.

The play of colour puts an interesting spin on the traditional tee Issue 83- May 2008

The Source • 11

12 • The Source

Issue 83- May 2008