August 2008

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 86 • August 2008

PHOTO BY DON STANDFIELD

Don and Michael take a break on Smoke Lake, Algonquin Park August 4, 2008 at 7:48 p.m.

REACHING A MILESTONE As Roots celebrates its 35th anniversary, the brand attracts recognition as one of the top iconic names in Canadian business

Issue 86 - August 2008

The Source • 1

I N S I D E I S S U E 86 REACHING A MILESTONE As Roots celebrates its 35th anniversary, the brand attracts recognition as one of the top iconic names in Canadian business

JENNIFER GARNER WEARS ROOTS Golden Globe-winning actress covers up in style QUEBEC CITY TURNS 400 Roots Chateau Frontenac joins in the historic celebrations NIAGARA’S BEAVER GOES INTERNATIONAL Outlet store makes for a popular tourist destination A MODEL OF A CAUSE Christie Brinkely joins the fight against global warming

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 FARRAH LADAK 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

MEET AND GREET WITH MLS ALL-STARS Soccer greats take time to visit flagship store

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots A HELPING HAND We would like to thank Roots for the generous gift to our first-ever charity golf tournament. Our raffle, silent auction and live auction were a huge success, and would not have been possible without your help.

The interest, energy and generosity of the community in support of the Philip Aziz Centre Charity Tournament were overwhelming. We attracted 80 guests and raised more than $15,000. These funds will be used to help the children of the Philip Aziz Centre with practical and personal needs for their individual requirements. You are truly making a difference in their lives.

The Philip Aziz Centre provides hospice home services for those living with HIV/ AIDS, cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the entire team at the Philip Aziz Centre.

The Youth Advisory Council Philip Aziz Centre Toronto

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS I was dismayed today to find the doors of many stores on Queen Street open and cold air pouring out into the street.

Many of these Toronto retailers pretend to have a social conscience, but waste electricity in a shameless way, in order to draw people in from the heat.

I’m just writing to say it doesn’t always work, and to thank you for being one of the few retailers whose doors were closed. It’s a little thing but people are paying attention.

Deirdre Chalmers Assistant Registrar Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Toronto A MEMORABLE VISIT We were recently visiting Toronto from the States and during our stay we happened into your store on Queen Street.

I just want to say how wonderful the staff were with us. They were personable, they know their products and give total customer service. In short, they are the best part of your organization.

Congratulations on having great employees!

Sue Vorchheimer Vernon, CT

A WORD OF THANKS We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Roots for the recent Mount Sinai Hospital Classic Golf Tournament at the Glen Abbey Golf Club. This year, 144 golfers took part in the tournament, followed by dinner and a live and silent auction.

We are inspired and encouraged by the growth of this event, which has raised more than $2.2 million since its inception in 1995. These funds have contributed greatly to the hospital’s research work, especially in the fight against cancer.

Supporters like Roots play an integral role in our ability to host these events, and your vital contribution will impact the patient care Mount Sinai provides in Toronto.

Joel Seigel, President Gentec International Toronto • 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 in early September.

REACHING A MILESTONE As Roots celebrates its 35th anniversary, the brand attracts recognition as one of the top iconic names in Canadian business. BY ROBERT SARNER

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he timing was excellent, albeit accidental. In a salute to the enduring success and influence of Roots, the respected Marketing magazine selected the company as one of the top 10 marketing icons in Canada of the past 100 years. The spotlight on CoFounders Michael Budman and Don Green and their formidable achievements is part of a special issue of Marketing that came out this month – coincidentally within days of the 35th anniversary of Roots.

“Michael Budman and Don Green have had a huge role in defining Canadian style on both the domestic and world stages,” writes Marketing journalist Matt Semansky, who labels Roots ‘a global retail icon’. “With a deft combination of authenticity and celebrity, Budman and Green have turned their passion into a nation-defining brand.”

The recognition may be gratifying for Don and Michael but, true to form, they’re not resting on their laurels. They’re too busy looking ahead, keeping Roots on course and planning its next season and beyond. It’s hard not to marvel at their drive and staying power after all these years. Their dedication and passion for what they do is as strong today as when they first opened for business in August 1973.

“When we began Roots, it was really from the seat of our pants,” says Michael. “We had no real vision of the future, no business plan. In my wildest imagination, I never then envisioned Roots taking on the life that it did and becoming this amazing adventure that to this day still excites me.”

Excitement and adventure have always been part of Roots, along with other elements key to its success. At the heart of the

company is a commitment to quality and integrity coupled with an appreciation of people, a love of Canada, and a strong accent on health, wellness and the environment. Add to the mix a seemingly inexhaustible positive energy and the result is a winning combination.

“This is a wonderful time to take stock of our storied, colourful past while at the same time realizing that the future has never been brighter for Roots,” says Don. “It’s fulfilling to know that moving forward we’ve put together the best team we’ve ever had in the 35-year history of Roots.”

Michael likens the evolution of Roots to a life-changing excursion. “Roots has always been and continues to be a great journey that’s highly gratifying for so many reasons. First and foremost, I think of the incredible people that we’ve met, worked with and learned from over the years, who have

Roots has showcased Canada in a way that was unique and original.”

In terms of its size and worldwide stature, Roots today is a far cry from its early days.

With little idea of what awaited them, Don and Michael began Roots on August 15, 1973 with a tiny shoe store in downtown Toronto. Their only product was a shoe with a negative heel. On their first day, they sold seven pairs. Within weeks, the shoes took off, becoming one of the biggest fads ever in the history of North American footwear.

Michael and Don have not looked back ever since. For all the vagaries and changing trends of the fashion business, they’ve always had a keen sense of how to keep Roots relevant. Although the product line has evolved considerably over the years, the overriding spirit, principles and aesthetics behind the brand have remained constant.

Integrating this consistency with a creative flair and an openThe famous Roots negative shoes that Michael minded, unorthoand Don introduced in 1973 with great success, dox approach to putting the new company on strong footing. business, Michael and Don have built a truly contributed so much to the original Canadian brand, one of success of Roots. It’s especially the few major Canadian brands satisfying for us that Roots has added to the quality of life for so that has not sold out to foreign interests and still manufactures many people over the years.” many of its products domestiDon cites another important cally. aspect of Roots. “We’ve always Their achievements are by considered Roots more than just now the stuff of Canadian a business,” he says. “It means a business legend. From their lot to us that Roots is also a early championing of the source for promoting positive environment to their innovative social change in terms of health, store design, from their wellness and the environment and helping the community.

Likewise, we’re proud that Continued on next page

Marketing magazine, Top 10 Icons of Canadian Marketing History, Aug. 2008

Continued from previous page

groundbreaking work with the Canadian and US Olympic teams to developing customdesigned co-branded merchandise for the entertainment industry to attracting heavyweight celebrities to Roots, from showcasing Canadian imagery and motifs as part of its merchandise to extensive community support, Roots is nothing if

not a trailblazer.

It all began in Ontario’s Algonquin Park where Don and Michael first discovered Canada when they attended Camp Tamakwa while growing up in Detroit. That’s also where, years later, they first conceived of Roots. The Park remains their main source of inspiration, intrinsically intertwined with the soul of the company. This summer, like they’ve done for

decades, they’ve enjoyed their time in the Park where each has a rustic cabin on Smoke Lake and both spend countless hours swimming, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing – and discussing plans for new projects for Roots.

Earlier this month, they were photographed on Smoke Lake for an upcoming issue of Maclean’s magazine in which they will be featured. These latest media accolades follow a recent flurry of praise for Roots.

In the newly released book, Ikonica: A Field Guide to Canada’s Brandscape, Roots figures prominently. In the chapter: Movers and Shapers, the authors state: “While Roots is continuously reinventing itself (negative heel shoes are a distant memory) based on its keen cultural radar, the business hews consistently to its core values and lifestyle orientation.”

Indeed, these core values count for a lot at Roots. Auspiciously, the values that have governed the company since its founding – a commitment to active, healthy living, respect for the environment, support for the arts, strong community spirit and a passion for Canada and the outdoors – are even more popular and relevant today than they were back in 1973.

This year in early June, Interbrand published a study entitled Compet-

ing in the Global Brand Economy: Best Canadian Brands 2008. Roots was among the country’s leading companies profiled in the report. “No company has done a better job at incorporating the essence of Canada’s natural landscape into its brand,” the report said.

“Ensuring that each new product being launched would not appear out of context in Algonquin Park, the birthplace of the Roots vision, is one example of its commitment to the brand.”

Last year, Brand Finance Canada published an extensive study of the country’s top companies. Entitled Canada’s Most Valuable Brands 2007, the results attracted prominent media coverage. Among the findings, Roots was ranked the top brand in the retail sector and fourth overall.

It all adds up to an impressive 35 years of achievement and innovation. More impressive is that the two guys who began it all in 1973 are the same two who every day in 2008 are hard at work at the helm, forging ahead, keeping on keeping on, building the future of this great brand. Long may they thrive.

– R.S.

One constant over the years is the strength of the name Roots. Its timeless appeal is evident in the new Fall ’08 promotional campaign.

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Issue 86- August 2008

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Roots ambassador walks tall in custom made shoes

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leather handbag program but he first made his name with Roots footwear back in the 1970s and ‘80s. He is part of a family that’s been involved in shoemaking for three generations.

Based at the leather factory in Toronto, Karl received an appreciative email from Adam the day after the Opening Ceremonies, complimenting him on the shoes. The world champion kayaker added that many people present at the event had come up to him afterward to ask where they could buy a pair for themselves.

lthough Roots was not the official outfitter of any of the Olympic teams at the Summer Games in Beijing, it was still present at the Opening Ceremonies. Not only was longtime Roots ambassador Adam van Koeverden the flag bearer of the Canadian team as it entered the stadium but the shoes he was wearing were custom made for him in Toronto by Roots Leather Expert Karl Kowalewski.

Karl may be famous now for his work in helping design and manufacture the hugely successful Roots

MEET AND GREET WITH MLS ALL-STARS Soccer greats take time to visit flagship store

A good friend of Roots, Dwayne De Rosario spends time at the Bloor St. store, bringing attention to malaria prevention, (left), and follows it up the next day with the winning goal at the MLS All-Star Game

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ometown soccer hero and three-time Canadian Player of the Year Dwayne De Rosario dropped in to the Roots flagship store in Toronto on the eve of the 2008 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game in late July.

The Toronto native and Houston Dynamos midfielder brought along his teammate in the All-Star series, the LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, for an autograph signing session at the Bloor St. store. The popular Issue 86 - August 2008

soccer stars greeted a large turnout of fans at the special evening event.

The enthusiastic response from Toronto supporters helped lead the MLS team (a who’s who of the best players in the North American professional league) to a 3-2 victory over the English Premier League’s West Ham United.

Dwayne himself had the matchwinning goal, breaking the 70minute deadlock with a penalty kick.

The son of Guyanese immigrants and a good friend of Roots, De Rosario is also devoted to supporting worthy causes. He helps raise awareness for Nothing But Nets, a non-profit organization that provides mosquito nets for families in Africa to combat malaria.

De Rosario will also lead the Canadian National team this month at Toronto’s BMO Field as they battle against Jamaica in the 2010 World Cup qualifier.

JENNIFER GARNER WEARS ROOTS Golden Globe-winning actress covers up in style

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n a recent trek out house hunting in Los Angeles with husband Ben Affleck, former Alias star Jennifer Garner caused quite a stir with her choice of wardrobe.

With speculation of her second pregnancy swirling, the actress stepped out in a cozy, oversized Jimmy Kimmel Live zip-up hoody, custom-made by Roots.

The popular sweatshirts are gifts for all celebrity guests who visit the ABC late-night talk show. A long-running souvenir, the items have been reordered several times. The deal was facilitated by Los Angelesbased Roots representative Wendy Goodman and Senior Account Manager in the Business-to-Business Department Mary Jane Saliba.

Garner’s attention-getting outing in Roots apparel was reported by various media publications, including in People magazine’s Star Tracks feature in late July.

Jennifer can be seen next year in Ricky Gervais’ directorial debut comedy, This Side of the Truth, which also has a link to Roots merchandise, as reported elsewhere in this issue of The Source. (see page 8).

The Source • 5

QUEBEC CITY TURNS 400 Roots Chateau Frontenac joins in the historic celebrations

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ast month, Quebec City officially celebrated its 400th anniversary. Located at the centre of the festivities, the Roots Chateau Frontenac store in the province’s bustling capital played host to a variety of guests from all over the world, as they Chateau Frontenac staff help celebrate Quebec City’s 400th anniversary gathered to take part in the entertainment. that so many people from all with ten months of diverse over would come and celebrate The city, designated a world celebrations. In the lead-up to this great anniversary with us,” heritage site in 1985, has planned the official milestone, the Roots says Nathalie Giroux, Manager what promises to be one of the store was busier than ever. longest-running birthday parties, “I would never have believed of the Chateau Frontenac location. “My staff and I are proud of where we live and want to say ‘Happy Birthday Quebec City!’”

The theme for the event is honouring the memorable encounters of the city’s history as the cradle of French civilization in the New World. With more than 130 activities on the program running from January to October, some of the most popular ones include free concerts by Paul McCartney, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also in town for the festivities, Celine Dion and a performpictured here with Ginette Fillion, Regional Director of Quebec, (l), and Pauline Landriault, Director of Planning and Development ance by Cirque du Soleil.

NIAGARA’S BEAVER GOES INTERNATIONAL Outlet store makes for a popular tourist destination

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uring the summer months, the Roots outlet store on Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has welcomed an ever-increasing number of international bus tours, as vacationers get some retail therapy during their visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It seems word has gotten out that the one of the best photo-ops in town is that of the Roots store located at the Canada One Factory Outlet Mall.

“It started with a busload of campers visiting from the United States,” says Judy Olmstead, Keyholder. “A couple of kids started posing in 6 • The Source

pictures, everyone began to do the same thing and it’s continued ever since.”

With the high summer traffic in the mall, it’s not unusual to have large families come in and take pictures in front of the famous beaver logo. Flanked by flags, the popular photo backdrop highlights the iconic Canadian image of Roots.

Staff at the store have become adept as impromptu photographers for couples Employees Sarah Davies, (left), and Kate who want to take pictures Nixon pose with the popular sign home of their Niagara Falls front of our Roots outlet sign trip, or rather, reminders of a and using the Canadian flags as truly Canadian shopping props. Once they started taking experience at Roots.

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing stores in June

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

Topping the pack in terms of company stores was the Bank St. store in Ottawa, ON, that captured the latest Store of the Month honours, comfortably beating its sales target.

As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Eglinton Power Centre Outlet store in Scarborough, ON, took first place outpacing other outlet stores for the month.

Congratulations to Christine Kemp, Manager of the Bank St. store and Dennis Ibarra, Manager of the Eglinton Outlet along with their respective teams for their winning performances.

Bank Street staff lead the way in terms of sales for June

MOMENTS THAT MATTER Big developments in the life of Roots staff

Phil and daughter Ilianna

• Phil Papadopoulos, Manager of the Fanshaw Outlet in London, ON, and wife Karen welcomed a baby girl, Ilianna Kassia Papadopoulos on July 8.

Hearty congratulations to Phil and his family 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) Issue 86- August 2008

A MODEL OF A CAUSE

BEST OF

Christie Brinkley joins the fight against global warming

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verywhere you turn, it seems that more and more people are recognizing the gravity of our Earth’s current situation and are doing their part to go green — and celebrities are no different.

More than just a pretty face, American supermodel and environmental activist Christie Brinkley is helping to raise awareness courtesy of Roots and

the Stop Global Warming bracelets. The Cover Girl spokesperson is using her fame as a platform to speak out on the issue, as she has been involved with environmental organizations for a number of

years.

Known to hand the bracelets out to reporters, Christie ordered 50 more of the recycled leather accessories with embroidered detailing. All proceeds from the sale of the items are donated to the

Stop Global Warming Fund. The order was coordinated by David Jackson in the Business-toBusiness Department.

understanding of their own faith, while respecting those of their peers.

The program is funded by contributions from numerous religious and educational establishments, corporations and individuals. This year, David Jackson, Account Manager in

the Business-to-Business Department, coordinated the order to provide the custom-made Roots T-shirts for the children to wear during the camp.

The white T-shirt features a bold colourful graphic print of the Kids4Peace logo in red, blue and yellow.

Christie Brinkley

Roots has surpassed $150,000 in its fundraising campaign against global warming

2007

KIDS4PEACE TORONTO 2008 Roots donates graphic print T-shirts to interfaith camp

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his month, an innovative interfaith initiative will bring together 12 Jewish, Christian and Muslim children from northern Israel to interact with 12 children from Toronto at Outward Bound camp in Burk’s Falls, Ontario. Established in 2002 and supported by Roots in recent years, this educational program is designed to build bridges between diverse communities.

“We have a chance to touch

future leaders while they’re still forming opinions,” says Henry Carse, Program Founder of Kids4Peace. The program promotes dialogue between people of different faiths and traditions. More specifically, it strives to break down barriers between Israeli Jewish and Arab children. Together, the participants learn about each other’s culture, traditions, customs and geography. In the process, they also gain a better

STAYING RELEVANT Roots Co-Founder special guest at business conference in Montreal

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Introduced by MasterCard Canada’s President Kevin Stanton, Michael gave an engaging presentation entitled: How to Stay Relevant in 2008.

Accompanied by a slide show of current Roots visuals, he began by explaining what it means for a business to be relevant in today’s world.

The first example he cited was an initiative taken last winter in Toronto by MasterCard. Due to budget cuts announced by City Hall, scores of public ice rinks were going to open a month later than usual, after the Michael addressing delegates at the conference Christmas school

arlier this summer, Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman was the keynote speaker at MasterCard Canada’s annual Merchant Advisory Group conference, held this year in Montreal. The event, which took place at the Hotel Neligan in Old Montreal, attracted representatives of many of Canada’s leading retail companies.

Issue 86 - August 2008

break. Not surprisingly, there was a huge public outcry at the news. A few days later, in a move that showed the business sector at its best, MasterCard Canada offered to pay the cost of keeping the rinks open in December. The media reported widely that Michael, Diane Brisebois, President of Kevin Stanton had Retail Council of Canada and Kevin Stanton, President of Mastercard Canada committed $160,000 to In his speech, Michael this cause without asking encouraged all businesses to anything in return.

The initiative really hit home pursue such kind of actions for the benefit of their communities with Michael, who greatly - and their bottom lines and to respected what Kevin did and stay relevant. The second part of although he did not know him, his presentation expounded on wrote him a letter to thank him the 20 main elements that help and commend him for his bold keep Roots relevant 35 years leadership and helping the after it was founded. community.

The Source • 7

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Singer-songwriter chronicles latest Roots tour online

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resh from Nashville, where she put the finishing touches on her debut album, Winnipeg recording artist and friend of Roots, Jodi King is back and bringing her vocal pop stylings toYoutube.

In a new video on the online streaming site, the singer chronicles her time spent traveling through the prairies on the Roots Summer tour last year. The montage of clips show Jodi at a variety of gigs, including an instore performance at a Roots location in Saskatoon. Her stripped-down set was a simple

arrangement, into the store and featuring her seemed to uplift their soulful voice spirits, which is the accompanied by a effect I’ve always keyboard, but wanted my music to garnered much have. Roots is wholeattention from some and proudly shoppers.

Canadian, two attributes “It was a very I think we have in unique experience common, so it was a playing in Roots,” great fit!” says Jodi. “While Jodi gets back to her roots Having performed people were at numerous Roots shopping for yogawear and back stores across Canada in recent to school gear, I was serenading years, this summer will see Jodi them! It was really interesting touring in support of her upcoming seeing how it would draw people album, This is Jodi King.

OFF TO A GOOD START Cast of new sitcom get in touch with their Roots

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his year’s Writer’s Guild of America strike may have pushed back the premiere of USA Network’s latest TV series The Starter Wife; but there was no delay in ordering custom-made Roots leather items for the cast.

More than 30 book covers in black Colorado leather were requested for the actors, with the logo of the sitcom embossed on the inside front cover. All items were made at the Roots leather factory in Toronto.

The order was coordinated

by Wendy Goodman, Los Angeles- based Roots representative and Mary Jane Saliba, Senior Product Coordinator in the Business-to-Business

Department at Head Office.

The Starter Wife, starring Will and Grace’s Debra Messing, takes up where the 2007 TV miniseries of the same name left off. Messing reprises her role as Molly Kagan, the ex-wife of a Hollywood entertainment mogul, who finds herself starting over from scratch after a highprofile divorce. The comedydrama slated to begin in midOctober of this year, is based on the novel by Gigi Levangie Grazer.

THIS SIDE OF GREAT STYLE

Roots products help celebrate Ricky Gervais’ directorial debut

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ne of the brains behind the hit comedy The Office, which has seen success in both its American and British TV versions, has now made the foray into Ricky Gervais film for which Roots asked to outfit the star-studded cast and crew.

For Ricky Gervais’ inaugural directing effort This Side of the Truth, more than 250 black Micro Ripstop jackets were ordered, with the movie’s name 8 • The Source

embroidered on the back of the garment.

The order was coordinated by Los Angelesbased Roots representative Wendy Goodman and Senior Account Manager in the Business-toBusiness Department at Head Office

Mary Jane Saliba.

Slated for release in 2009, This Side of the Truth is set in a drab world without fiction, where everyone tells the truth and movies consist of unembellished readings of historical facts. However, the film’s protagonist, loveable loser Mark Billison (Gervais), a very unsuccessful screenwriter in his mid-40s, is about to make a momentous discovery. The comedy also features Jason Bateman, Jonah Hill, Jennifer Garner, Tina Fey and Jeffrey Tambor.

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: • Lynne Morris, Senior Accessories Designer, Head Office, 15 years • Albertina Quadros, Leather Embroidery Operator, Leather Factory, 15 years • Rainbow Wong, Leather Stitcher, Leather Factory, 10 years • Nicole Garisto, Manager, Erin Mills Town Centre, Mississauga, ON, 5 years • Irma Koch-Blackman, Manager of Compliance and Quality, Sourcing Department, Head Office, 5 years • Le Cung Ngo, Leather Table Work, Leather Factory, 5 years • Vui Thi Nguyen, Leather Sewing, Leather Factory, 5 years • Maria Pires, Leather Sewing, Leather Factory, 5 years • Raywoti Singh, Leather Sewing, Leather Factory, 5 years

ON THE MOVE New appointments and promotions at Roots • Jason Lopes appointed to Director of Visual Planning, Head Office.

• Linda Calero promoted to Supervisor, Wholesale Operations, Head Office.

Issue 86- August 2008

A TOUR DE ROOTS

FINE PRINT

Long-time friend dons the brand at famous sporting extravaganza

A selection of coverage of Roots in the media

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n late July, fans of the world’s largest cycling race, the Tour de France, received a surprising dose of Hollywood at the end of the 17th stage of the 23day competition in Paris.

Academy Award winner and long-time friend of Roots Michael Douglas was on hand at the finish line to present Carlos Sastre of Spain, the winner of the grueling 17th leg trek, with the coveted yellow jersey.

To hand out the honour along

with Team President of the Miami Heat Pat Riley, Douglas was dressed to impress in a black Roots Yoga Jacket, which received much media attention.

The 3,500 km circuit of the Tour de France ran from July 5 – 27 and was won by overall stage leader Sastre.

Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines:

M. Douglas, (left), clad in Roots, presents Sastre with the yellow jersey with Pat Riley, (right)

GREAT STYLE ON AND OFF THE CATWALK Mississauga store helps support local fashion show for charity

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he summer got off to a wonderful start for Camp Oochigeas in Muskoka, Ontario, in part thanks to Roots. In early June, the Erin Mills Roots store in Mississauga (just outside Toronto) led by Assistant Manager Anne Woodbury helped Camp Oochigeas raise $22,000 through a local fashion show event.

A few weeks earlier, Angela Ratatove the organizer of the event and a teacher at Clarkson Secondary School in Mississauga, approached Anne to see if Roots would

of clothing from the kids, basic and lifestyle lines.

The revenue generated from this event went to Camp Oochigeas, which offers year-round programs for children affected by cancer. It gives them an opportunity for growth through fun and meaningful experiences at no cost to their families.

“The fashion show was a huge success,” says Nicole Stylish Erin Mills staff support a good cause Garisto, Store Manager.

“Our entire team was very take part in the fundraiser. The supportive and excited to Roots store team jumped at the help raise funds for such a opportunity to help out and worthy cause.” outfitted 10 models in a variety

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

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elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots.

Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures in the world of entertainment and sports who visited Roots stores recently: • 100 Bloor St., Toronto – SNL alum Jimmy Fallon dropped by the downtown flagship Issue 86 - August 2008

Jimmy Fallon

Marlee Matlin

store, where he was photographed wearing a Roots kanga hoody.

• Queen St., Toronto – Shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, John McDonald bought a small Banff bag and Student Pack at the store.

• Robson, Vancouver, BC – Most recently seen on

Halle Berry

John McDonald

The L Word, Oscarwinning actress Marlee Matlin couldn’t get enough of Roots as she visited three times in one week – picking up four Village Bags, including two in the new purple haze.

• Beverly Hills, CA – Academy Awardwinning actress Halle Berry visited the store with paparazzi in tow.

· Chatelaine, Sept. Spotlight on Roots Fringe Zipper Clutch in black and Midtown Bag in tan. · Fashion Magazine, Aug. Roots Purple Haze Downtown Bag featured in a “Berry” coloured fashion roundup. · Lou Lou, Aug. Roots leather make-up bag inside Lou Lou Swag Bag given out to celebrities at the Much Music Video Awards. · Flare, Aug. Roots customdesigned leather BlackBerry case and Michael Budman cited in Editor’s Letter. · Elle, Aug. Roots Poor Boy Cap mentioned in Olympic Fashion Timeline. · Fashion magazine, Aug. Downtown Slide in Lux leather featured in ‘Berry Patch’ section. · Chatelaine, July. Article entitled ‘Chatelaine for you’ celebrates the magazine’s 80th anniversary.

Article includes a photo of Michael Budman with Jeanne Beker and the Roots Chatelaine Bag, also featured in ‘Chatelaine Style’ section. Roots organic cotton-spandex polo shown in polo round up. · Cadillac Fairview, July. Roots leather athletic bag, Roots Chatelaine Bag and Maple 100% organic cotton T-shirt featured in online trend report for summer 2008. · Lou Lou, July. Roots Chatelaine Bag featured in ‘Lou Lou Tells All’ section. Roots Purple Haze Downtown Slide is featured in Lou Lou online blog. · Homemaker’s, July. Roots Super Palma Lux leather Midtown Slide Bag in red featured in Canada Contest. Also spotlights Roots Canada Pillow in Canada Day article ‘The Best for Last.’ The ‘Style’ section highlights Roots cotton/silk scarf. · Flare, July. Roots black leather clutch featured in ‘Live Out Loud’ fashion shoot. · Canadian Living, July.

Spotlight on Roots Canada Pillow in ‘Great Ideas’ section. · National Post, July 12. The Roots Canada Pillow featured as a gift idea in the article entitled ‘Come back anytime!’ · National Post, July 7. Roots packable Green Tote praised in article ‘Carry-ons that carry on.’

Continued on page 11

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10 • The Source

Issue 86- August 2008

MUSICAL ROOTS

Fine Print continued from page 9

This month, we spotlight Sergio Mendes

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ne of the topselling Brazilian artists in North America, Sergio Mendes is also an international music star and one of South America’s most popular celebrities.

He recently released Encanto (Enchantment), his 39th album, the latest in a long list that dates back to 1961 when he released Dance Moderno with the group he formed, Sexteto Bossa Rio. His music was heavily influenced by Antonio Carlos Jobim. He would work with Jobim and fell in love with New York City upon his first visit in 1964. He moved there, signed a deal with A&M Records and in 1966 would release Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’66. The album would go on to sell platinum in the US, largely due to the smash “Mas Que Nada.” Mendes & Brazil ’66 would tour extensively and gain fans around the world.

Although his work with Brazil ’66 was quite successful, Mendes truly garnered mainstream success after his live

the sounds of Bahian hip-hop into his music. His latest two albums feature collaborations with some of today’s best musical talent, John Legend, will.i.am, India Arie, Justin Timberlake and Natalie Cole.

“There’s a sensuality to Brazilian music, a pure kind of sentiment,” says Mendes. “The melodies are catchy, the rhythms are intoxicating, the songwriting is peerless and the harmonies are beautiful.

There’s a freshness to that sound that simply refuses to go away.”

- Davin Bujalski Listen to Roots Radio to hear the music of Sergio Mendes.

THE ROOTS TOP 10 A guide to the sounds of Roots for August 1. Funky Bahia, Sergio Mendes Feat. will i am 2. Roots, Etana 3. Viva La Vida, Coldplay 4. Magic, Robin Thicke 5. I Decided, Solange 6. Hot, Hot Summer Day, Sugar Hill Gang 7. Computer Girl, Zaki Ibrahim 8. Beautiful Nightmare, Beyonce 9. Like You’ll Never See Me Again, Alicia Keys 10.Cruise Control, Mariah Carey Feat. Damian Marley

performance of “The Look Of Love,” the Hal David/Burt Bacharach classic, at the Academy Awards in 1968. He would also go on play exclusive concerts at the White House for Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.

During the 70s, 80s and 90s, Mendes remained popular in South America and Japan. He worked alongside music great Stevie Wonder and won a Grammy award in 1992 for his album Brasileiro.

Most recently, Sergio Mendes has been integrating

- Compiled by Davin Bujalski

· Orange Life magazine, July.

Online article entitled, ‘Green Roots’ spotlights Roots ecoconscious efforts to help the environment. · Toronto Star, July 1. Roots Village Bag in Super Lux leather cited in article ‘Ooh, Canada.’ · Wish, June. Roots Leather Clutch appears in ‘Easy Street’ photoshoot. · Chatelaine, June. Roots white linen pants featured in the ‘Sunkissed’ section. · Elle, June. Roots Side Stripes Swimsuit spotlighted in swimsuit round up. Roots jewelry also featured in ‘Elle Style’ section. · Where Vancouver, June.

Stylish Roots Class of 2008 watches featured in ‘Hot Shopping’ section. · Canadian Retailer, June. Roots interactive window display spotlighted in article entitled ‘Window Shopping with Style.’ · Homemaker’s, June. Roots silver clutch appears in ‘The Best Print Dresses’ section. · Driven magazine, June.

Spotlights Roots Organic Cotton Polo. · 2 Magazine, June. Roots Oasis and Roots Vista Point watches featured. · Toronto Sun, June 29. Roots mentioned in article about shifting global economy and fading Canadian manufacturing sector. Robert Sarner is quoted. · Courier East Side, June 26.

The Roots 3-in-1 Breezy Lake Cabin Tent appears in the article ‘Tent City.’ · 24 Hours, June 20. Roots leather Bomber Jacket and Roots quilted leather Fanny Pack featured in ‘Wow Factor’ section. · National Post, June 5. The Roots reusable nylon tote featured in ‘Retail Therapy Section.’ Roots tote received the most favorable review.

- Compiled by Farrah Ladak

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

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or this month’s Chef’s Corner, we present the recipe for making buttermilk pie.

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and 1/2 cup buttermilk.

INGREDIENTS 1 unbaked pie crust 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup buttermilk, divided into two 1/2 cups 3 eggs, lightly beaten Issue 86 - August 2008

buttermilk pie

1/4 cup melted butter 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped pecans

3. Add beaten eggs and the remaining 1/2 buttermilk; mix well with a whisk.

4. Mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract.

5. Pour into unbaked pie crust.

Sprinkle pecans over the top.

6. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F. and bake approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

7. Refrigerate after cooling.

Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

- Anne Theriault The Source • 11

STARTING LINEUP

GREEN TIP #51 Easy ways to help the environment

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 Erin Mills Town Centre store in Mississauga, Ontario. Back row (from l to r): Amman Sandhu, Daksha Patel, Maggie Chan, Cathy Wiktorek, Vanessa Pereira, Anne Woodbury, Nicole Garisto. Front row: Rafay Agha. Missing from photo: Thea Lape, Erika Pagcaliwangan.

TAKE A SHORTER SHOWER: Every two minutes you save on your shower can conserve more than 10 gallons of water. If everyone in the United States saved just one gallon from their daily shower, over the course of a year it would equal twice the amount of freshwater withdrawn from the Great Lakes every day.

HEALTH TIP #48 Easy ways to stay healthy

SPEAK TO MY AGENT The littlest customers show their Roots

Cole Turnpenny, 1 week old, Oakville, ON

Dylan Clifford Craddock-Beckett, 8 months, Bowmanville, ON

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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, 12 • The Source

Rylee Hannan-McKenna, 2 1/2 years old, Toronto

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.

GO ORGANIC: Powerful pesticides are widely used to produce many of the foods we eat regularly and can contribute to an alarming number of health problems. Some of the most popular fruits and vegetables people eat contain the most pesticide residues. If you cannot afford to buy all your food organic, try to purchase organic versions of fruits and vegetables that are known to be the most exposed to pesticide.

To that end, consult www.organic-center.org. Its “Organic Essentials” pocket guide includes a list of fruits and vegetables that the center has determined pose the most significant pesticide-related risks and therefore are the most critical produce items for consumers to purchase as organic.

Here is a list of some of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables at your average supermarket: peaches, apples, strawberries, pears, nectarines, grapes, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet bell peppers and celery.

• Source: The Organic Center, www.organic-center.org.

Issue 86- August 2008

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

A JEWEL IN THE ROOTS CROWN Elegant women’s collection launches in stores this month

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ith ever-extending forays into chic, affordable fashion accessories, the new jewelry line hitting stores this month is an inexpensive way to update any wardrobe.

Coordinated by Merchandise Manager and Planner of Accessories Rebecca Fernando, the collection consists of burnished metals in gold and silver, highlighted with coloured accents of black, turquoise and tiger-eye.

The casual line of earrings, chunky bracelets and necklaces, is suitable for everyday wear but with intricate, sophisticated

components that easily transition into night.

Launching in mid-August, the most popular items will be replenished weekly with additional styles introduced in October and November in time for the holiday season.

Available in select locations, prices range from $10-$35.

TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE New women’s watches help fund healthcare research

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ith the common goal to create a future without breast cancer, the Rethink Breast Cancer Foundation has collaborated with Roots to develop and launch two special edition Roots Watches in time for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Roots Cosette Rethink Breast Cancer Watch represents the essence of hope. Roots Cosette is fashionable yet sophisticated with an elegant pink mother-of-pearl dial. This enchanting design incorporates the symbolic breast cancer ribbon in the shape of the watch bracelet. The ribbon graphic is also subtly repeated on the watch dial.

Retail Price: $110 The Roots Samba Rethink Breast Cancer Watch symbolizes health and wellness. The ribbon printed on the watch face is a reminder that the key to fighting the disease begins with

Issue 86 - August 2008

Roots Cosette

being physically active. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is effortless with the Roots Samba Watch, wear it every time you go for a run or take a yoga class!

These special edition Roots Rethink Breast Cancer Watches are for every woman: survivors, those battling the disease, their family members and those women who want to help raise awareness about breast cancer.

With the purchase of a Roots Rethink Breast Cancer Watch, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer to support their important work to create a future without breast cancer.

Roots Samba The special edition Rethink Breast Cancer Watches can be found at selected Samba offers chronograph/ Roots stores, jewellery and stopwatch, date, countdown specialty shops across Canada. timer, EL back light and two View the entire Roots Collection time zones. online at www.watchroots.com.

Retail Price: $45 The Source • 13

14 • The Source

Issue 86- August 2008