October 12, 2006 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 58 October 12, 2006

TRIUMPH OF FINE DESIGN

Roots wins two major awards for its head office

ILICH MEJIA

Standing for good design: Roots Co-Founder Don Green in the lobby with Donna Wood (left), and Alan Dalquen, (far right), of Bullock Associates who worked closely with Don on designing the Head Office.

Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

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TRIUMPH OF FINE DESIGN Roots wins two interior design awards for its head office LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Roots takes part in US Olympic workshop ahead of 2008 Beijing Games BY POPULAR DEMAND New ‘Roots 73’ store in Kanata opens in record time THE GIANT CNE SALE Staff opportunities still available for annual event BLUE AND WHITE WITH STYLE Maple Leaf hockey apparel in stores now HATS OFF FOR NEW INITIATIVE Leading cap maker creates exclusive products for Roots GUILTY PLEASURES Barbra Streisand picks Roots for new concert tour DOING THE RIGHT THING Windsor employee collects 133 pounds of food to help the hungry in Ontario FOR A GOOD CAUSE Staff plays basketball to raise funds to fight breast cancer AMERICAN TEAM FAVOURS CANADIAN STYLE Roots clothes Team USA at the Universiade this winter

Departments FRESH INK NEW AND NOTEWORTHY GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN SPREADING THE WORD OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS MOMENTS THAT MATTER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS STAYING POWER

Publishers Michael Budman, Don Green Editor Robert Sarner Editorial Assistant Paulomi Patel

The Source is published every two weeks 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 4CR 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

The Source

ZOË STARR DOUCETTE, ROOTS SALES ASSOCIATE, SOUTH KEYS STORE, OTTAWA

I N S I D E I S S U E 58

SPECIAL DELIVERY A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT I am writing to express my gratitude to several Roots employees. One in particular went above and beyond to help me find the perfect gift for my wife on our anniversary. My wife recently found a leather bag on your website that she immediately put on her wish list. However, when I returned to the site a few days later, the bag was sold out. I called Roots Direct, and they told me the website accurately reflected the inventory, and that my next best hope was to find a store that still had the bag in stock. I tried the stores in Toronto, then those in the US, then the other stores in Ontario, and finally I called other cities in Canada. Though most of the people I spoke with were friendly, it was not until I spoke to Samara Snyder at the West Edmonton store that I was treated far better than I ever expected. After listening to my tale, Samara asked me to email her my information and the description of the leather bag. She then took it upon herself to find the bag, and ultimately located it at a newlyopened store in Toronto. She put me in contact with the store manager, Ashleigh Medd who was also excellent, describing the bag to me, getting all my

information, and explaining exactly how the process of shipping the bag to me would proceed. Therefore, I wanted to let you know what excellent representatives you have in Ashleigh and Samara. Their exemplary service and willingness to go beyond their normal duties made me a very happy customer, and I cannot commend them any higher. Roots is truly lucky to have these two as employees. Marc Baniak Silver Spring, MD, USA NO, WE DIDN’T PAY FOR THIS

Just read Issue 57 of The Source and I found it extremely informative. With each new issue, I become more and more impressed with The Source - both its content and the manner in which it’s presented. Very professional. Thanks to The Source, I look forward to reading about life as it evolves in the world of Roots. The Source adds substance to all of the work that we, at Head Office, perform on a daily basis. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I read the articles and see the photos of our Roots culture in action. Keep up the great work! Walter Brunet Financial Analyst Head Office, Toronto

RAVE REVIEW FOR BAGS Just wanted to express my appreciation to the designers of the great new Roots shopping bags. I like their style and the way they’re made with thick recycled paper, sturdy handles and the support in the bottom. In the past, we have had some issues with the strength of certain bags but we have it right this time. The best part about the bags are the Green and Health Tips printed on the bottom. What a smart idea! We just need to package the bags with less plastic and then we are golden. My gratitude and congrats go out to everyone involved in this excellent initiative. Terri Smith Manager, Spring Garden store Halifax, NS 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.

ISSUE 59 OF THE SOURCE In keeping with our fortnightly publishing schedule, the next issue of The Source will be published on Thursday, Oct. 26.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY In each issue of The Source, we publish a creative photo on the top of this page. We invite readers who take pictures to submit images they feel would be appropriate for this feature. Please send submissions to photogallery@roots.com Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

TRIUMPH OF FINE DESIGN Roots wins two major awards for its Head Office

Don’s head. At espite its the time, the vital role in company’s adthe daily life ministrative, of Roots, reladesign and suptively few employport staff were ees in Canada and scattered in the United States four separate have ever set foot buildings, each in the Head Office with their own in Toronto. The culture and litsame is true for tle interaction most customers, between them. suppliers and With the leases friends of Roots on some of the for whom 1400 buildings set to Castlefield Avexpire, Don and enue is just an Michael deaddress in Tocided to conronto. solidate the Thanks to two four operations recent design into a large, awards, it’s far new unified more than just an space. Eventuaddress. In sepaThe reception area at 1400 Castlefield sets the tone for what awaits people at the Roots headquarters ally, they chose rate award cera rundown inemonies earlier dustrial buildthis month, both the AssociaClothes design (womenswear, of the business and are an ining a five-minute drive south tion of Registered Interior Demenswear, babies, accessotrinsic part of the company’s of the Roots leather factory as signers of Ontario (ARIDO) ries); finance; general adminisculture. the company’s future home. and the American Society of tration; advertising/marketing; The Head Office is the hub Don assumed responsibility for Interior Designers (ASID) paid and nerve centre of Roots. It’s communication; graphic detribute to the Roots headquarsign; visual/mer- the project which involved where you most transforming a 1938 windowters, honouring it as an exemchandising; feel the pulse less former factory into a modplary work environment. Such business-toand passion ern, light-filled, employeerecognition was especially business/wholethat drive the friendly environment true to gratifying for Roots Cosale; human recompany forthe values and aesthetics of Founder Don Green who sources; ward. Virtually Roots. shepherded the project to fruioutsourcing; anything and “Given the size and scope tion, overseeing the planning website and eeverything conof the project and seeing the and design decisions from the commerce; renected to the initial condition of the buildbeginning. tail operations; company is ing, it required a far-reaching The Roots world headquar- ultimately disoutlet operavision of how the space could ters is a model of how a well tions; resource cussed, debated be transformed,” says Don. thought out head office can protection; liand resolved at “But in many ways, my apmotivate employees, greatly censee operathe Head Ofproach was no different than enhance their day-to-day protions; Roots fice. Every asany other design project I’ve fessional reality, and make Home Design; pect of the been involved in before, their work more pleasurable, information business — whether it be a piece of Roots more efficient and more protechnology; and short of the outerwear, planning a store or ductive. Today, nearly two actual manufac- A view of The Hub from above maintenance. It packaging. It’s all about the years after moving into 1400 also houses the turing, distribudetails. Details and aesthetics Castlefield, it’s hard to imagoffices of Don and fellow Cotion and retail sales of prodhave always been of the utine Roots without such Founder Michael Budman. ucts — takes place at 1400 premises. They have become Three years ago, the current most importance to Michael Castlefield. It’s home to the Continued on next page essential to the smooth running following departments: reality was a mere dream in Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

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Continued from previous page

and I, and certainly for this project they were paramount, especially when you consider how much time all of us at the Roots home office spend in this environment.” From the outset, Don knew that for the new headquarters to be successful, they had to be spacious, bright, open and feature the right materials and office furniture. To that end, he spent countless hours researching various options, visiting other company headquarters and prospective suppliers in Canada and the United States and personally interviewing several design companies. In June 2004, Don engaged the services of the Torontobased Bullock Associates to help work on refining plans for the form and functionality of the new space. As soon as he brought the firm’s Doug Bullock, Alan Dalquen and Donna Wood on board, he knew he was on the right track. Alan, who is Design Director at Bullock, worked closely with Don on the design, while Donna, who is Studio Director, and her team managed the project, making sure that whatever Don and Alan came up would work. It was a tall order — converting 60,000 square feet of raw space spread over two floors into a creative, cohesive, uncluttered working environment in a cost-efficient manner. The objective was to create a space that captured the aesthetic and Zen-like philosophy of Roots; clean, contemporary and bright. It had to facilitate and streamline workflow, improve design processes, and generate a conducive, positive vibe. At the same time, the large volume of clothing samples and prototype designs needed to be organized, accommodated and made accessible. Don and Alan deliberately avoided a conventional office design. “I’ve never related to offices that seem more designed for robots than people,” says Don. “I dislike cubicle 4

The Source

One of several skylights brings natural light to the second floor of the Head Office

Taking a break for lunch in the cafe-like setting of The Hub

systems, poor lighting, confined spaces and no interrelationships between people.” Through the clever use of various design techniques and special features, the raw facility was radically transformed. Skylights and an atrium were installed to allow natural light to filter throughout the space; Systems furniture was chosen with semi-transparent mesh panels, to allow light penetration throughout the space and encourage accessibility and interaction between employees; The white colour palette was used as an essential backdrop to the many clothing samples and design prototypes so they would bring colour and texture to the space. Other highlights include a tree-filled outside patio adjoining the large, 2-storey-high café-like multi-purpose space with its own fireplace, tables,

white leather banquettes and a Jamaican-style thatched roof bar. This is the primary informal meeting place for staff to have lunch, drink coffee and generally hang out and is also used for a variety of special events. “It was a huge project,” says Alan, “but what made it so much more engaging and satisfying for me was working with Don. His personal involvement, commitment and enthusiasm made it far more stimulating than usual. His energy directly translated itself into the project. And, we had fun.” In February 2005, the building and planning were sufficiently completed to allow some 150 employees to transfer to 1400 Castlefield. It was a major move in all senses of the word. Since then, staff morale and motivation have noticeably increased. The new premises have also allowed for better communication and interaction between all departments and with Don and Michael. It’s not just staff who appreciate the premises, which invariably make a strong impression on first-time visitors. With its peaceful, clean, somewhat minimalist look, the facility seems to have a soothing effect on people.

Given its beautiful look and feel, it’s little surprise that the Roots headquarters won two separate North American interior design awards this month and are up for another at the upcoming Design Exchange Awards in Toronto. The head office has also commanded the attention of the media including Canadian Interiors magazine, which featured it as its cover story last spring. Of course, for all its impressive physical attributes and award-winning design, what really sets the Roots headquarters apart is its human component. That’s what it’s all about. The men and women who make up the Roots team for whom the offices were designed for in the first place. It makes for the perfect combination - a great team and a great facility for them. - R.S.

How it looked in 2004 as the renovation began Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Roots takes part in US Olympic workshop in Colorado Springs ahead of 2008 Games

Colorado Springs

he 2008 Olympics may still seem far off in the future but they’re not. At least not when you’re the official outfitter of one of the largest teams competing in the Games taking place in Beijing in just over a year-and-a-half from now. For those, like Roots, with a key role at the event, preparations are already underway. Earlier this month, Roots joined other official sponsors, suppliers and licensees at the U.S. Olympic Team Partner Workshop in Colorado Springs. The three-day event was hosted by the United

States Olympic Committee Paralympics teams. (USOC) in preparation for the “You never realize the full 2008 Olympic and Paralympic potential of your role and the Games. vastness of the American Ol“With the 2008 Olympics ympic dream until you are acon the horizon, the Workshop tually there speaking with US focused on utilizing the magni- Olympic officials,” says Sonia. tude of these Games to sub“It’s incredible to see how many stantially increase America’s people it takes to make the enpassion, admiration and loyalty tire event on the whole and the for America’s Olympic athUS Olympic project in particuletes,” says USOC Chief Marlar, such a great success.” keting Officer Jim Grice. “We As part of the event, Soniahope it also helps increase the Michelle also met corporate support of Americans leaders from some of for the companies that the top companies in support the athletes on the world associated their journey.” with the Olympics. Representing She participated in Roots at the Workshop discussions about the at the US Olympic new USOC strategic Training Complex in Game Plan focusing Colorado was Marketon shared marketing ing Coordinator objectives, best pracSonia-Michelle De tices and to create Souza. Her aim was Sonia-Michelle De Souza new ideas for sponto get an insight into sor activation. the preparations for the Beijing The workshop also ingames and the marketing opcluded presentations on variportunities around the United ous topics including an inStates 2008 Olympic and formative session on the Chi-

nese culture and behavioral patterns and a forum giving insight into the new Olympics 2008 logo.

OLYMPIC EXPRESSION What’s behind the official logo for the next Summer Games

he official emblem of Beijing 2008, entitled “Chinese SealDancing Beijing,” combines the Chinese seal and the art of calligraphy with sporting features, transforming the elements into a human figure running forward and embracing triumph. The figure resembles the Chinese character “Jing”, which stands for the name of the host city and represents a particularly significant Chinese style. The artwork embodies four messages: Chinese culture; the colour of red China; Beijing welcomes friends from all over the world; and to challenge the extreme and achieve perfection and promote the Olympic motto of “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

BY POPULAR DEMAND Large new ‘Roots 73’ store in Kanata, Ontario opens in record time

From L to R: Anil Jhalli, Susan Van Dalen, Lisa Murphy, Jeannine Read

ue to the great success of the ‘Roots 73’ stores, new locations are opening around the country. Next month, two will open in Calgary and in London, Ontario. Two weeks ago, the ‘Roots 73’ family continued its expansion with an impressive new store in Kanata, in the west-end of Ottawa. Even before it actually Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

opened its doors to the public, the Kanata outlet already turned heads. The Roots team transformed the 5,000 sq. ft. space into an inviting retail environment in less than three days, one of the fastest openings of a store of that size in the company’s history. “This is our second year of opening these fantastic new ‘Roots 73’stores and we’ve

now gotten it down to a science,” says Senior Visual Merchant Peter Paquette. “We’ve developed a way to efficiently receive merchandise reducing the time spent in sorting and allocating. It’s definitely a lot of hard work but the end result is one of the most gratifying parts of my job!” Accompanying Peter in this 70-hour mission were Mark Yoders, Store Manager, Blue Bonnet Outlet; Colleen Weber, Store Manager, Heartland Outlet; Marcel Gingras, Visual Merchant, Montreal; Marie-Anne Laporte, Visual Merchant, Ottawa; and Emily Rumble, Visual Merchant for the Outlets. They received vital assistance from Susan Van Dalen, Store Manager, South Keys Outlet Ottawa, (who is also the

Manager of the new Outlet in Kanata); and from the Roots team in South Keys and Kanata. Along with Susan, Lisa Murphy and Jeannine Reed are the Co-Assistant Managers of the new store while Anil Jhalli is the Keyholder. This Kanata opening brings the number of Roots outlet stores in Canada to 23. This includes locations in Sarnia, Ontario and Halifax, NS that were recently converted from company stores to Roots 73 locations.

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

Michael Keaton

Kardinal Offishall

Anna Paquin

Jim Caviezel

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures from the world of entertainment who visited Roots stores recently: · Toronto (100 Bloor Street) – Canadian fashion model turned actress Natasha Henstridge, who has starred in Species and Species II, shopped at the flagship store, (See picture above of her with Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman). Actor Michael Keaton bought a leather bag and musician Kardinal Offishall bought Roots apparel at the store. Natasha Henstridge with Michael Budman Jim Caviezel, known for his role as Jesus in Famke Janssen Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was also in the store. · Toronto (Roots Rosedale) – Clad in Roots Yoga gear, model Monika Schnarre was interviewed by ET Monika Schnarre Canada in the recently opened Roots Yoga Studio above the new store. · Toronto (Pearson International Airport) – Actress and former model Famke Janssen of Goldeneye, Nip/Tuck and the X-Men film series shopped for Roots Yoga apparel at the store. · Vancouver, BC (Robson Kids) – Richard Dean Anderson, the Richard Dean Anderson actor of the popular television series MacGyver and, more recently, as Jack O’Neill in Stargate SG-1, shopped at the store. Additionally, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated American actor, comedian and producer David Wayne Spade, alumni of Saturday Night Live, was also in the store with friends. · Calgary, AB (TD Square) –Academy Award-winning Canadianborn actress Anna Helene Paquin shopped at the TD Square store. · Aspen, Colorado – Academy Award-nominated Hollywood actor Harrison Ford visited the store when he was in the ski-city during the recent Aspen Filmfest. Harrison Ford David Spade

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL On the frontlines: Spotlighting the top-performing stores in September

Nathalie Giroux and Fanny Tremblay Girard of Chateau Frontenac 6

The Source

t may be extremely rare that both the top performing company store and top outlet location are the same for two consecutive months but it’s not unprecedented. The monthly sales figures are now in and it’s the same winners as in August. Once again the Chateau Frontenac store in Quebec City grabs the title of the ‘Store of the Month’ for company stores in September, as it made nearly 200 percent over

its sales budget. For its part, the Vaughan Mills outlet in Toronto captured top honours for ‘Roots 73’ locations, finishing the month 170 percent over budget. Congratulations to Store Managers Nathalie Giroux of the Chateau Frontenac store and Glenys Hepplestone of the Vaughan Mills outlet, along with their respective teams for their performance.

Karen Simpson, Andriy Tishchenko, Glenys Hepplestone and Sabrina Figueiredo Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

CROWD SCENE

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Windsor employee collects 133 pounds of food to help the hungry in Ontario Staff opportunities still says Janice, Assistant Manager available for giant sale team of FCC employees will drive two tractors with trailers – one from Windsor, the other from Ottawa – to Guelph collecting along the way 100,000 pounds of food for the hungry. Everything that is collected will be given to the Ontario Association of Food Banks. In an effort to play her part in helping reduce rural hunger and create awareness about it, oots employee Janice Janice challenged her colWaldrum has sent out leagues in other Roots stores in an appeal to all Roots the area to lend a hand. Acstaff across Ontario to donate companied by her teammates, to the Drive Away Hunger she installed boxes in the WindFood Drive on World Food Day. Organized by Farm Credit sor Crossing store to collect food donated by customers. Canada, (FCC), the third an“Although I called up nual drive began earlier this stores and sent out email apweek and continues through peals, it was a team effort to Oct. 16. finally collect all the food,” As part of this initiative, a

at Windsor Crossing. Between the store in the Devonshire Mall and the Windsor Crossing location, the Roots team had collected some 133 pounds of food for donation when the food trucks came to Windsor on the first morning of their drive. • For those interested in donating towards the food drive, see box for the tour route and the dates for the stops.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE Staff plays basketball to raise funds to fight breast cancer

Susan Van Dalen and Joey Kanga do the right thing

n recent weeks, tens of thousands of people across Canada (including several Roots employees) have taken to city streets as part of organized walks and runs against cancer. Last month, one Roots store found its own way to help the cause. In Ottawa, the ‘Roots 73’ team at South Keys held a fun-filled event in a parking lot just outside the outlet location to raise funds for the Rethink Weekend to End Breast Cancer Foundation. Held in the afternoon, the main attraction was a three-on-

Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

three basketball tournament. The event also included a separate game for kids in addition to raffles and face painting. Staff also sold hot dogs, hamburgers and other refreshments on site. Weeks before the event, Store Manager Susan Van Dalen and Assistant Manager Joey Kanga went about collecting gift certificates from other retailers like Staples, Chapters, Wal-Mart and Blockbuster to give away as prizes during the tournament. Sales Associate Jonathan Gauthier and Keyholder

Elizabeth Mayne, along with the rest of the staff, participated and helped with the organization to make the event a success. The entire amount collected at the event went directly to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF), a registered charity that supports cancer services and worldclass cancer research in eastern Ontario. From there, the (ORCF) will invest in its breast cancer research, services, and treatment programs.

oots is gearing up for its big annual blowout sale in Toronto next month. Organized by Marshall Myles, friend of Roots and former longtime executive of the company, the massive three-day sale will be held at the CNE Automotive Building starting on Friday, November 10. Each year, the sale attracts thousands of customers eager to take advantage of the irresistible prices. Last year, due to an unprecedented number of people, an extra day was added to the sale to meet the demand. As a result, this year’s event will be held for three days, from 8 am to 5 pm. Manning the various sales areas will be staff from the Head Office and retail stores. The Human Resources Department is still accepting applications from retail employees interested in working on the first day of the sale (Nov. 10) from 11.30 am to 9.00 pm. They can contact Laura Clark in the HR Dept. at lclark@roots.com.

THE NUMBERS Multi-colour Roots

Participants watch a shot in the charity 3-on-3 tournament

When it comes to the colours of its products, Roots is a veritable rainbow. For example, if you were to go www.roots.com and check out every product available and list every colour possibility offered, you’d find 484 different shades, covering virtually the entire spectrum of colours. For blue, there are 77 variations, from Maple Leaf blue to Tipper blue. For green, there are 56 shades from spearmint to aloe green. The Source 7

ON THE MOVE

BLUE AND WHITE WITH STYLE

New appointments and promotions at Roots

Maple Leaf hockey apparel in stores now

Men’s Centre Ice Quarter Zip

Men’s Leafs Club Jacket

Men’s Face Off Hoody

Men’s Heritage Team Cardigan

Men’s Ice Hockey Tracker

80% cotton and 20% polyesith the new NHL seater. son now just underAdditionally, the Special way, you don’t have to Projects team developed a cusactually play for the Toronto tom-made acrylic argyle Maple Leafs to wear their colours in style. Fans of the game, sweater knit used for panel details on the Leaf or at least supportClub Jacket. ers of the Leafs, Other details searching for what include felt to wear on or off appliqués, heat the ice need look transfer prints and no further. direct embroidery. Rising to the Though David deoccasion, Roots signed the T-shirt has come up with graphics and spean impressive Tocial fonts, the Maronto Maple Leafs ple Leaf insignia is (TML) collection. made up of corpoSenior Designer of rate logos approved Special Projects by the NHL. David Young creAvailable only ated the line with in Ontario, the Associate Designer first delivery is in Joanne Joseph with assistance Women’s Garden’s Trainer Tunic stores now throughout the from Karen province. The secBryan-Kirkham, ond delivery will Technician of Spehit stores in Nocial Projects and vember. Keep Ling Chow, Prodchecking The uct Manager, SpeSource for an upcial Projects. date on the second Made in TML line. Canada, the latest · Mens styles: TML line is inAvailable in sizes spired by the simXS-XXL, retail plicity and classic price range: $34 feel of retro Leaf for T-shirts to $148 uniforms. It’s com- Men’s Playoffs Full Zip Hoody for the Leafs club prised of a variety jacket. of tops, outerwear and acces· Women’s styles: Available in sories for men, women, kids sizes XS-XL, retail price: $34 and babies. Most T-shirts are made from 100% cotton jersey, for T-shirts to $128 for the ice hockey lightweight tracker while the sweatshirts and jackjacket. ets are made from a mix of

Women’s Heritage Sweatshirt

Women’s TML Banner Tee

Women’s Ice Hockey Tracker

Women’s Fanclub Hoody

Women’s TML Support Hoody

This month, many Roots employees marked major Roots to send the relevant information to The anniversaries of their time at the company. By Source. ‘major’, we mean benchmark achievements as in Congratulations to the following employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years spent at Roots. We their huge contribution and enduring loyalty to invite anyone celebrating such an anniversary at Roots: (listed by seniority at Roots) • R. Molly Gunness, Stitcher, Leather Factory, Toronto, 15 years • Teresa Rodrigues, Embroidery Cleaner, Leather Factory, Toronto, 15 years • Beata Romanczuk-Wong, Keyholder, White Oaks Mall, London, ON, 10 years • Jasodra Badrie, Administration, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Natalie Dawood, Sales Associate, Scarborough Town Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Penelope Hall, Assistant Manager, Oshawa, ON, 5 years • Chitrawatie Hussain, Picker Packer, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years • Ramrattie Mangar, Administration, Distribution Centre, Toronto, 5 years The Source

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Our fortnightly spotlight on new positions at Roots

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance

• Lalmaine Baul, promoted to PO Admin, Head Office, Toronto. • Raynold Dela Cruz, appointed Web Designer, Head Office, Toronto. • Christine Fielding, appointed Manager, Recruitment and Training, Head Office, Toronto. • Pomona Singh, appointed Associate Designer, Baby/ Kids & Colourist, Head Office, Toronto. • Samara Snyder, promoted to Regional Director, Western Canada. • Meaghan Walker, promoted to Assistant Store Manager, North Bay, ON.

ere is a list of current job openings at Roots stores along with the appropriate contact person. For more information, please refer to the separate email notices sent out recently about each position: • Store Manager, Pacific Centre, British Columbia (Gold level store). E-mail your resume to the attention of Ross Shafer at rshafer@roots.com Deadline: Saturday, October 14. • Supervisor, PO Administration, Head Office, Toronto. Email your resume to hr@roots.com quoting File# IP930-SPO. Deadline: Monday, October 16. Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

HATS OFF FOR NEW INITIATIVE Leading cap maker creates exclusive products for Roots

new collection of limited edition hats is set to hit stores as part of the firstever Roots partnership with the legendary US-based cap maker New Era. Known as the largest sports-licensed headwear company in the world, New Era’s 85-year-old history is steeped in successful partnerships with Major League Baseball, the NBA and NHL. With this initiative, Roots will develop a limited edition collection of hats for sale in select top stores in Canada and the US. The hats will be made in the famous ‘59fifty’ New Era fit in seven original Roots styles. A unique shaped, fitted hat with a wide flat peak, 59fifty was developed by New Era. The styles include the popular Maple Leaf Hockey hat; the Roots Nordique; the Canadian Shield; the Parliament; the Letterman; the argyle and the Cloud styles. All hats feature Roots and New Era stickers and labels.

All hats purchased come with a custom-made gift box, which can be also used to store the exclusive headgear. Only available with the limited edition, the box adds value to the hat’s collectible status. The Roots-New Era partnership was spearheaded by Lynne Morris, Senior Designer of Accessories, who traveled with David Young, Senior Designer of Special Projects, to the New Era factory in Buffalo, NY, to begin the project. “Many of our customers already wear New Era caps, usually with a Major League Baseball logo,” says Lynne. “The new limited edition, com-

missioned by Roots and made by New Era, is inspired by our graphics designed for fall and holiday. I think our customer will be blown away by the design and quality of these hats.” Created to suit the current clothing mix, the hats add attitude to the apparel available in stores. Additionally, they come with one-of-a-kind numbered hangtags, giving each piece its own identity. Earlier this week, staff members from the Roots head office in Toronto took part in a lunch event where they volunteered to personally tag and number the hats, which will be retailed in the price range of $59 - $69.

Roots employees tag/number the New Era line at the Head Office

GUILTY PLEASURES Barbra Streisand picks Roots for new concert tour

Barbra Streisand

n the latest Business-toBusiness Department news, celebrated singer Barbra Streisand chose Roots leather bags as gifts to help kick off her 2006 North American tour this month. Roots shipped 200 small Banff Bags in brown football Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

leather to the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, the first stop on the tour, for Barbra and the crew. The bags were made in the Roots leather factory in Toronto and come with the “Streisand North American Tour 2006” logo embossed on a patch. Product Co-ordinator

Banff Bag

David Jackson handled the order timed to mark last week’s first concert of the singer’s much-anticipated tour. This shipment follows the custom orders for Roots bags in recent months for the tours of other major names in the music world including Madonna; Steely Dan; The Who; and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. With 50 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums to her name, Streisand is the best-selling female artist in the music industry. She is also an accomplished film actress.

FRESH INK A selection of coverage of Roots in the media • Canadian Living, Nov. issue: Spotlight on the Roots Green Café Bag. • Fashion, Nov. issue: Spotlight on the Roots Venetian Village Bag and mentions the new Roots Rosedale store. • Globe and Mail, Oct. 9: Roots Red Village Venetian Bag featured in the ‘Style Counsel’ section, mentioning that the Flats are the biggest sellers in the company’s history. • Toronto Star, Oct. 1: Article entitled “Organic Roots” focuses on new ecologically- friendly Roots Rosedale store and Yoga Studio in Toronto. Diane Bald is quoted. • Where Toronto, Oct. issue: Spotlight on the Roots leather Collegiate Messenger Bag included in a literary review feature as a great bag to “cart around a bestseller” in. • The Chronicle Herald (Halifax, NS), Sept. 27; 24 Hours, Sept. 28; and The National Post, Sept. 30: Articles mentioning October is breast cancer month and that with every purchase of a Roots A La Mode Rethink Breast Cancer Watch, Cosmoda will donate $10 to Rethink Breast Cancer fund. • Georgia Straight (Vancouver, BC), Sept. 14: Roots Editor’s Travel bag and Tribe Collegiate Bag featured in the “Handbags for men come fashion full circle” article. • City Life magazine, Sept. issue: Spotlight on Roots Spirit perfume featured in the “mood, colour and you” section. • The Maple Leaf Forever: A Celebration of Canadian Symbols. In just-published coffee table book, the authors devote a full page to Roots, showcasing our well-known logo.

DEPARTMENT OF CLARIFICATION Setting the record straight In Issue 57 of The Source, in Chanel Sutherland’s article entitled “Montreal Dispatch,” the photograph shows Chanel with fellow Sales Associate Hilina Hailu (and not Dana Kalisky as listed in the caption). In the same issue, in the “Now in Session” section of the cover story “Movement in the Right Space,” the correct spelling for one of the forms of yoga taught at the Roots Yoga Studio is Anusara.

• Please address any corrections, relevant updates and revisions to rsarner@roots.com The Source 9

GETTING AHEAD IN THE HIGH ARCTIC New feature showcases Roots in some unlikely locations

Ian Lapointe enjoys the view of Ellesmere Island with his “essential” Roots hat

ou just never know where Roots will show up next. The familiar name and logo are increasingly found in the some of the most exotic and obscure places in the world. Not surprising given how much people seem to like wearing their Roots when traveling. With this issue of The Source, we are introducing a new feature that spotlights people and their Roots in distant locations.

Ian Lapointe lives in Douglas, New Brunswick. An environmental engineer, he is an avid hiker/backpacker and aficionado of all things outdoors. He was recently a member of an expedition that traversed Ellesmere Island. Also known as the “horizontal Everest,” Ellesmere Island is the northernmost landmass in North America, located in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Ian’s group followed the 80th parallel from west to east

across the ice-covered island. During the trip, Kevin had 60 pounds of gear stowed in his backpack along with his beloved Roots hat. “I purchased the Roots hat many years ago in Halifax, Nova Scotia where I attended university,” says Kevin, 27. “It has become an essential piece of gear I still bring on any excursion. Although it’s wearing thin in spots, it has outlasted some of my most rugged clothing.” The 11-member expedition had to overcome the challenges of hiking in the high Arctic and its often-inclement weather. But in the end, they prevailed; all the while Ian had his Roots hat with him. “I usually shy away from wearing labels,” says Ian, “but I respect Roots for incorporating social responsibility and ethical standards into its business model.” • Readers are welcome to submit photos of Roots being worn in an exotic location for publication in The Source. Please send them to rsarner@roots.com along with the relevant details.

AMERICAN TEAM FAVOURS CANADIAN STYLE Roots clothes Team USA at the Universiade this winter

SPREADING THE WORD Guide to new ads appearing this week and next • Thurs., Oct. 12 - Now magazine (Toronto): Full-page ad featuring Roots Autumn Sale. • Fri., Oct. 13 – Globe and Mail: One-eighth-page colour ad featuring Roots Rosedale. Grand Opening Fall Fair. • Fri., Oct. 13 – National Post: Oneeighth-page colour ad featuring Roots Rosedale. Grand Opening Fall Fair. • Sat., Oct. 14 – Globe and Mail: Half page ad featuring Roots Autumn Sale. • Sat., Oct. 14 – National Post (Toronto section): Full-page ad featuring Roots Autumn Sale.

GREEN TIP #24 Easy ways to help the environment Get with the program: With colder temperatures on the horizon, it’s time to purchase a programmable thermostat for your home. You should be able to find a decent model for about $100. You can program the thermostat to automatically turn up or down when you leave home in the morning and then have it set to welcome you back with pleasant temps later in the day. As people’s routines tend to shift on the weekends, it’s best to invest in a seven-day programmable thermostat, which lets you program custom schedules for each day. (Source: The National Post)

HEALTH TIP #21 Easy ways to help you stay healthy

n keeping with its longstanding involvement with athletes and sports, Roots is now preparing to outfit Team USA at the 23rd World University Games. As part of its ongoing partnership with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), Roots is the official clothier for the US team participating in the University Games in Italy early next year. 10

The Source

Celso Afonseca of the Business-to-Business Department is coordinating the order, made up of apparel and accessories including parkas, pants, full-zip hoodies, workout T-shirts, gloves, caps, toques and travel bags. Made mostly in Canada, the products will be shipped to the US next month for the 200member team. Initiated in 1959, the World

University Games (also known as the Universiade) are an international multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are held every two years in different countries and constitute the most important international event after the Olympics. This is the third consecutive Universiade for which the USOC has ordered the official Team USA apparel from Roots.

Eat like a king by day, like a pauper by night: Remember the famous saying “You are what you eat”? It’s also true that you are when you eat. Because of the human body’s circadian rhythm, the same foods eaten at breakfast or lunch are processed differently than when they are eaten at dinner. Research shows that when you eat your daily protein and fat at breakfast you tend to lose weight and have more energy, while eating the same things at dinnertime produces tendencies toward weight gain, increased blood pressure, and heart disease. (Source: Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni). Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A guide to just-launched Roots products

WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN This season, yoga proves to be a man’s pursuit too Environmentally-conscious, Roots has used a 94% bamboo and 6% spandex blended fabric for the lightweight shirts. Bamboo is a very renewable, ecofriendly resource since it grows much faster than cotton and requires less pesticides. Combined with spandex, the material is breathable and perfectly stretchy. Both shirts have a slim athletic fit and feature side slits for mobility. The jacket has a zipper garage to protect the chin and mesh inserts for stretch and breathability. For those who get a little too hot while exercising, don’t sweat! The jacket also

esigners of the Roots Yoga line have been busy creating fresh looks to reflect the increasing popularity of yoga. The latest items to hit stores are part of the new men’s line. Created by Denyse Green and Associate Designer of Menswear Dylan Anderson, the line consists of five basic items: a stretch T-shirt, a stretch sleeveless shirt, a jacket, pant and short.

features stitched eyelets under the arm for venting. Built-in handwarmers on the cuff can be worn out or tucked away. Great for both indoor studio use and for wearing out on the town, the jacket is highly versatile. The modern yoga pant fits slim and features a narrow waistband with drawstring for adjustability and comfort. The athletic short fits generously and features built-in underwear. Both the yoga pant and short feature ergonomic seams for maximum wearing comfort. The jacket, pant and short are all made of regular lightweight yoga fabric and feature wicking and secure zippered pockets. All styles are currently available at select Roots stores, and come in black. • Stretch Basic Tee, sizes XSXXL, retail price: $42; Stretch Basic Sleeveless Tee, sizes XSXXL, retail price: $42; Athletic Yoga Jacket, sizes XS-XXL, retail price: $98; Athletic Yoga Left: Athletic Yoga Jacket Pant, sizes XS-XXL, retail Above: Handwarmers on the cuff Right: Stretch Basic Sleeveless Tee price: $88; Athletic Yoga Short, and Athletic Yoga Shorts sizes XS-XXL, retail price: $72.

QUALITY TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

THE HOT LIST

Special edition watch highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What’s flying off the shelves at Roots

Based on the latest sales figures from all Roots stores in Canada and the United States, here are the 20 top-selling products:

s part of its on-going contribution to the fight against breast cancer, Roots has partnered with the Rethink Breast Cancer Foundation to create a special edition of a popular Roots watch. The launch of the Rethink Breast Cancer Watch is timed to commemorate the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The timepiece represents the essence of hope with its sleek, modern geometric bracelet shape and a gentle curve of the solid stainless steel bangle bracelet that moulds well on the wearer’s wrist to give a sophisticated fit. Targeting the socially responsible Issue 58 - October 12, 2006

woman with an eye for fashion, the special edition watch is one of the best selling designs among Roots timepieces that now comes with the Rethink Breast Cancer logo subtly printed on its light pink dial. During October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Roots À La Mode Watch comes with a bonus gift-with-purchase pink rubber Roots Rethink Breast Cancer Bracelet. Additionally, on every purchase, $10 are donated to the Rethink Breast Cancer Foundation. Coordinated by Merchandise Manager and Planner of Accessories, Rebecca Fernando, the watch is available in select Roots stores in Canada. Retail price: $110.

1. Women’s Wilderness Down Vest 2. Women’s Frontier Twill Parka 3. Men’s Basic Cooper Pant 4. Men’s Cooper Zip Polo 5. Women’s Vintage Graphic T-shirt-Roots 6. Women’s Roots Original Sweatpants 7. Women’s Northland Fur-Lined Hoody 8. Women’s Denyse Yoga Jacket 9. Women’s Mantra Pants 10. Women’s Basic Kanga Hoody 11. Women’s Sueded Fleece Velvet Pants 12. Women’s Varsity Sweatpants-Roots 13. Women’s Retro Heather T-shirt 14. Women’s Leah Raglan Roots T-shirt 15. Women’s Basic Varsity Sweatpants 16. Baby’s Woodland Mitts 17. Baby’s Woodland Toque 18. Roots Bottled Water 355 ml 19. Roots Eco Bag 20. Village Bag Prince Leather Bag The Source 11

The Source

Issue 58 - October 12, 2006