Summer 2014

A window into the world of Roots

RECONNECTING

Issue 117 • Summer 2014

WITH

THE ORIGINAL ROOTS MAN Inspired by legendary artist and outdoorsman Tom Thomson, a new collection pays tribute to his life and legacy

Courtesy of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, Ontario

Tom Thomson takes in the scenery at Lake Scugog, Ontario circa 1912

I S S U E 117 A RETAIL HONOUR ............... 4 Roots co-founders given RCC Lifetime Achievement Award GOAL! .................................... 5 World Cup collection lets fans root for favourite teams

T-SHIRT WITH A CAUSE ....... 7 Roots builds 16 schools through “This Shirt” campaign STANDING TALL UP NORTH 8 Magazine cover story features co-founders and their wives LABOUR OF LOVE ................ 9 Store employee restores 100-year-old canoe WHERE IT ALL BEGAN ........ 10 New collection pays tribute to late artist Tom Thomson IN THE PARK ......................... 12 A gallery of Thomson’s work and life in Algonquin Park HEALTH TIP ........................... 14 Learning about the benefits of breakfast NEW AND NOTEWORTHY .... 16 A guide to just-launched Roots products ROOTS TV ............................. 18 Latest segment in behind-thescenes video series KNOCK KNOCK .................... 20 Spotlighting celebrities who recently visited Roots stores MUSICAL ROOTS ................. 22 Highlighting Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo CHEF’S CORNER ................. 22 A healthy recipe for falafel

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Interns

JESSICA FISHBEIN ELAINE LAX KELSEY PRIESTAP ALEX RODGERS ALICIA SKRINJAR PHOEBE YUNG The Source is published 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 thesource@roots.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Each issue of The Source is also available at http://issuu.com/rootscanada

Issue 117 • June-July 2014

Stephanie Holden

CATCHING A WAVE .............. 6 Customer inspired by “Surf the Great Lakes” T-shirt

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots FOR THE KIDS

Thank you for your recent fundraising efforts through the Roots bake sale, which raised nearly $2,000 for Camp Oochigeas.

Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with and affected by cancer.

Our mission – to provide kids with cancer with opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences – happens because of generous supporters like you.

As the only camp in Canada that provides on-site chemotherapy and blood transfusions, you should take pride in knowing that your gift is making a significant impact.

On behalf of the children and families who benefit from Ooch, thanks so much for your support.

It means a lot to us.

Alex Robertson Executive Director Camp Ooch, Toronto MADE TO LAST

I am a camper and my daughters and grandchildren also camp.

While sitting around my daughter’s campfire one evening in May, everyone went to bed and I stayed at the fire alone for some time. The fire pit was on sand and the ground was uneven.

Unfortunately as I got up, I tripped and landed face first on the fire pit. I got up as soon as I could get my wits about me and went into the trailer to call for an ambulance. I had to go to the hospital as my face was burnt.

The amazing thing is the Roots zip-up hoodie I had on didn’t go up in flames. I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel I was wearing that hoodie. I feel anything else would have gone up in flames. I’ve now fully recovered and have only a small mark on my face.

Thanks to my ‘Roots 73’ hoodie, I had no other injuries and I wanted to let you know how I feel about your product.

Karen Lamb Leamington, ON

AFTER THE FLOOD

Last year, as most Canadians will remember, heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding that left many communities in southern Alberta devastated, displacing more than 100,000 people.

Within hours, Canadian Red Cross volunteers provided assistance and gave much needed supplies to those affected.

Immediately afterwards, through the support of Roots and countless other donors, our focus was on relief. Volunteers and staff established shelters and reception centres, registered evacuees to help unite families, distributed relief goods and addressed further pressing needs.

Thanks to the generosity of donors across Canada like Roots, the Red Cross can take such quick action when disaster strikes. Your contribution went directly toward assisting in the recovery phase of this response and helped people in Alberta to rebuild and move forward.

On behalf of those affected by the flooding in Alberta, please accept our sincere gratitude.

Rob Zuback Senior Mgr., Corporate Programs Canadian Red Cross, Toronto TAKING TO THE TRAIL

It’s my great pleasure to acknowledge Roots Canada’s generous support of the Trans Canada Trail. We were so pleased to be chosen as your charitable partner for the toques promotion this past winter.

Your support brings us closer to connecting the Trail from coast to coast to coast, and also helps promote the Trail to Canadians.

Today, 72% of the Trail is developed and we aim to fully connect the Trail by the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The support of great Canadian companies like Roots helps us achieve this dream. We’re proud to have the support of an iconic Canadian brand, which inspires a love of Canada’s beautiful, wild places.

Thank you again for being a partner with us on this amazing journey and for helping us make this ambitious dream a reality.

Simone Hicken VP, Resource Development Trans Canada Trail, Montreal

EXPRESS YOURSELF We invite you to send us your letters and/or your most creative photos or illustrations for publication in The Source.

Please send your submissions to photogallery@roots.com

The Source • 3

ARetail LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT Council of Canada honours Roots co-founders for decades of success

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n early June, the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) honoured Michael Budman and Don Green for their significant business success and community leadership. In presenting the Distinguished Retail Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Roots co-founders were cited as retail role models who have made a major impact on the industry through their vision and commitment to customers and employees.

“We are proud to recognize Michael and Don’s contributions to the growth and innovation of Canada’s retail sector, entrepreneurship, as well as their

tradition of industry and community all the people support,” who work says Diane for Roots Brisebois, Canada.”

President The and CEO of award was the RCC. presented in “Their pride front of 900 and passion attendees for the at the company’s Excellence Canadian in Retailing heritage Awards Michael Budman and Don Green has helped Gala, part of receiving their award establish the RCC’s Roots as annual retail one of the most iconic brands conference in Toronto. The event in Canada. They are a source of pays tribute to leading Canadian inspiration to the company, the retailers. Previous RCC award

winners include Harry Rosen Founder Harry Rosen; Honest Ed’s late Founder Ed Mirvish; and Aldo Founder Aldo Bensadoun.

In addition, for this year’s Excellence in Retailing Award in the technology category, the RCC selected the ‘Roots 360’ delivery service. The Award recognizes the best use of technology to improve and grow a retail business. ‘Roots 360’ allows customers to purchase products even if they’re not available at their nearest Roots store. They then can have the products shipped to a Roots location for pick-up or right to their home.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION

New Douglas Coupland collection incorporates visual artist/writer’s work and experimental messaging

Pop-head shirt

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t’s said that art can be found anywhere, and often, we need look no further than the clothes we wear. Celebrated Canadian author and artist Douglas Coupland has long considered fashion to be a form of art. In 2010, he teamed up with Roots to design his first-ever clothing line. This spring, the Vancouver native has teamed up again with Roots, creating a limited edition collection of clothing and accessories that includes men and women’s tops, a scarf and a leather wallet.

The Roots x Douglas Coupland collection coincides with his latest major art exhibit, now on view at the Vancouver Art Gallery until Sept. 1. The exhibit, titled Douglas Coupland: Everywhere is Anywhere is Anything is Everything, explores the artist’s relationship with place, 4 • The Source

Slogan zip-up sweater

cultural identity and information and technology.

“This new collection with Roots feels natural and wonderful, like working with family,” Douglas, 52, says. “The pieces reflect decades of artistic experiments, and belong in that charged territory between art and design.”

Douglas developed and approved the artwork on all items in the collection.

“There was a great spirit of collaboration between Roots and Douglas throughout this project,” says Sean Vicary, Licensing Creative and Graph-

Douglas Coupland

ics Manager. “For example, we suggested shirt colours that compliment his collection and offered our opinion on which quotes were used for the ‘slogan’ tees. In other areas, we played a greater role such as in decisions about garment embellishments, quantities to order and which stores would carry the collection.”

Witty and ironic quotes appear prominently on the slogan T-shirts, including “I Miss My Pre-Internet Brain” and “Knowing Everything Turns Out To Be Slightly

Boring.” The “Pop-head” shirt features multi-coloured paint pouring from the silhouette of a male face.

“Douglas Coupland’s experimentation with messaging is a shared interest with Roots,” says Roots Co-Founder Don Green.

“The designs are new and so is how we first offered them to our customers and followers on Twitter.”

Before the collection became available in stores across Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery gift shop and Roots.com debuted the items in the brand’s first-ever pop-up shop on Twitter for three days in late May. Roots averages 50 new Twitter followers a day, but gained 91 on the day of the launch. The most popular item was the scarf, which sold out online by the end of the exclusive sale.

Issue 117• June-July 2014

DRESSING FOR VICTORY

Amid World Cup fever, popular range of countries featured in new collection

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ar more than just a game, soccer unites people from all over the world. Held every four years, the FIFA World Cup represents the ultimate celebration of the sport, with matches attracting hundreds of millions of TV viewers across the globe.

With 32 countries competing in this summer’s tournament, fans aren’t shy about standing up for their favourite team – and specially designed Roots apparel again lets people show their passion for the countries competing for the championship.

Brazil is hosting this year’s tournament, which begins in midJune and runs until mid-July. This is the fourth time that Roots has created a collection to celebrate the World Cup. The Roots United collection

of World Cup apparel, available in 54 Roots stores and roots. com, consists of men and women’s T-shirts, polos and hoodies. All feature the name and corresponding flag of a team in the World Cup. Countries in the collection include Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The list was determined by past sales and top contender predictions.

The Athletics Team (Special Collections Designer Adrian Aitcheson; Associate Designer Alice Mallison; Associate Designer Sam Coatsworth) designed the collection with the assistance of Licensing Creative and Graphics Manager Sean Vicary.

Assistant Manager Noel Mastine, (left), and Manager Joy Henke-Paxton of the Guelph store show their support for Germany during World Cup

FLY AWAY STYLE

Roots creates customized leather luggage for private jetsetters

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lying in style has never been easier thanks to Roots leather carry-on bags.

This summer, Wheels Up, a membership-based aviation company launched last year, teamed up with Roots to provide its customers with a travel bag that’s stylish and versatile.

Ahead of the summer season, Wheels Up wanted to create an ideal excursion bag as a gift for its clients that neatly fits everything necessary for a weekend away.

“We have a long history with Roots and Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green,” says Gary Spitalnik, the organization’s Executive Vice-President of Events.

“Both companies worked together to create a luxury and travel lifestyle product.”

Delivered in the early spring, the

500 large Colorado Bags in vintage Tribe leather display the Wheels Up logo engraved on the front of the bag and on the luggage tag. Designed and manufactured at the Roots factory in Toronto, the bag has handles and an adjustable strap for comfort and ease when traveling.

“We’re very happy with the outcome of the bag,” says Gary.

“We’ve always had an incredible working relationship with Roots from design to delivery and everything else that goes along with placing an order.”

Based in New York, Wheels Up allows individuals and corporations to fly privately in North America. Membership also includes Wheels Down, a service that offers access to exclusive entertainment, cultural and culinary events.

SHOWING THEIR PRIDE

With the city hosting several events for WorldPride, Toronto employees support international festival

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Outside Toronto’s Eaton Centre store. Left to right (back row): Bridget McVey, Stefanie Kennedy, Donald Olango, Kristina Herrera-Enriquez, Andrea Reodica, Alissa Randall, Jenna Miguel. Front row: Sabrina Lane-Smith.

Issue 117 • June-July 2014

his year, Toronto was host to WorldPride, a 10-day international celebration of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) culture. In late June, in the spirit of WorldPride, employees at the Roots Central store in Toronto dressed for the occasion.

During the opening and closing Pride weekends, staff wore specially designed “rainbow beaver” T-shirts in support of the event and were happy to show their colours. With help from the Visual Team at the Head Of-

fice, the store was outfitted with “Pride-themed” windows, which won rave reviews from customers.

This was the first time a North American city hosted WorldPride.

It previously took place in Rome in 2000, Jerusalem in 2006 and London in 2012. By the time the event wrapped up, WorldPride is estimated to have attracted one million Canadian and foreign visitors to Toronto, generating $136 million for the city’s economy.

The festival will next occur in 2017 in Madrid, Spain.

The Source • 5

SURF’S UP Great Lakes T-shirt helps customer to share country’s little-known attraction with other likeminded souls

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pon receiving a Roots T-shirt from his wife last fall, Larry Cavero was delighted to learn that the company was spotlighting surfing in Canada for which he has a boundless passion. Featuring the slogan, “Surf the Great Lakes,” the T-shirt has strengthened the pride Larry has in this pursuit.

“I’ve always loved Canada, but for the longest while, there was something missing,” says Larry, 42. “And that was surfing.”

Born in Lima, Peru, where he grew up surfing, Larry didn’t expect to surf again after immigrating to Canada in 1992 – and for a long time, he didn’t. It wasn’t until 2010 that he discovered, via the internet, much to his amazement, he could surf on the Great Lakes. Larry, who lives in Brampton, Ontario, was thrilled and wanted to share his

Members of SDC sporting their Roots T-shirt at a competition

discovery with other prospective surfers. To that end, he created an organization, Surf Dreams Canada (SDC), which encourages people to surf on the Great Lakes.

Earlier this year, Larry wore his shirt for the first time to a beach cleanup organized

by SDC. Many of the fellow attendees were impressed that Roots had created a T-shirt that spoke directly to Larry Cavero catching some waves in Lake Ontario them and their lifestyle, and they, too, wanted one. With help from the friendly staff at the Roots store in Mississauga near Toronto, Larry purchased the last 20 shirts available in the Roots inventory Larry Cavero catching waves on Lake Ontario for his Great Lakes

a year in Canada and the United States in the Surfboard and Stand Up Paddle surf (SUP) divisions.

SDC also values the importance of environmental conservation. After Larry surfed his first wave in Lake Ontario, he, along with his wife, his two children and a friend, began cleaning a local beach, which has become a tradition for SDC. “I believe it’s our duty to protect our lakes and the environment,” says Larry. “By doing our part, we are allowing the next generation to continue to enjoy the wonderful resources our country has to offer.”

SDC organizes three beach cleanups per year, with the next one taking place on August 30 at the Cove at Bluffers Park in Toronto. Each usually recruits over 40 volunteers of all ages. Based on its success, Larry hopes to hold five cleanups next year.

surf team.

Recently, SDC represented the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA), the world’s largest amateur surfing association, at a competition in New Jersey. Team members proudly wore their Roots “Surf the Great Lakes” T-shirts, spotlighting Canada’s unlikely surfing venue.

The shirt attracted lots of attention at the competition and even well known surfing icon Peter Pan wore it.

Founded in 2012, SDC promotes camaraderie, environmental awareness and surfing year-round in Canada.

With members ranging in age from nine to 67, individuals take part SDC members jump for joy on dry land in four competitions

ON THE RETAIL FRONT

Renovations on new Toronto flagship store near completion amidst other store developments

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pring was a busy time for Roots on the retail front through new store openings, relocations and renovations. As this issue of The Source went to press, construction was in high gear at the new flagship store in Toronto at 80 Bloor St. West. Slated to open in early-August, just ahead of the company’s 41st anniversary, the 6,500-square foot emporium is spread out over two levels. It will feature an expanded leather department with an in-house leather specialist, a monogram shop and a concierge. Situated within a historical building, the 6 • The Source

store showcases architectural el- in Canada, the site was recently ements that had previously been transformed into a major new covered up, restoring the space retail shopping complex. to its natural state.

About 90 minutes south-east Elseof Toronto, where in Toin one of ronto, a new Canada’s company leading tourstore is set to ist destinaopen at the tions, Roots Stockyards opened a in mid-July new comin the city’s pany store west end. in Niagara Formerly Falls at the home to the Fallsview largest liveCasino in Planned 80 Bloor St. W. storefront stock market mid-June.

In other retail developments, early June saw the relocation of the Oshawa, Ontario company store at the Oshawa Centre. In early April, Roots relocated its Square One company store in Mississauga, Ontario. The new 2,625-square foot space replaced a temporary location in the mall.

Future store relocations include Vaughan Mills in Vaughan, Ontario set to open in mid-October.

In addition, in the coming months, Roots will begin renovating two major stores: the Robson St. flagship store in Vancouver and Roots Central in the Eaton Centre in Toronto.

Issue 117• June-July 2014

BUILDING A SCHOOL WITH ONE SHIRT

Roots contributes to the construction of 16 schools in Africa with “This Shirt” initiative

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t’s amazing how one T-shirt can help lead to the building of a school half way across the world. Through the on-going Roots “This Shirt Built A School In Africa” T-shirt campaign, the company has contributed to the construction of 16 schools for children who have little or no

educational opportunities.

Priced at $29.95, Roots has sold over 9,400 T-shirts. The company donates more than half of the shirt’s retail price for every T-shirt to the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation (MPCF), that works in partnership with Free the Children’s Adopt a Village proChildren at the gram. Together, Roots school in Roots and the Ewaso, Kenya MPCF have built schools in countries such as Kenya and Sierra Leone. Based on this success, Roots is looking to help raise more funds for this cause.

“Roots provides us with the opportunity

Roots school in Pimbinet, Kenya

to disseminate our message to different demographics, allowing us to quickly sell the quantities needed to achieve our goal of building new schools,” says Natasha Borota, Co-Founder of the MPCF. “We are excited about how the relationship has grown over the years and we are honoured to be working with Roots on this project.”

To date, the MPCF has raised over $1.5 million, enough to build 162 schools in total. With the

average cost of building a school being $10,000, the MPCF hopes to build 100 more school-houses and classrooms in eight countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, China, India, Haiti and Ecuador.

In 2010, Roots began its collaboration with the MPCF and the Academy of Lions Foundation for this initiative. Designed by Roots, the T-shirt is currently available in both men’s and women’s styles online at www.roots.com.

SPREE OF A LIFETIME

In partnership with Make-A-Wish, Roots gives young girl with illness a shopping experience to remember

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o instill hope, joy and strength in a child suffering a life-threatening medical condition can be a highly meaningful experience. In February, in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Roots welcomed the opportunity to help make a young girl’s wish come true.

It all began for Kadreya Leith, a 14-year-old girl from Kanata, Ontario, when she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia, a disease causing red blood cells to form abnormally. Potentially fatal complications from this condition include infection of small blood vessels, impaired blood flow and pain episodes resulting in treatments such as daily medications and weekly blood transfusions. Fortunately, Kadreya is diagnosed with a milder version of the disease and currently does not have to undergo treatment.

After being referred to MakeA-Wish by Ottawa’s Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in October 2013, this spunky, funloving girl expressed her desire to go on the shopping spree of a lifetime. Once her wish was Issue 117 • June-July 2014

Kadreya Leith, 14, with her new Roots T-shirt on the day her wish is granted

officially granted by the charity, Kadreya wrote down all her favourite stores in the Rideau Centre – Ottawa’s premier shopping mall – including Roots.

The day before the shopping expedition, a stretch limousine surprised Kadreya at her house to drive her, her mother and friend to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a luxury hotel in downtown Ottawa. They spent the cold winter afternoon taking in the Rideau Canal, indulging in beaver tails, swimming at the hotel pool and dining in style.

The next morning, the lim-

ousine picked up Kadreya and her entourage to start her dream day. Upon their arrival at the mall, two “Wish Coordinators” greeted and joined them for the day.

“I know she had a fantastic time,” says Anne Salvail, Kadreya’s Wish Coordinator.

“She enjoyed her day so much and I remember her turning to me to say, ‘Every girl should get the chance to do this.’”

When Kadreya arrived at Roots, store associates greeted her with a box of assorted treats. She bought Cabin Socks,

sweatpants and hoodies from the spring collection, all with the pre-paid cards courtesy of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

As a gift from Roots, Kadreya received a complimentary “Let’s Go Canada” T-shirt in support of Canadian athletes at the Olympics, which began the following weekend.

“It was the best time of my life,” says Kadreya. “I feel like my Roots clothes will last forever and they never go out of style. I wear them the most, and am thankful they keep me so comfortable.”

The shopping spree also brought joy to Kadreya’s loved ones.

“Watching your teenage daughter have a smile on her face for an entire day…

Priceless,” says Simone Leith, Kadreya’s mother.

While in the store, Kadreya mentioned to one of the associates that she would love to be in a magazine some day – and now The Source has helped make another one of her wishes come true, too. · To learn more about Make-a-Wish Foundation, visit www.makeawish.ca

The Source • 7

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

New issue of Zoomer magazine tells story of Algonquin Park’s impact on Roots co-founders Call of the Wild Budman still paddling strong; the mantel at the family cabin; a signpost greets guests. Opposite: at the phone booths where they would call in to Toronto 40 years ago, the partners wear T-shirts from a collaboration with artist-author Douglas Coupland; a teepee on Bonita; a classic Roots leather carry-all; the interior of Budman’s original cottage (the map of Jamaica on the door references Roots’ ties to that country).

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Courtesy of Zoomer. Photography by Chris Chapman

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hen it comes to celebrating all that is Canadian, it’s little surprise that Roots comes to mind for many people. As part of an annual tradition for its special summer issue, Zoomer magazine is spotlighting what makes Canada great. This year, Roots CoFounders Michael Budman and Don Green and their respective wives Diane Bald and Denyse Green were chosen for the cover story.

The article, titled True North, describes Algonquin Park’s seminal impact on Michael and Don and how it helped lead to the creation of Roots in 1973. Both the article and the accompanying 10-page photo spread reflect much of the ongoing inspiration behind the company. Shot in locations including Michael’s cabin on Smoke Lake and the

Roots Bonita guest lodge, Michael, Don, Diane and Denyse are seen wearing clothes from the new Tom Thomson, Douglas Coupland and XL collections.

The spread includes images of

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Michael canoeing, Denyse striking a yoga pose, Diane wrapped in a Roots Cabin Towel after a dip in the lake, and Don chopping wood for a bonfire. Longtime friend of Roots and resident artist at Bonita Don Standfield is also pictured, along with some of his work.

“Each year, our summer issue celebrates the best of Canada,” says Suzanne Boyd, Editor-in-Chief of Zoomer.

“Algonquin Park is the quintessential example of the great outdoors, not only for Ontario but all of Canada.”

Photographer Chris Chapman previously photographed Michael, Don, Diane and Denyse in Algonquin Park in 2002 for Flare magazine, of which Suzanne was the editor at the time.

“Both couples embody the Canadian aesthetic and they excel at celebrating and honouring all that is Canadian,” says Suzanne. “At Zoomer, we like nothing more than longevity and with Roots now in its 41st year, we embrace their success. They have set an example for many to be inspired and for generations to come.”

Founded in 2008, Zoomer is aimed primarily at men and women 45 and over. Published nine times a year, each issue focuses on current

issues and lifestyle trends in topics including health, beauty, fashion and travel.

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QUALITY TIME

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Long awaited Momentum watches from Vancouver-based corporation hits stores

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n recent weeks, customers may have noticed an expanded product line while shopping at Roots. After collaborating with the Vancouver-based St. Moritz Watch Corporation for more than a year to create a sophisticated line of Momentum brand watches, the products hit stores just in time for spring.

Watches have long been a popular accessory at Roots, and their return to the shelves was much anticipated. The new collection is separated into two 8 • The Source

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Family Roots Michael Budman, Diane Bald, Denyse and Don Green and their dogs, Greta and Arthur, wearing the Tom Thomson Collection, inspired by the life and featuring the work of the Canadian artist who was famous for his paintings of Algonquin Park, where he died mysteriously in 1917.

families: the Roots Lifestyle and the Roots Athletics lines.

They have a timeless, classic style that suits a wide variety of consumers.

“The collection really captures the aesthetics of the company,” says Tristan Gonsalves, Merchandise Planning Manager.

“There’s at least one style for every customer.”

The Lifestyle line consists of sophisticated statement

pieces, all of which are analogue watches.

The Athletics line offers analogue and digital watches in bold colours with a design spectrum from retro to modern sport. For both, there are 11 styles with multiple unisex band options and colours.

Both Roots and St. Moritz take pride in the fact that the watches are de-

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signed, assembled and serviced in Canada. Founded in 1979, St. Moritz offers excellent Momentum watches worldwide.

“As a company, we have high standards to provide an honest product and service to our valued retailers,” says Joey Sherren, National Sales Manager at Momentum. “We are also a Canadian company that credits its success to great customer service, quality product and passion. Partnering with Roots was a natural fit.”

Issue 117• June-July 2014

A SHARED VISION

Book on legendary Canadian artists, the Group of Seven, donated to Roots library in Toronto factory

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ibrant colours, expansive forests, serene waters.

These timeless traits of northern Ontario are intrinsic components in paintings by the fabled Group of Seven, and also serve as an inspiration behind Roots.

As a child, Kimberlee Collins, Designer and Product Development at Meade Ray International, a longtime licensee of Roots, spent considerable time in northern Ontario and Algonquin Park. She appreciated the landscape, and fell in love

with the Group of Seven because of how they depicted the region’s wilderness.

“The Roots co-founders also have this passion and love for our country, in particular Algonquin Park,” says Kimberlee.

“So did Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, for whom the park was a favourite painting

spot. Forty years ago, Michael [Budman] and Don [Green] took this passion and created something unique for Canadians, just as the Group of Seven did so many years before.”

During a visit to the Roots factory in Toronto, Kimberlee discovered the Roots library, located in the building’s Albert

Budman showroom. After seeing several Group of Seven books there, Kimberlee realized that Roots also had a great affinity with the artists. It prompted her to recently donate to the library In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven, a newly-published book exploring the locations where the Canadian artists painted.

Established in 2011, the library is comprised of a wide selection of books collected over the years that employees often use when researching various projects.

PASSION FOR PADDLING

Store employee combines love of outdoors with determination to restore 100-year-old canoe

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ith hot weather and sunshine finally here, summer enthusiasts are flocking to camps, beaches and parks to take advantage of the great outdoors. Retail employee Rukshan de Silva is no exception; he plans to spend weekends canoeing at popular sites such as Algonquin Park, a few hours north of Toronto.

Inspired by its raw beauty and opportunities for adventure, Algonquin is dear to Roots. Rukshan identifies with this aspect of the company and embraces it through his own passion for the wilderness. Having begun his summer with a successful 4-day canoe trip to Opeongo Lake in Algonquin in late May, Rukshan is already planning more such excursions for the coming months.

While most people will hit the lakes in modern, plastic canoes, Rukshan uses a 15.5foot century-old cedar canoe that he painstakingly restored to its original splendour.

During his childhood and youth, Rukshan spent weeks on family camping trips throughout North America, fostering a love of the outdoors. This contributed to his acquiring the canoe last August. He finished restoring it for an inaugural trip two months later.

“The voyage gave me an incredible sense of accomplishment,” says Rukshan, 23, who recently graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Issue 117 • June-July 2014

The restored cedar canoe

Rukshan in his enhanced canoe

degree in urban planning. “I just felt so at peace in the water that weekend.”

Canoeing was always a favourite activity of Rukshan’s on his family camping trips, especially in Algonquin Park. He also spent time there in the summer of 2010 when he worked at Camp Tamakwa, which both Roots co-founders atRukshan tended in their hard at youth. There work he learned about the technical aspects of canoeing, including different strokes and manoeuvres.

His love of nature wasn’t the only inspiration behind his canoe restoration. Rukshan’s recent trip to Africa (see Issue 116 of The Source) also motivated him.

Last summer, he visited several countries in the continent to

volunteer, travel and work. The inequality and extreme poverty he witnessed had a lasting impact on him after returning to his home in Oakville, Ontario.

“I needed to find a meaningful way to move forward with my life,” says Rukshan. “That’s when I found this beautiful canoe from the early 1900s. It became an outlet for my anger, sorrow, and frustration from my uncertainty of how to move forward with my life.”

Rukshan found the canoe online and purchased it for $245.

Warned that it had leaks, he set about researching how to restore a canoe, and then applied this knowledge to the process.

It began with the gruelling task of patching holes in the existing fibreglass exterior. Ruk-

shan then gave the hull an epoxy coating, primer, and fresh coat of paint, and even added detailing of the Canadian aboriginal piece from the Vancouver 2010 Team Canada Olympic jersey. The canoe had a cedar keel, which Rukshan preserved and simply sanded in order to retain its character. It was nothing if not a labour of love.

The interior of the canoe had been painted brown, but Rukshan wanted to revive the wood grain, so he hand sanded between the strips and ribs of the interior and stained it. Finally, he re-weaved new rawhide seats.

Seven weeks after undertaking the project, Rukshan proudly brought his canoe to the Silent Lake Provincial Park near Bancroft, Ontario, for its maiden voyage on Thanksgiving weekend.

“The journey was so rewarding,” says Rukshan. “I can’t wait for the memories that this canoe will bring me in the future. It’s something I will pass on to my children and grandchildren.”

The Source • 9

INSPIRATION IN THE WILD

With new collection, Roots honours iconic Canadian painter, outdoorsman and Algonquin Park resident Tom Thomson whose art and lifestyle have loinfluenced the brand. By JESSICA FISHBEIN

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as there an original Roots man, a muse who embodied many of the principles and aesthetics behind the brand? It may surprise many that when the company was founded in 1973, a source of inspiration was a legendary Canadian artist.

Throughout his short life, Tom Thomson revered the Canadian wilderness, and his depiction of its beauty opened people’s eyes to the country’s majestic landscape.

Like Thomson decades before them, Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green drew inspiration from Ontario’s Algonquin Park, which his paintings helped imbed into the national consciousness. His life and body of work evoke a deep appreciation of the outdoors, and the upcoming Roots Tom Thomson collection pays tribute to both his cultural legacy and love for Algonquin Park.

The Roots Tom Thomson collection is a collaboration with the Tom Thomson Gallery in Owen Sound, a small town in southern Ontario near where Thomson grew up in the 1880s. The line features men and women’s apparel, accessories

and leather items and is set to hit the stores in late July.

As the Director and Curator of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Virginia Eichhorn is highly selective in her gallery’s partnerships.

“I’m very aware of my role as custodian of the legacy of one of Canada’s most influential and important icons,” says Virginia.

“As such, any partnerships that I would consider undertaking on behalf of my gallery must be authentic. When I first met with

“I’ve long been intrigued by Tom Thomson, both his life and his paintings,” says Michael. “I first became aware of him in my youth while attending Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park. His passion for the Park and the wilderness really resonated with me.

When I later became more familiar with his Tom Thomson, (right), was an avid outdoorsman and frequently art, I appreciated him canoed in Algonquin Park even more and loved the aesthetics in his work.

I had often thought that Roots should somehow pay tribute to his legacy Michael [Budman] and his team, as his values are very much I easily saw in them the same passion and respect for Tom that consistent with what Roots is all about.” we have here at the gallery.”

While creating items in the While a popular misconcepcollection, Licensing Creative tion is that Thomson was part and Graphics Manager Sean of the Group of Vicary took Thomson’s life into account: rather than simply Seven, replicate his famous works, the the clothes also honour what he famous Canadian stood for. Sean designed men and women’s apparel for the collandlection with Associate Designer scape Alice Mallinson and Special painters, Collections Designer Adrian he died in 1917 before the group formed. Aitcheson of the Athletics team.

“We wanted to stay away However, he still influenced some the group’s founding mem- from museum or art gallery-type bers before moving to Algonquin of merchandise and go beyond that,” says Sean. “The clothes Park as a young man to devote tell the story of him the man.” more time to his art.

Apparel such as the Women’s Algonquin Dinner Jacket reflects the lifestyle of Tom Thomson

Men’s Algonquin Dinner Jacket and Toque are both functional for life in the outdoors

10 • The Source

Issue 117• June-July 2014

Image from Algonquin Park photoshoot for the Tom Thomson collection

Since the Canadian governthought about the things he was, ment and other galleries own and these apply to the Roots much of Thomson’s work, the brand as well.” gallery in Owen Sound allowed Items including the Tom designers to reproduce only Thomson T-shirt depict real imselect artwork in its collection. ages of Tom, such as a photoThe Tom Thomson Canvas Tgraph that shows him catching Shirt displays his 1914 painting fish in Algonquin. Since he was Soft Maple in Autumn and Melt- an avid outdoorsman, designers ing Ice from 1917. The women ensured pieces are functional for and men’s Canoe Lake hoody life in the wilderness. also features his famous paint“These are all items that can ing of the same name. be worn while exploring naIn addition to ture,” says Sean.

Tom Thomson visiting the gallery The collection in Owen Sound – also includes acwhere Senior Art cessories designed Director Ilich Meby Senior Accesjia photographed sories Designer paintings that will Lynne Morris and be reproduced in leather products store windows designed by Design – designers also Director Diane went to the Tom Bald.

Thomson cabin Pieces highlight at McMichael Art Thomson’s artistic Gallery just outside technique, includToronto. They drew further ing the infinity scarf, which inspiration from research online features enlarged details to show and The West Wind, a documenoff Thomson’s brush strokes. tary film with contributions from Other accessories in the line artist and friend of Roots Don include a toque and men and Standfield. Thomson drowned women’s Canoe Lake Sock. in Algonquin Park’s Canoe Virginia first approached Lake in 1917 under mysterious Roots in late 2011 about a pocircumstances, and his memotential partnership. rial plaque there also provided “I was thinking about Tom insight into his character. The and Algonquin Park at one plaque’s inscription is reprotime and almost immediately duced on the Pocket T-Shirt, inI thought of Roots as well, as cluding “To the Memory of Tom everyone knows the Roots story Thomson, Artist, Woodsman, has its origins in Algonquin and Guide, Who Was Drowned Park,” she says. “����������� The connecin Canoe Lake July 8, 1917, he tion with nature, with rugged lived humbly but passionately wilderness, the spirit of advenwith the wild.” ture and the creative individual “We drew inspiration from vision that Tom developed symhis values,” says Sean. “We bolizes the essence of Canada Issue 117 • June-July 2014

for so many people… and Roots is as quintessentially Canadian as a company can be.”

After meeting with Michael and Don, Virginia knew Roots values were aligned with those of the gallery.

“It was like the best first date ever,” says Virginia, noting the initial meeting lasted three hours. “It became really clear that what we were starting to build together was a vision, not just for a one-off project, but for a multi-dimensional ongoing collaboration celebrating Tom and the embodiment of the Canadian spirit.”

While much of today’s street style already reflects Thomson’s values, Virginia considers the Roots Tom Thomson collection an important way to display his art outside the confines of a gallery.

“If you take a walk along almost any city or town in Canada, you’ll see young people walking about in plaid shirts, jeans and woolen touques. It’s as if everyone is channelling the spirit of Tom,” says Virginia. “I think by incorporating the imagery on apparel it breaks down

any formal barriers that people feel when they view artworks in galleries and museums – people think there’s a certain protocol.

By having imagery on the apparel it reinforces that Tom and his work are there for everyone to enjoy and to embrace – and hopefully they’ll also be inspired to come see the real works on view here in Owen Sound.”

Whether worn in the city or out in nature, the collection will raise awareness of the breathtaking Algonquin landscape, and inspire others to seek out both Thomson’s art and the beauty of the Canadian outdoors.

“Tom was all about working on-site outdoors,” says Virginia. “He hated to be confined inside. He’d probably think it was pretty cool seeing people outdoors, whether at a restaurant or in a canoe in Algonquin Park, wearing apparel with his imagery on it. It will provide an ongoing reminder to anyone who sees the collection about what an amazing landscape we have here in Canada and they’ll be encouraged to explore it for themselves.”

Items such as the Tom Thomson Pocket T-shirt were inspired by his memorial plaque at Canoe Lake

The Source • 11

A LASTING

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Tom Thomson’s life and art were clos by the time he spent in C

early a century after his tragic drowning in Algonquin Park’s Canoe Lake, Tom Thomson’s life and work command as much interest as ever, to say nothing of the lofty prices his paintings now attract. Despite his stature today as one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Tom sold only a few of his paintings while he was alive.

Algonquin Park was central to his adult life and creative

G LEGACY

sely intertwined, both greatly inspired Canada’s great outdoors output. He lived there for three years until his passing in 1917. In addition to his prolific painting of the Park’s raw beauty, he spent a lot of time canoeing, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. His love of nature is apparent in some of his most famous works, including Melting Ice, (bottom left), and Canoe Lake, (bottom right), that captured the power and timeless appeal of such settings.

HEALTH TIP

FROM ENGLAND WITH LOVE

Store employee celebrates new Canadian residency with special purchase

W THE BENEFITS OF BREAKFAST

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hile many people skip breakfast, doctors suggest that it’s actually the most important meal of the day. It will jumpstart your metabolism, improve your concentration for the classroom or workplace and give you more strength to engage in physical activities. When you enrich your first meal with nutritious foods, you will also have a more balanced diet. The following are some tips and tricks for delicious and easy-to-make healthy breakfast items. · Oat bran: if you’re rushed for time, grab an oat bran muffin.

This to-go item might not be the most tasty of breakfast treats, but is packed full of fiber, which keeps you fuller for longer. If you are handy in the kitchen, try baking your own, adding cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavour. · Oatmeal: similar to oat bran, oatmeal is also very high in fiber.

Low in unsaturated fat with zero cholesterol, this complex carbohydrate will continuously release energy into your system throughout the morning. Try adding a spoonful of honey and fresh berries for a guilt-free, morning sweet treat. · Protein: Breakfast is a great time to stock up on protein-rich foods. They promote the body’s production of Peptide YY, which gives you the feeling of fullness and curbs desire to snack on junk food. Before opting for the easy and convenient protein bar however, try preparing something quick and easy such as almond butter on whole wheat toast. · Eggs: This classic breakfast item is high in protein – about 5.5 grams in one medium egg – and contains a nutrient called choline, which improves cardiovascular health and nervous system function. If you’re bored with the regular scrambled variety, try healthier options like poached or hard/soft boiled. · Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com

14 • The Source

ho knew a Roots hoodie purchased while visiting a foreign country could contribute to altering someone’s life? Retail employee Sean Thomson now knows.

Originally from the Berkshire county in southeast England, Sean came to Canada in 2011 on a year-long work visa. One week into his sojourn, he applied to Roots and 48 hours later, he was hired as a sales associate at the company’s bustling flagship store on Toronto’s Bloor Street.

“I love Roots and I’m so pleased to have had the chance to work in such amazing flagship stores,” says Sean, 30, a Toronto resident who is currently Assistant Store Manager at the Eaton Centre location. “The people are what I love most about working at Roots. The team has shown me so much support in developing my skills over time and I’ve received such a warm welcome, not only in-store but within the

Toronto where he purchased a Toronto Maple Leafs hoodie. His love for the sweatshirt is one of the reasons he wanted to work at Roots after moving to Canada. Recently, Sean received permanent residency and to celebrate this milestone he purchased a customized Roots Gretzky Jacket.

Sean in his Gretzky Jacket “I chose the Gretzky jacket because I wanted whole company.” something Canadian-made, Prior to joining Roots, his and I love our leather jackets,” knowledge of the brand was says Sean. “I knew that I could limited, based primarily on a customize the jacket so every previous trip to Toronto. While detail would tell a story. On the visiting Canada in early 2011, jacket, there are crossed hockey Sean first encountered Roots at flags that show my old and new the Sherway Gardens mall in homes, the hockey sticks show Sean’s roots my love of hockey, and the number 11 indicates the year I arrived to Canada.”

Sean originally decided to come to Canada for a change of scenery and ended up falling in love with Toronto. With his new Roots Gretzky Jacket, he now feels more connected than ever to his adopted city and country.

DÉJÀ VU

A voyage back in time to a vintage moment from the pages of The Source

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art of the original inspiration behind Roots, Ontario’s Algonquin Park has always exerted a strong influence on the company. In June 2007, the wilderness paradise served as an ideal setting to showcase the then-new Canada Collection, created in tribute to the country’s 140th birthday.

The cover story of The Source (Issue 73) provided a behindthe-scenes account of the photoshoot and campaign for the collection.

Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist Adam van Koeverden, a world champion kayaker, and Alex Budman, daughter of Co-Founder Michael Budman, perfectly exuded Roots style for the camera. Alex felt right at home, having spent most of her summers in Algonquin Park. Photographer Ilich Mejia captured Alex and Adam wearing pieces from the then-new heritage collection against the magnificent backdrop of the Park.

It marked the first time the Canada Collection was produced and included cotton jersey shorts, T-shirts, tanks, fleece hoodies, sweat pants and polos, all featuring Canadian motifs.

Since its debut seven years ago, thanks to the strong response from customers, the collection has become an annual fixture at Roots, released in time to help celebrate Canada Day. Issue 117• June-July 2014

TRAVELING IN STYLE

Student travel organization and Roots collaborate for global summer excursions

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weatshirts have long been a staple of Roots and highly popular with its retail customers of all ages.

Increasingly, sweatshirts are also in demand from wholesale and B2B clients. This summer, a leading Canadian teen travel company is giving trip participants the opportunity to purchase a customized hoodie designed and manufactured by Roots.

Last fall, Westcoast Connection/360° Student Travel decided to upgrade its branded clothing and chose Roots as its partner for this collaboration.

“There’s just no other brand we trust with a similar standard of quality and timeless style,”

Students in the program wear Roots in Canada and around the world

says Jordanna Ber, Creative and Marketing Manager of Westcoast Connections/360° Student Travel. “As a Canadian-

founded company, our staff have been toting along their Roots gear on all their trips.”

This was the first time the

company had worked with Roots on a custom project.

Delivered in April, the 220 pine green Kanga Hoodies with the Westcoast Connection/360° Student Travel logo in white quickly made an impact.

“Our team was so impressed by the hoodies,” says Jordanna.

“These sweatshirts are perfect for those longer travel days or snuggling up by the campfire at night.”

Participants taking part in a 2014 summer program can purchase the hoodies on the Westcoast Connection/360° Student Travel online shop. Since 1982, the company has specialized in student travel opportunities in 21 countries.

A vintage photo of Westcoast Connection students in Roots

Students with Westcoast Connection sporting Roots

ACROSS THE BORDER

Members of Canadian Girl Guides show their Roots toques on community trip to New York

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t’s interesting how a small winter hat can have a big impact on people. In midMarch, 22 members of the Girl Guides of Canada, from British Columbia spent their winter break sightseeing and volunteering in New York City, all the while staying true to their Roots. Each of the 16 girls and six trip leaders wore a Roots knitted toque to help make the group more cohesive and readily identifiable. Stylish yet simple, the red toques prominently displayed ‘CANADA’ and a maple leaf stitched in the centre of it.

For most members of the delegation, all of whom were from Whistler and Pemberton, British Columbia, it was the first time in New York. The goal of the trip was to learn how to budget and plan such an excursion, and then execute it.

Issue 117 • June-July 2014

Girl Guides volunteer at a New York soup kitchen

The girls, aged 12 to 16, experienced New York by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, biking in Central Park, and shopping in Times Square. They also volunteered at a local soup kitchen, serving 850 lunches in one day to members of the community. While there, the group wore the toques instead of the

hats provided which created lots of conversation. On seeing the toques, many people started talking to the girls about their own Canada-related experiences such as hockey, or traveling there or knowing someone who lived north of the boarder.

“People were constantly asking us about our toques and

wanting one,” says Jennifer Patterson, a group leader on the trip. “The girls felt very proud to be so well received as a Canadian Girl Guide and it was a memorable part of our travel experience.”

While planning the New York visit, Jennifer had spotted the toques on other girls and thought they would be a great addition to the Girl Guide uniform for the purpose of the trip.

She took a picture to show the rest of her group and it generated a highly positive response.

“Everyone loved the idea of getting the toques for our trip,” says Jennifer, “The toques became a very important addition to our uniform because the weather was quite cold while we were there and they also created an easy way to identify and keep track of our group.”

The Source • 15

NEW & NOT A guide to just-launc Photography, layout: Stephanie Holden and Natalie Fagen

(Clockwise, starting top left): Casson Shirt Jacket $98 / Lori Sloppy Mesh Toque $30 / Tom Thomson Scarf $58 / Fall Galley Trouser $68 / Tuff Boot $158 / Tom Thomson Sock $16.50 / New Audrey Bag $208 / Cropped Snowy Fox Sweater $88 16 • The Source

Issue 117• June-July 2014

TEWORTHY ched Roots products

(Clockwise, starting top left): Omer’s Pack $418 / Surplus T-Shirt $42 / New Shaving Kit $138 / West Pant $88 / Park Sock $18.50 / Chukka Boots $178 / Simcoe Hoody $48 / Rockies Knit Bomber $88 / Tom Thomson Toque $20 Issue 117 • June-July 2014

The Source • 17

ROOTS TV: THE LATEST EDITION Video series goes behind the scenes at the Roots store in Mont Tremblant

ing resort attract skiers from all over Quebec, the rest of Canada and far beyond. When not taking to the slopes, tourists do what they often like to do, and that’s shop – and many come to the Roots store. When asked what’s their best selling product, the store’s staff is unanimous, saying the winner is popular both in the winter and summer.

Caroline Dupras, Store Manager: “It’s the Tremblant stuff during most of the year. If you have a traveler and they want a souvenir, they’re going to buy Canada or Mont Tremblant product.”

But tourists aren’t the only ones buying the Tremblant products.

Jacynthe Martin, Local customer: “I’ve bought a few Tremblant items but to give as gifts. Being from Tremblant, I bought a shirt once for myself because I was going on a holiday elsewhere and I wanted to show where I was from, but mostly it’s for gifts.”

Caroline, who has managed the store since 1996, is a popular figure in the Mont Tremblant community where she and her family live. Although the town’s economy is driven largely by tourists, the Roots store also appeals to local residents.

Danièle St. Martin, Local resident: “We all need Roots for every-

day living. It’s comfortable for the families, for the kids. And for the tourists, it’s a bigee. And myself, when I was in Whistler, where did we go, we bought a Roots Whistler sweatshirt for my son.”

Like Mont Tremblant itself, the Roots store exudes a genuine local feel – both due to its physical appeal and its staff. Ultimately, the store succeeds because of its products, customer service and how it’s become almost an inseparable part of the local resort.

Isabella Allendorfer, Customer from Chicago: “The store fits in perfectly. When you enter here, it’s kind of Mont Tremblant for me. It has the clothing, the earthiness, it has a natural feel to it. And that’s

what Mont Tremblant is to me – a clean, natural setting.”

This synergy between Mont Tremblant’s overall setting and the Roots store also speaks to the staff.

Véronique Quesnel, Store Assistant Manager: “I just think Mont Tremblant and Roots are the perfect match because here everybody is active, they love hiking, they love nature so when they come here, they find exactly what they need. And even the store looks like a cottage. They just love the ambiance.”

Like the other Roots tourist destination stores, the one in Mont

Tremblant greatly raises awareness of the brand among people visiting from other countries. That in turn has contributed to further enhancing the international stature of Roots.

Robert Sarner, Roots TV: “As one of the quintessential Canadian brands associated with the outdoors and an active lifestyle, it’s little surprise that Roots is so successful in Mont Tremblant. And next year, based on that success, the store is very much looking forward to celebrating its 20th anniversary. This is Robert Sarner reporting for Roots Television in Mont Tremblant.”

Filmed and edited by Davin Bujalski

(Narration): At the heart of the Roots success is its impressive retail presence in Canada. There are about 120 stores, most of which rely largely on local, repeat customers. In contrast, there’s a small category of stores whose success is built primarily on non-local visitors.

Take, for example, the store in Mont Tremblant. Its reality illustrates many aspects unique to the company’s tourist destination stores. Situated in the Laurentian Mountains, about a 90-minute drive northwest of Montreal, it has been home to a Roots store since 1995. From the late fall until mid-spring, the village and surround-

18 • The Source

Issue 117• June-July 2014

FINE PRINT

ROADSIDE RETAIL

Specially designed Roots trailer proves popular at cottage country eatery

F COVERAGE OF ROOTS IN THE MEDIA

Here are some recent sightings of Roots in newspapers, magazines and on TV and websites: · Canadian Living: July issue. Roxy Bag featured. · Best Health: Summer. Raider’s Pack appears in “Look Great” section. · Huffington Post: June 25. Heritage Kanga Hoody included in list of reasons of “Why Canadians Are Best Dressed.” · Toronto Star: June 25. Roots T-shirts appear in World Pride clothing section. · Northern Style Exposure: June 20. Roots featured in blog post about Canada Day style. · Cityline: June 11. Cabin Tote and Slim Laptop Case included in Father’s Day gift guide. · Where Vancouver: June. Roots x Douglas Coupland collection showcased. · Sharp.com: June. Michael Budman included in Father’s Day feature. · More.com: June. Slim Laptop Case appears in Father’s Day gift guide. · Chatelaine: June. Western Riding Boot featured. · Coolhunting.com: June. Douglas Coupland men’s wallet featured in gift guide. · Flare: June. Dee Dee Case Box appears in “Pedal Pusher: Commuter Chic.” · Betakit.com: May 27. Discusses Roots x Douglas Coupland pop-up shop. · Cityline: May 23. Roxi Bag included in Fashion Fridays. · iVillage.ca: May 21. Roots selected as a favourite Canadian brand. · AmongMen.com: May 13. Student Pack in Black Prince included in roundup of men’s bags. · Chatelaine: May 12. Spotlight on Summer Fleece Pocket Sweatpants. · The Kit: May 8. Moto Vest 2.0 featured in “Spotted: Vested Interest.” · Metro: May 8. Zip-Around Wallet in Corallo Leather appears in “Gifts Galore.” · Huffington Post: May 1. Zip-Around Wallet in Spago included in Mother’s Day gift guide. · Chatelaine: May. Roxi Bag highlighted. · Today’s Parent: May. Zip-Around Wallet appears in Mother’s Day gift guide. · Best Health: May. Capri Sandal featured in great summer footwear styles. · Fashion: May. Roots x Juma collaboration highlighted. · Glow: May. Monique Bag featured in Luxe Bohemian Style Archive. · Where Toronto: May: Omer’s Pack in vegetable tan leather appears in “Making a Case For It.” · Globe and Mail: Apr. 24. Graduate Horween Bag featured in travel gear story.

Issue 117 • June-July 2014

or over half a century, many cottagers in Southern Ontario heading up north have stopped at Webers for the ultimate en-route burger. But this year, the roadside restaurant has an added attraction – Roots gear ideal for summer getaways.

After Roots created a limited edition collection for Webers’ 50th anniversary last summer, the roadside eatery sought a longerterm collaboration. As part of last year’s initiative, Roots set up a temporary pop-up store

The Webers by Roots collection and Roots apparel

The Roots pop-up store outside Webers restaurant

outside the restaurant alongside Highway 11 near Orillia, 90 minutes north of Toronto. This year, an unconventional retail venue – a mobile trailer – showcases a specially designed Webers by Roots collection.

“The concept is so unique, people are drawn to it,” Webers owner and president Tom Rennie says, noting the store’s proximity to the busy highway makes it hard to miss. “We’ve had so many people comment already.”

After Webers acquired a used RV, an Orillia-based company modified the vehicle to open on one side like a canopy, revealing the entire inside of the trailer. A Roots-approved supplier then worked on both the interior and a vehicle-wrap to cover the

entire exterior surface.

Pauline Landriault, Senior Director of Visual Planning and Store Development, led the creative redesign of the mobile pop-up shop. The trailer is painted white and green, and features both Roots and Webers logos. Racks of clothes sit on a large wooden platform outside the vehicle, and picnic-style tables and benches display additional merchandise.

Patricia MacInnis, Manager, Licensing and B2B, worked with Tom on the merchandise assortment, which includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and baseball hats. In addition to the Roots products for sale, the Webers by Roots apparel features the Webers logo.

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL

Spotlighting the top performing Roots stores based on their sales results hortly before this issue of S The Source went to press, we received the final sales fig-

ures for Roots stores in recent months. Taking the top spot for sales in both May and April was the Roots Central store at the Eaton Centre in Toronto.

As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Vaughan Mills Outlet in Vaughan, Ontario claimed the top spot in May, with the Niagara Outlet Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario winning the April spot.

Congratulations to Codi Sellers, Manager of the Roots Central store store; Debbie Annett, Manager of the Niagara Outlet; Amanda Mitchell, Manager of the Vaughan Mills Outlet and to their respective teams for their winning performances.

Hats off to all of the other stores that surpassed their sales goals in May and April.

Niagara Outlet - Lundy’s Lane team, back row (L-R): Vesna Ramelli, Megan Taylor, Natalie Caruso, Melissa Morena, Kaitlin Kuenzig, Marisa Maslink, Vincent Atallah, Rebecca Short and Debbie Annett (Manager).

Front row: Diana Sangster. (Missing: Janette Lane, Anthony DeChellis, Kathy Luu, David Lewis-Laurent and Serge Digiovanni).

The Source • 19

GREEN TIP

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores and in the media

C GREEN WAYS TO GARDEN

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ith the sun shining and the smell of fresh-cut grass in the air, summer is a great time to get outside and do some gardening. Whether you have an acre of lawn or a rooftop garden, any bit of greenery helps to clean air and contribute to the earth’s oxygen supply. The following is a list of tips to help maintain your green space in toxic-free ways. · Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers. Not only are they bad for the environment but most of them are washed away by the rain and ends up in our waterways. · Take the grass catcher off your lawn mower. Lawn clippings act as a natural compost when the sun and water breaks them down. · Keep the blades of your lawn mower sharp. Dull edges tear grass, damaging the plant and making it require more water. · Water your garden and lawn when the sun is low to help prevent evaporation. · Plant plants native to your area. They require much less watering and maintenance than introduced species. · Using mulch in your garden will help the soil underneath it retain water and control the growth of weeds. · Marigolds repel insects that linger around tomato plants. Plant them around your stalks as a natural insect repellent. · Garlic repels the larvae of many insects and can be planted with most plants. · Put a barrel under your house’s downspout to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. · Create a compost to provide conditioner for your greens.

Food waste, coffee grounds, clippings, flower cutting and even human hair and nails make for great compost material. · Source: http://greenpeace.org

20 • The Source

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots and developing friendly ties with the brand. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures from the entertainment industry and sports world who recently visited the company’s stores, head office, factory or were seen wearing Roots.

(Stores listed alphabetically) · Aspen, CO – Country singer Jerry Jeff Walker purchased a Village Bag in Tribe Leather. · Aspen, CO – Real Housewives of Orange County reality TV star Lauri Waring stopped by the store. · New York City – Ireland Baldwin borrowed father Alec Baldwin’s vintage Varsity Jacket for the Lorde performance at her MAC makeup launch in New York City · Toronto – Richard Hoffman from the hit television show Suits did some shopping at the St. Clair location.

· Toronto – Television talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz was presented a custom Baby Award Jacket for his new granddaughter and Banff Bag on The Marilyn Denis Show. · Vancouver – Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum wore Roots Original Sweatpants while visiting Vancouver. · Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canadian country singer Brett Kissel spotted wearing a Roots leather jacket at the Juno Gibson party · Instagram – Actress Eliza Dushku sported the Summer Fleece Sweatpants in Radiant Orchid. · Instagram – Model Hailey Baldwin wore her custom Roots Varsity Jacket on a recent trip to Montreal. · Television – Josh Dallas’ character “Prince Charming” donned the Student Pack in Tribe on the hit television show Once Upon A Time.

Lorde and Ireland Baldwin

Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum

Brett Kissel, (middle right), with store associates from the Polo Park Winnipeg store

Richard Hoffman, (left), with assistant manager Michael Kahn

Dr. Mehmet Oz (middle)

LIGHTING THE FUSE

Retail staff promote the brand with unique tradition

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ach store has its own way of celebrating and promoting Roots special events. In keeping with a well-established tradition, four employees at the Guelph, Ontario store kicked off the the biannual Customer Appreciation Event at Roots with a bang!

Colin Faulkner, Daniel Meharchand, Rob Zeidenberg and Jasmin Dalton, all sales associates at the Guelph store and local university students, painted their school’s cannon in anticipation of the four-day sale in April. They decorated the historic piece with maple

leaves, sale details and the iconic beaver logo. With many university students shopping at Roots, these employees knew exactly how to deliver their message.

“We all had a blast painting the cannon,” says Daniel. “I definitely feel like our painting played a role in our impressive sales results that weekend.”

The cannon is a symbol of the University of Guelph. It’s rooted in student tradition and painted daily with messages about events, birthdays, and even marriage proposals. Dating back 200 years, it’s permanently located at the heart of the school’s grounds.

The university allows anyone to paint the cannon but they must wait until after dark to do so, so that the previous day’s message is left unspoiled.

The Guelph store proudly reported an excellent Customer Appreciation Event, with sales increasing 18% over target.

Issue 117• June-July 2014

STAYING POWER SALUTING THOSE WHO GO THE DISTANCE

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hroughout April, May and June, several Roots employees celebrated benchmark anniversaries with the company. Congratulations to the following people for their huge contribution and enduring loyalty to Roots.

Emily Baldwin, Store Manager, Kingston, ON, 5 years Linda Calero, Supervisor, Wholesale Ops, Head Office, 15 years Gloria Deonarayan, Leather Table Work, Factory, 5 years Linda Dritsas, Senior Buyer, Head Office, 10 years Sergio Gomez, Director, IT, Head Office, 10 years Caroline Iwanowski, Executive Assistant, Head Office, 5 years Veronica Johnson, Picker Packer, Distribution Centre, 15 years Alexander Lappano, Sales Associate, Woodbridge, ON, 5 years Marilyn Lucas, Sales Associate, Montreal, 5 years Sam Mammoliti, Team Leader, Inventory, Head Office, 10 years Cory McGown, Store Manager, Toronto, 5 years Debbie Perkunder, Store Manager, Barrie, ON, 10 years Nirmal Robert, Leather Table Work, Factory, 5 years Kelcie Routledge, Store Manager, Fredericton, NB, 5 years Mary Sullivan, Store Manager, Halifax, NS, 5 years Patricia Vasquez, Leather Table Work, Factory, 5 years Melanie Thau Voong, Leather Stitcher, Factory, 20 years Yuen Ling Wong, Leather Table Work, Factory, 5 years Li Zhou, Leather Stitcher, Factory, 15 years

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores

As part of our continuing series of retail team pictures, this issue spotlights the St. John’s, Newfoundland store (Avalon Mall) whose employees recently raised $660 at a “bowl-a-thon” for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Left to right (back row): Staci White, Brittany Peddle, Lorna Sweeney, Alice Francis, Cyndi Maher, Kathleen Eldridge. (Front row): Laura McCallum and Katie Clarke (Missing: Monica Mills, David Grainger and Gilliane Martin).

Alexis Parent, 17, Windsor, ON

ON THE MOVE NEW APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

Kristina Almeida, Facilities Coordinator, Head Office Sean Ball, District Manager, Southwest Ontario Shelley Bunda, Executive Assistant, Head Office Ayesha Chaudhry, Product Coordinator, Head Office Andrea Conforti, Associate Designer, Head Office Sai Edupuganti, Senior Developer, Head Office Christina Galati, Merchandise Planning Admin, Head Office Leanne Green, District Manager, Vancouver, BC Kristina Iannuziello, District Visual Coordinator, Head Office Bahareh Kianifar, Colour Coordinator, Head Office Betty Li, Accounts Payable Associate, Head Office Michael Reis, Allocator, Mens, Head Office Jue Sha, Accounting Analyst, Head Office Geetanjali (Tina) Sultan, Retail Ops, Financial Analyst, Head Office Lauren Teslia, Director Multichannel, E-Commerce, Head Office Sean Vicary, Licensing Creative and Graphics Manager, Head Office

Issue 117 • June-July 2014

Lauren Douglas, 4, Evan Wimmer, 5, Paige Douglas, 9, Charlie Douglas, 5 months, Will Wimmer, 8, Ella Douglas, 6, Noah Douglas, 4, Kingston, ON Huang Family, Vancouver, BC

Lennon Mayor, 3 months Winnipeg, MB

Rafael Ginsberg, 17 months, Toronto

Lucas Lepera, 1, Niagara Falls, ON

SPEAK TO MY AGENT Little – and not so little – customers show their Roots W e often receive unsolicited photos from people eager to show us pictures of themselves, their family members and even their pets, wearing Roots.

Sometimes the senders ask if we could use the photos in a future advertising campaign for Roots. While we can’t promise that, we are happy to publish them in The Source. Over the years, Speak To My Agent has

become one of the most popular items in our magazine.

Everyone is welcome to submit their favourite shots to be considered for publication.

Please send your pictures to photogallery@roots.com.

Be sure to include the name and age of each person or pet in the photo, place of residence and a sentence stating that you agree for the photo to be used in The Source.

The Source • 21

MUSICAL ROOTS

Spotlighting Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo

K

nown for its use of plastic women’s legs for keyboard stands and an unconventional sound of talk boxes and synthesizers, Chromeo integrates old-time funk with modern-day music. After meeting as students at a Montreal high school in the mid-1990s, David Macklovitch and Patrick Gemayel began their careers as hip-hop producers. Growing tired of the genre, they drew influences from the funk and pop music they grew up listening to. This led to the creation of the eccentric, iconic Chromeo sound, which has won them worldwide success. Having been compared to popular 80s groups such as Hall and Oates, Klymaxx and Sylvester, the Canadian duo’s music blurs the boundaries between the past and present.

Comprised of Macklovitch, 35, a PhD candidate in French literature and Gemayel, 34, a Montreal accountant, Chromeo captivates audiences with its infectious beats and humourous lyrics. Macklovitch and Gemayel, better known as Dave 1 and P-Thugg, continue to reinvent their sound with each successive album sounding better than the last.

“We listen to old music and then decide to give it a postmodern spin,” Dave 1 recently

Chromeo members Dave 1 (left) and P-Thugg

told Vogue magazine about Chromeo’s musical style. “We add our own perspectives.”

Following the success of its first album, She’s in Control (2004), Chromeo attracted widespread acclaim with their sophomore album, Fancy Footwork (2007). It earned a Bucky Award for “Best Sweatin’ to the Indies Workout Song” for the title track “Fancy Footwork.” Chromeo also received a Juno nomination for “Dance Album of the Year” in 2008.

The duet’s follow-up album, Business Casual (2010), generated favourable reviews by critics

and reached number 70 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. They garnered a MTV Video Award nomination for “Best Special Effects” for their song “Don’t Turn The Lights On” in 2011. That same year, they were nominated for a Juno for “Dance Record of the Year.”

Having previously maintained their respective day-jobs as a lecturer in French literature at Barnard University in New York and an accountant in Montreal while pursuing music, both Dave 1 and P-Thugg decided to focus solely on their recent album, White Women (2014),

which was released in mid-May. The controversial album title is derived from the late fashion photographer Helmut Newton’s 1976 book, White Women. They describe their new sound as “better, funkier, poppier, catchier and happier.” Their new hit song “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)” has gained international radio play and has been nominated by the Huffington Post as the “song of the summer.”

“I hope it’s the beginning of a moment,” Dave 1 told the Huffington Post. “I think for us, it’s just the beginning of a new phase in our career where we’ve paid our dues in the underground, and now hopefully, like our sound, it can just go to another level.”

After wrapping up their highly successful “Come Alive” tour in early June, and their recent crowd-pleasing performance at the Coachella Music Festival, Chromeo will be performing at many of the major North American music festivals this summer such as Bonnaroo, Osheaga and Lollapalooza.

- Davin Bujalski · Chromeo can be heard on regular rotation on Roots Radio in stores.

Their new album, White Women, is available for download on iTunes. For more information, visit www.chromeo. net.

CHEF’S CORNER

Roots-friendly recipes that promote a healthy diet and bring pleasure to your palate FALAFEL WITH TAHINILEMON DRESSING A common Middle Eastern dish, falafels aren’t generally considered the healthiest of fare since they’re usually deep-fried. But

they don’t have to be. This vegetarian recipe bakes the delicious chickpea-based forms without losing any flavour. To make a meal out of baked falafels, wrap them in warmed pitas with sliced tomato, lettuce, red onion and the tahini-lemon dressing. To make the recipe even healthier, substitute the Ricotta cheese and mayo for Greek yogurt.

Total time: 30 mins Falafel Ingredients 19 oz can of chick-

22 • The Source

peas, rinsed and drained ¼ cup chopped green onion ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup unseasoned dry bread crumbs 2 tbsp tahini 1 tbsp lemon juice 1½ tsp minced fresh garlic ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp ground cumin 1 egg Salt and pepper to taste Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400 F 2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well mixed 3. Form into 16 balls, around 2 tbsp of the mix each 4. Flatten the balls and place on a

lined baking sheet 5. Bake for 15 – 20 mins Tahini-lemon dressing Ingredients 1/3 cup low-sodium vegetable stock 1/3 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese 2 tbsp tahini 2 tbsp reduced-fat mayo 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 1 tsp minced garlic ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro Preparation 1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth · Source: http://www.metronews.ca

Issue 117• June-July 2014

A WINDOW INTO INTO

THE WORLD OF ROOTS

THE WORLD OF ROOTS A WINDOW INTO THE WORLD OF ROOTS

CAPTURING

THE MAGIC OF ALGONQUIN PARK Roots revisits its birthplace and focuses on classic designs, creating the perfect mix with its new fall campaign

THE SOURCE Telling the Roots story Telling story since since 2005 2005