GOING TO THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Leather bags shipped off for former Pink Floyd band member’s tour

In the latest Business-to-Business Department news, former Pink Floyd band member Roger Waters and his tour crew are now making use of their Roots leather bags.

Made in the Toronto Roots factory, 65 Athletic Bags were sent and received in Seattle on October 12, the last date of Waters’ Dark Side of the Moon Live tour.

The bags were made in African Tribe leather and come with the tour logo embossed.
Product Co-ordinator David Jackson contacted Ron Delsener, the man behind the concert bookings of Waters, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Van Halen, to secure the order.

Graphic Designer Sean Vicary created the logo. This follows the custom leather bag order for Barbra Streisand’s North American tour.

Waters was the main songwriter, singer, and bass player for Pink Floyd for 20 years before embarking on a solo career.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Toronto Life magazine celebrates Roots as one of Canada’s best fashion brands

Last week, Toronto Life magazine held its 40th anniversary party, featuring an exhibit celebrating the works of top Canadian designers. Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman attended the event at which Roots was spotlighted as part of the exhibit’s commemorative look at Canadian fashion.

Asked to provide a retro outfit, Roots supplied four fashion staples in the company’s history: the New Matthew’s Jacket; a Roots Beaver Athletics (RBA) T-shirt; Vintage Sweatpants; and a pair of Negative Heel Shoes.

The vintage athletic jacket was designed in 1992 for the movie Indian Summer which featured Don Green and Michael Budman as characters. Roots created the wardrobe for the film.

The RBA T-shirt was introduced in 1985 as both a T-shirt and sweatshirt. It was a huge success in the 1980s and soon became a casual wear icon. Roots vintage sweatpants hit stores in 1979 and marked the beginning of the long lasting quality “sweats” the company is still known for. The negative heel shoes were the only product for sale when Roots first opened its doors in 1973.

“My main mandate for this archival collection was to feature some of Canada’s best and talented designers over the last 40 years,” says Exhibit Coordinator Farley Chatto. “And a Canadian fashion review is not complete without Roots being involved. They are one of our most noted brands worldwide.”

Other Canadian designers featured in the exhibition included Linda Lundström, Franco Mirabelli, Sunny Choi, Phillip Dubuc, David Dixon and Alfred Sung.

Toronto Life is one of Canada’s most accomplished city magazines, highly respected by both residents and visitors.

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT COMES ALIVE

After months of planning, it’s now full steam ahead as the critically important holiday season is about to kick off

Such is the nature of the retail trade that most businesses operate their stores on a seven-day-a-week, 52-weeks-a-year basis. While every day counts, some periods on the calendar are more critical than others. For Roots, the most vital is the holiday period that covers November and December. These two months generate a disproportionately high proportion of the annual retail sales.

“The holiday season is the grand finale of the year,” says Rosemary Eisenhut, Director of Retail. “It has a major impact on determining if you have a decent year or an excellent one. At Roots, the holiday season is traditionally a great period for us.”

Gearing up for this time of year begins months in advance and involves dozens of key players. In recent weeks, there’s been a flurry of activity at the Head Office as various departments coordinate the myriad details to ensure well-laid plans become the right reality. The build-up and follow-through are probably most felt in Retail Operations.

“The preparation for this period is complex but critical,” says Roanne Camagay, Retail Operations Coordinator, who has seen it from both sides having also worked in Roots stores. “It’s essential that each department is extremely focused and in sync with each other to ensure the proper execution of everything from the store windows, to merchandising and promotion and of course the right product
selection.”

The holiday season may be most associated with Christmas and New Year’s but it kicks in much closer to Halloween. By early November, the first stage of holiday season initiatives is already in place at the stores. This year, the holiday theme is inspired by the strong connection between Roots and Canada and the celebration of the great outdoors in winter. It will manifest itself in many ways from special seasonal imagery, graphics and displays in stores to new holiday gift packaging, and customized merchandising including original accessory trees. In a lot of the material, the Roots red and black buffalo plaid will figure prominently. There will also be a specially produced gift brochure/catalogue and new holiday gift cards among the different innovations planned for the season.

In the Roots outlet stores, the focus of the holiday period is specifically on gifts, with an alliterative slogan to highlight the point. “The main headline at our stores for the season is ‘Give Good Gifts!’” says Shyrose Kassam, Director of Outlet. “Using strong visuals, the campaign will feature a great choice of gift suggestions including sweats, hats and leather bags.”

The most critical factor of course is the product, for which the design and buying process began more than six months ago. “Since I first joined Roots in May 2001, when I was working in a store, I’ve spent many holiday periods at Roots,” says Jarar Kazmi, Director of Merchandise Purchasing and Flow. “This year, I really believe we have the best products for the holiday season that I can remember at Roots, both in terms of quality and in the assortment. There are beautiful sweaters, plaid shirts, outerwear and winter accessories. There is a greater attention to detail in the products and we’ve better prepared the distribution plans and delivery dates to the stores this year.”

In preparing for the holiday season, the Human Resources Department in conjunction with Retail Operations, has prepared a detailed handbook for all store employees. It is designed to facilitate their work during the most intense shopping time of the year. The guide touches on everything from customer service to health and safety issues, the hiring of seasonal staff to resource protection and even the scheduling of staff parties.

To meet the onslaught of holiday shoppers, many if not most Roots stores hire extra staff during this period. The number depends on the size of the store. Many staff members return year after year from universities and colleges to work the holiday season. These “seasonals” add to the energy and customer service of each store.

In addition to the extra staff, many stores extend their hours to accommodate the increase in customers and to make holiday shopping easier. Especially in December, there are often midnight madness late closings and with Christmas falling on a Monday this year, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday just ahead of December 25 will surely be wild shopping days at Roots.

Despite the stepped up intensity and pressure, most people at Roots thrive on the annual holiday challenge. “Holiday is an extremely exciting time of year for those of us involved in preparing Roots for this period,” says Roanne. “There’s a real team effort. Everyone’s role is vital and very important. It’s like a puzzle coming together. Each department has a different piece to contribute to make it complete. In addition to the planning, good communication and cooperation are essential to help make the holiday season unfold smoothly and successfully.”

So far, the preliminary signs are pointing to a highly successful season. “Based on our preparations and initial reactions, I have a good feeling about the holiday season at Roots this year,” says Jarar. “I’m really looking forward to it because the beautiful product lineup is bound to entice our clientele to truly enjoy the spirit of holidays in Roots style.”

Let the holiday begin – with Roots. – R.S.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Roots Co-Founders are honourary chairs for Design Exchange fundraising gala

Some of the biggest names in the world of arts and entertainment graced this year’s annual DX Black and White Fundraising Gala held at the Design Exchange last weekend. Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green were invited to be the honourary chairs of the annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the Design Exchange’s education programs for students of all ages.

The evening included food, drinks and entertainment. Themed ‘In Steel Blue’, the gala had guests enjoy their blue velvet lounge with a Gotham City décor. Also included as part of the display were mannequins clad in Roots Yoga apparel.

Guests enjoyed surprise activities and a silent auction, and prizes included a Vespa Scooter among other items. They were also given gift bags that included Roots discount cards and brochures of the Roots Yoga Studio.

The event was held at the Design Exchange located in the historical Toronto Stock Exchange Building in the city’s downtown core. Popularly known as the DX, the Design Exchange is Canada’s design museum, a non-profit, registered charity focused on building awareness of design in Canada. Roots has been one of the original supporters of the DX.

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN…

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

Celebrities 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:

• Calgary, AB (TD Square) – Actress Laura San Giacomo best known for her role as Maya Gallo on Just Shoot Me! stopped by to shop twice. Noah Richler, the author of This Is My Country, What’s Yours? currently on sale at Roots stores picked up a few items for his TV interviews on CityTV and TVO. He also signed all copies of his book at the store.

• Toronto, ON (Toronto Eaton Centre) – Actress Miriam McDonald of hit Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation shopped with her mother.

• Toronto, ON (Bloor St.) – Actress Joan Collins shopped at the flagship store and chatted with Diane Bald.

ROOTS BAGS GO VEGGIE

Special process adds beauty and makes bags eco-friendlier

Adding to its already impressive collection of handcrafted leathers, Roots now features the best quality cowhide in the company’s history: Vegetable-tanned leather.

Although all of Roots leathers are imported from Italy, the veg-tanned ones take the longest to make. It entails a 200-year-old Italian artisan tradition that only uses natural vegetable extracts from chestnuts and Argentinian quebracho trees, giving the leather an environmentally friendly appeal. The first kind of veg-tanned leather to hit stores this spring was called Veg-Flex, and became an overnight hit.

Customers were willing to spend the extra money to upgrade to the stylish Veg-Flex bags because of their brushed gold hardware, tiny refined pores and extra-smooth finishes. Since then, Roots has come out with two new veg-tanned leathers, Zerum and Organza, which were introduced in August.

“Being able to share this age-old tradition of original tanning processes with today is something that we at Roots take pride in." says Leather Specialist Andrew ‘Andy’ McCurbin. "The natural feel, the natural smell and knowing that it’s not chemical at a time when we’re trying to be eco-friendly with the earth brings great quality to these bags. It just shows how much respect we have for environment”.

Veg-tanned bags come in assorted colours, but will mostly be featured in black, T.Moro (dark brown), tan and wine. They are available at select stores in: Small and Large Café Bags; Large Venetian Bag; Venetian Village Bag; Village Bag; Small Heidi; Melinda; and Satchel.

ROOTS ROSEDALE WELCOMES FALL

Grand opening fair a big success

Recently opened Roots Rosedale Store was the centre of frenzied activity earlier this month, as the eco-friendly emporium welcomed fall with an official grand opening fair and a one-day 25%-off promotion.

While a sidewalk artist recreated the Roots logo outside the store, music filled the air inside as Winnipeg-based musician Jodi King and Native American drummer Don Waboose performed.
Throughout the day, customers were offered apple cider, organic apples and organic coffee, freshly roasted and ground just outside the store.

With so much happening at Roots, several stores in the vicinity were not ready to be left out. Patachou bakery supplied mini croissants to Roots customers while the Rosedale General Store Health Foods next door gave away gluten-free pumpkin loaves.

Kids were given mini pumpkins for drawing. Additional attractions for children included face painting and various other activities.

As the day progressed, Roots Rosedale was an obvious hit as many attended the fair despite the early fall cold weather, keeping the store busy through the day.

THREATENED BY GLOBAL WARMING

Roots supports efforts to save polar bears

Muffled in its thick white fur and layers of fat, the polar bear may not look the type to be endangered easily. However, in its seemingly pristine Arctic environment, the bears are among the most threatened by global warming.

The polar bears in the Hudson Bay are unique in the Arctic because they fast for six to eight months of hibernation and rely on winter hunting for survival. Studies show the effects of global warming cause ice on the bay to melt at an average of three weeks earlier than in the mid-1970s. Longer ice-free periods during the Arctic summer leave polar bears stranded onshore for longer periods. The delay in freeze-up causes them to lose critical fat reserves affecting reproduction and the ability of pregnant females to produce enough milk for their cubs.

The fight against global warming has long been one of the main eco-awareness initiatives of Roots. In its latest such action, Roots will offer support to the Canadian Wildlife Federation in its efforts to save polar bears in a special CWF donation program.

As part of this, later in the holiday season, select Roots store windows aimed at young people will feature images of polar bears. Additionally, part of the proceeds from select Roots items will be donated toward the Federation’s efforts to save the bears.Found on the Arctic coasts and islands of the five countries around the North Pole - the United States (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway and Russia – are home to an estimated 20,000 polar bears.

THE ROOTS TOP 10

A guide to the sounds of Roots for the month of September

1. Roots Woman, Jimmy Cliff
2. Gimme Some Loving, Spencer Davis Group
3. Hotel California, The Eagles
4. Arc Of The Diver, Steve Windood
5. Where Are We Going, Marvin Gaye
6. Save Room, John Legend
7. Wonderful World, Sam Cooke
8. It’s A Man’s Man’s World, James Brown
9. Beautiful Day, U2
10. It’s Alright, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions

-Compiled by Davin Bujalski

MUSICAL ROOTS

CURTIS MAYFIELD

Widely regarded as a pioneer of funk and a leader of politically conscious African-American music. Curtis Mayfield is among an elite few members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame who has been inducted twice. The first time was with The Impressions in 1991, the second as a solo artist in 1999.

His solo career, which began in 1970, is significant because of the outspoken way in which he addressed issues of black identity and self-awareness. Mayfield’s ability to be heard through funky, uplifting music has solidified him as one of soul music’s greatest icons.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 3, 1942, Mayfield formed The Impressions in 1958. They wrote tender love ballads alongside candid songs dealing with social and political equality. Bob Marley would later use pieces of Mayfield’s lyrics from 1965’s “People Get Ready” for his reggae classic “One Love”. The Impressions tallied a total of 14 Top 40 hits in the 1960s, five of which made the Top 20 in 1964 alone, before Mayfield left to begin his solo career.

Mayfield’s first few songs carried a harder, funk driven sound, on “(Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below, We’re All Gonna Go” he confronted ghetto life with a realism rarely heard before. Recording on a noticeably parallel path with Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, Mayfield’s second solo album, 1971’s “Roots” cried out urgent pleas of peace and brotherhood over a musical backdrop of cinematic soul-funk, creating songs that spelled out a fresh new musical agenda for the new decade. “Superfly”, his soundtrack to a 1972 blaxploitation film was his first album to hit number 1. Tales of drug deals, shootings and death were all described in sharp detail. Yet Mayfield’s amazing ability to add a graceful strength with his joyous falsetto vocals, uplifting melodies and fabulous funk-pop arrangements made “Superfly” one on Mayfield’s greatest works.

Mayfield now sat alongside soul music’s elite not only as a singer and musician but also as a producer and songwriter, working with greats such as Aretha Franklin, The Staple Singers and Gladys Knight & The Pips. He continued to score some R&B hits in the early 80s, mostly in the disco-vein, but was never able to reach the success he garnered with “Superfly”.
A freak accident at a concert in Brooklyn, NY left Mayfield paralyzed from the neck down. This tragedy did not diminish his spirit or end his career. In 1996, he released his 25th and final solo album, “New World Order”. Despite his positive attitude and will to survive, his health steadily deteriorated and he died in 1999 at the age of 57. In the words of Aretha Franklin, “Curtis Mayfield is to soul music what Bach was to classics and Gershwin and Irving Berlin were to pop music”. - By Davin Bujalski

To learn more about the Musical Roots of Curtis Mayfield:
Online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Mayfield
Music: “Roots”, 1971, Curtom/Rhino Records
“Curtis Live”, 1971, Curtom Records
“Superfly”, 1972, Curtom Records
“Anthology 1961-1977, MCA Records

ROOTS FOR LITTLE ONES

Great new looks for comfort loving babies

Finally! Sweater season has arrived. Three new baby sweaters that hit stores earlier this month are the Beaver Sweater, the Nordic Sweater and the Rosebud Sweater.

The unisex fit Beaver Sweater is made of 100% soft acrylic heather-mix yarns and embraces a Roots Heritage traditional look. Available in truffle, charcoal and blush, the sweater also features the traditional Roots beaver logo.

The Nordic Sweater for baby girls is made of 100% acrylic and is fully lined with 100% poly-nordic fleece for warmth. Reflecting Nordic fashion, the sweater also features patterns taken from intarsia designs, and comes in eggplant and vintage white.

Also for baby girls, the Rosebud Sweater has a 100% soft and fine acrylic knit and features hand embroidery on the front. Featuring a comfortable back neck opening making it easy to take on and off, the sweater is available in eggplant and vintage white.

Roots has also come out with a Beaver Loungewear line for babies consisting of five pieces: the Beaver Pramsuit, Beaver Lounger, Thermal Flannel two-piece, Beaver Jumpsuit and Beaver Toque. All feature the traditional Roots beaver logo and are made of 100% soft poly-nordic fleece for warmth, with the exception of the two-piece outfit made of 100% cotton thermal and 100% cotton plaid. Inspired by cosy loungewear, the items are available in harvest red, team navy, oatmeal and blush. All items are in stores now.

• Beaver Pramsuit, O/S, retail price: $49.95; Beaver Loungers, sizes XS-5T, retail price: $32.95; Thermal Flannel 2-Piece, sizes XS-5T, retail price: $32.95; Beaver Jumpsuit, sizes XS-5T, retail price: $29.95; Beaver Toque, sizes XS/S and S/M, retail price: $9.95
• Beaver Sweater, sizes S-5T, retail price: $36.95; Nordic Sweater, sizes M-5T, retail price: $39.95; Rosebud Sweater, sizes S-5T, retail price: $34.95

ACCESSORIZE WITH STYLE

Hot new jewellery hits stores as Roots prepares to welcome the holiday season

Two new collections of jewellery are on their way to select Roots stores.

Each piece in the first collection, inspired from Tattoo art, comes in a small accessory bag. Consisting of four pendant necklaces and three bracelets, the fun collection has a youthful look. The pendants on the necklaces are either oval or heart-shaped and each features a word on them: True, Faith or Love. One of the bracelets is made of a chain of five heart pendants, and the other bracelet has a heart charm and an oval charm on it which co-ordinates with the necklaces. Each piece is simple and the pendants are all brightly coloured in oranges, yellows, pinks and blues.

The earthy, natural looking beaded necklaces and bracelets that make up the second collection feature a mix of glass and wood beads on ribbons, metal and strings to create a stylish bohemian look. The necklaces can be worn as multi-layers or in the longer length. Warm earth tones of browns, greens, yellows, and beiges compliment many outfits. The bracelets are a combination of wood and beads on stretch elastic for easy wearability.

Both collections are set to hit select Roots stores in Canada this weekend. The earth-inspired collection ranges in retail price from $18-28, and the Tattoo art ranges from
$14 - 25.

THE NUMBERS

7987

The Roots website has been selling products in Canada and the US. Each of these products has a unique identity which is known as Uniform Product Code (UPC). UPC is a symbol made up of a machine-readable barcode and a human-readable number individually created for each item. The barcode and this number are scanned every time a sale is made.

As of today, the Roots website has 7987 active UPCs on the website ready to be scanned for sale when a customer orders a product.