WEST MEETS EAST

Two new stores open in Hong Kong in first stage of major expansion of Roots in Asia

Now more than ever, Canadian style is taking hold in the Far East. In a reflection of its increasing global presence, Roots has just launched the first phase in expanding its presence in Asia. In late October, Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green took part in the official inauguration of the two Hong Kong stores in special ceremonies that attracted considerable local media attention.
Working in partnership with the Hong Kong-based Li & Fung Trading Ltd., Roots is preparing to also open in China and other countries in Southeast Asia. Plans call for dozens of new stores in the next two to three years. Roots already has 20 stores in Taiwan, which are being operated by Li & Fung.

The stores in Asia will showcase many of the key components of the company's success in North America including the highly popular leather bags, yoga wear and athletic apparel. The design of the stores will reflect the Roots emphasis on health, wellness, and protecting the environment. In-store imagery will pay tribute to the great Canadian outdoors, especially Ontario's fabled Algonquin Park, a major inspiration for Roots since its inception in 1973. Many of the materials used in building the stores will be chosen for their environmentally friendly characteristics. For example, bamboo - a renewable resource - was used in the new stores.

"We're thrilled at this latest international initiative of Roots," says Michael. "It's part of a new era for Roots in which we will be developing the brand beyond the shores of North America. Asia represents an excellent market where people seem to have a great appreciation of foreign style, which augurs well for a brand like Roots."

The partnership in Asia between Roots and Li & Fung is an ideal combination. Li & Fung is a well-established multinational group of companies that operates three distinct and highly successful core businesses - export sourcing, integrated distribution and retailing. It's a leader in developing retail partnerships throughout Asia with major international brands.

"Li & Fung is very excited to be working with Roots in building this unique Canadian lifestyle brand in Asia," says Jeremy Tang, Director of Business Development of Li & Fung Retailing Ltd. "Given Canada's very positive reputation for the great outdoors and a clean environment, these are two things we are really promoting to Roots customers here to increase their awareness of air pollution and global warming. We are looking forward to working with the Roots team in Canada as part of our efforts to get the message out."

Roots has long considered expanding in Asia but it was essential to have the right local partner with the proven track record and familiarity with Asian culture and business practices. When Li & Fung expressed interest in working with Roots in developing the brand in their part of the world, Michael and Don felt it was an auspicious sign.

Last month, Michael and Don spent a week in Asia participating in events to launch the new stores in Hong Kong, to join in the re-launch of the flagship store in Taiwan (located in the landmark Taipei 101 building) and to meet with Li & Fung staff to discuss plans for opening locations in China and other countries.

The Hong Kong launch included a major accent on environmental issues in keeping with the importance Roots has always attached to the subject. Air pollution is a highly topical issue in Hong Kong and to support moves to deal with the problem, Roots made it part of its launch campaign, supporting it with posters and information stands. Shoppers were invited to write notes voicing their concern about air pollution and then to insert them in small bottles as part of an initiative called "Message in a Bottle." During a 10-day period ending last week, 500 glass bottles filled with 'green messages' were exhibited at the Roots store in the LCX Ocean Terminal.

Also on view at the 1,600-square feet store were the winning submissions in an environmental photography contest that Roots co-sponsored with a local magazine. Michael and Don chose the finalists in the competition who received cash prizes, gift certificates to shop at Roots and copies of the book An Inconvenient Truth autographed by Al Gore. In addition also held a special private screening of Al Gore's environmental film An Inconvenient Truth at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The grand opening of the store on Oct. 26 included a yoga demonstration, a fashion show, sharing of green tips, and presentation of prizes to winners of the photography contest. Michael and Don addressed the crowd, sharing green tips with the audience and presented souvenirs to Gerry Campbell, Canada's Consul General in Hong Kong. One of the highlights was when they released fresh Canadian air from a compressed air tank shipped from Canada to kick off the fashion show.

Movie actress Annie Liu, who used to live in Toronto for many years, attended the event, taking part as a model in one of the presentations. Singer and actor Jaycee Chan (son of Jackie Chan) contributed his environmental ideas on protecting the environment and invited guests to put a message in a bottle.

It all added up to an exciting, well-planned launch of Roots in Hong Kong, and a harbinger of things to happen elsewhere in Asia. Based on initial signs, Roots should have a great future in its newest continent. - R.S.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

SCUBA HOODY
Ideal for the winter: looks good, feels warm

The latest item to hit stores this season is the Scuba Hoody. Made from 55% poly fleece and 45% cotton fleece, the hoody captures the casual look of cotton fleece on the outside and the technical benefits of poly fleece on the inside.

To provide protection from chilly weather, the hoody features a two-way main zipper extending higher than a regular hoody and a storm flap to keep the zipper off the neck. It also has thumbholes to create built-in hand warmers.

Designed by Dylan Anderson, Associate Designer of Menswear, the hoody also comes equipped with an internal zippered pocket to hold iPods or other mp3 players and a metal grommet to run headphones through. Additional details include zipper closures on the front kanga pockets and tree embroidery on the hood.

Available at select Roots stores in Canada and the US, the Scuba Hoody is great to wear on trips to the cottage or the mountains, and comes in colours smoke, forest night, black and black coffee.
Retail price: Scuba Hoody, sizes XS-XXL, retail price: $98.

BREATHING EASY
Get set to fill your lungs with healthy stuff thanks to new product

Something's in the air. Trouble is you probably don't know what it is, at your own peril. To help remedy that, Roots is introducing an innovative product to help people breathe better and live healthier.

Called Oxia, it consists of a personal air dispenser containing a blend of 90% oxygen and 10% nitrogen packaged in a refillable, recyclable canister. Due to its benefits, it has already gained popularity elsewhere among eco-conscious consumers.

Normal atmospheric air that we breathe contains high levels of dangerous pollutants including carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and various particulate matter. Oxia has none of these contaminants while containing a higher concentration of pure oxygen.
Every Oxia personal oxygen dispenser is filled by a professionally trained technician in a hygienically controlled facility, to ensure its contents are exactly as specified, and are free from any contaminants and pollutants. As an added safety measure, the dispenser also contains an internal filter to further ensure quality.

The oxygen-enriched air contained in the dispenser is pressurized and provides from three to five minutes of continuous airflow depending on the flow-rate chosen.

This week, select Roots stores in Toronto received the Oxia bottles and refills along with related literature. An Oxia representative will also be present in the stores to assist with the initial sales.
Retail price: Oxia Oxygen Bottle - $89.95; Oxia Oxygen Refills - $17.95.

IN PRAISE OF TALENT AND FRIENDSHIP

Roots hosts special dinner in Ottawa for two winners of Governor General's Performing Arts Awards

Earlier this month, Roots hosted a dinner in Ottawa in honour of two longtime friends on the eve of their receiving the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards for lifetime artistic achievement. At the event held at the Beckta restaurant, Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman paid tribute to Lorne Michaels and Robbie Roberston for their huge success in their respective fields and for being such loyal friends to him and to Roots for decades.

Lorne is the creator and Executive Producer of NBC's Saturday Night Live. Launched in 1975, it is the longest-running, highest-rated late-night television show in history. He has also produced more than a dozen feature films and several Broadway shows.

Robbie is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. One of rock music's most influential and legendary figures, he's best known as a leader of The Band which recorded many best selling albums and backed up Bob Dylan in the 1960s and 1970s. He has also provided the music for several Martin Scorsese films.

Guests at the dinner, hosted by Michael and his wife Diane Bald, included actor Michael Douglas, Onex Chairman Gerry Schwartz, Indigo Books and Music President Heather Reisman, architect Douglas Cardinal, National Arts Centre President and CEO Peter Herrndorf, XM Canada satellite radio President Steve Tapp, film producer Lidia Andich and Roots Public Relations Director Raymond Perkins.

Lorne Michaels and Robbie Robertson were two of six recipients of the prestigious 2006 Governor General Performing Arts Awards who were the focus of three days of special events in Ottawa. They began with a House of Commons luncheon and reception on Parliament Hill followed later that evening by the Roots dinner. The next day, the awards presentation ceremony and dinner took place at Rideau Hall, with the Awards Gala held the day after at the National Arts Centre in the capital.

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:

· Toronto (100 Bloor Street) - Band members from the rock group Foo Fighters bought items from the Roots Men's fall collection at the flagship store. Additionally, dancer, model and rapper Kevin Federline also visited the store.

· Toronto (Eaton Centre) - Actress and rapper Queen Latifah visited the store and bought the Roots of Reggae CD.

· Ottawa (Rideau Centre) - Singer/songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson of The Band shopped at the store before going on to receive the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. He purchased a number of items including the new Roots men's flannel shirts.

· Vancouver (Roots Robson) - Hollywood stars Ian McDermott and Tori Spelling shopped for matching Roots Village Bags at the store.

· Calgary (TD Square) - Flags of Our Fathers star Adam Beach visited the store and purchased a number of items.

FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT

Quality and Compliance Manager Irma Koch-Blackman travels afar to make sure vendors adhere to Roots Code of Conduct

Sometimes, nothing beats seeing it for yourself. That's certainly the case when it comes to the work of the Sourcing Department at Roots. In recent years, as the company has greatly expanded its product line, there's been an increased need to manufacture certain items overseas. In a growing number of cases, there are no longer manufacturers in Canada that can produce specific types of products with the necessary quality and price range.

But in seeking vendors elsewhere, price and quality are not enough. Before Roots will agree to work with a company, it must accept the Roots Code of Conduct, which governs working conditions at the facility in question. It's an intrinsic part of the Roots ethical approach to doing business.

Although vendors must sign a contract that includes the Code of Conduct, Roots goes much further to ensure that factories adhere to the conditions stipulated in the Code. To that end, and at considerable expense, Roots uses independent third party labour specialists to inspect facilities and sends members of the Sourcing Department abroad to personally visit and verify the situation on the ground.

Recently, Irma Koch-Blackman, Quality and Compliance Manager at Roots, returned from China and Hong Kong where she visited various factories. In addition to familiarizing herself with people in each facility, Irma audited their 'social responsibility' compliance with the Code of Conduct and looked at quality-related aspects of their manufacturing. In addition, she used the visits to resolve any on-going questions on quality and compliance and to consolidate vendor partnerships.

“I am pleased to report that our vendors have taken our suggestions regarding social compliance and quality standards seriously," says Irma, whose job at the Head Office in Toronto entails frequent email and phone contact with Roots vendors. "It was great to see for myself that they have taken the necessary steps to implement equipment innovations and processes to adhere to the Roots Code of Conduct and quality standards.”

Irma's visit is part of an on-going program to ensure that Roots suppliers fully understand and accept the importance that Roots attaches to making its products only in facilities where workers are treated fairly with respect and dignity they deserve, and that all labour laws are respected. That applies equally to factories abroad and in Canada."Monitoring the manufacturing facilities for product integrity and social compliance is a critical aspect of our procurement," says Andre Desouza, Director of Sourcing. “We have multiple stages of monitoring and testing to ensure that the products we bring to our customers are being made by responsible and ethical means. Irma's trip helps consolidate and re-enforce our commitment to these principles.

MAKING IT MORE CONVENIENT

Helping to spread an important environmental warning, Roots to stock An Inconvenient Truth in its stores

As part of its continuing support of the fight against global warming, many Roots stores will now carry DVDs of the documentary film An Inconvenient Truth. It focuses on former US Vice-President Al Gore and his efforts to draw attention to the alarming effects of global warming, and to find ways to resolve the problem.

The DVDs will hit select Roots stores in Canada later this month at the time of the film’s official nationwide release on DVD. Faisal Maju, Merchandise Manager, is coordinating the project with Paramount Classics, the official distributor of the film.

Produced by environmentalist (and friend of Roots) Laurie David, and directed by Davis Guggenheim, An Inconvenient Truth was released in cinemas earlier this year to great acclaim. At the time, select Roots stores gave away flyers and posters promoting the movie. Co-Founder Michael Budman has met Gore on several occasions in connection with the latter’s work for the environment.

Roots has been actively involved in the campaign against global warming. It supports the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s eco-friendly efforts to save polar bears facing extinction due to increasing global warming. In addition, Roots stores also sell the ‘Stop Global Warming’ special leather bracelets produced at the company’s factory in Toronto, proceeds from which go to a special Stop Global Warming fund. The DVD sell for $26.95.

GIFT GIVING MADE EASY

New catalogue features best of Roots products for the holiday season

Hot off the press in time for everyone's holiday gift giving list, the new Roots catalogue features a wealth of ideas for even the hardest-to-please among your friends and family. The beautifully illustrated 44 pages (printed on recycled paper) showcase items at different price levels for people of all ages - men, women, children and babies.

Designed by David Chang of Visual Communication, the catalogue offers a selection of the best of Roots apparel, accessories and leather items for the season. "A project like this inevitably involves countless details and visual challenges," says David, who was responsible for the entire look of the catalogue from concept to final production. "I was fortunate to have the seamless collaboration of key people at Roots who made working on this catalogue a pleasure."

Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green and their respective wives Diane Bald, Director of Roots Home, and Denyse Green, Director of Roots Yoga, selected the products to be featured along with Director of Design Nella Walker and the designers from the different departments. Senior Art Director Ilich Mejia coordinated the product photography.

"To ensure that it was fully up-to-date, we produced the catalogue in recent weeks in a very short frame," says Nella. "The project would not have been successful without the cooperation of many people at Roots. Every department has contributed and worked hand in hand to make this catalogue possible." Distribution of the catalogue will begin late next week. Copies will be given to customers in stores in addition to being inserted in the Globe and Mail in select areas of Canada. The catalogue will also be sent by post to customers on the Roots mailing list.

TEAM SPIRIT AT ITS BEST

Staff from different cities play key role in Calgary opening of newest Roots store

The opening of a new Roots store always brings out the best in staff. Mindful of the fast-approaching deadline, everyone pulls together like a well-oiled machine. Great team spirit takes hold. That was certainly the case last week when the latest addition to the Roots retail family opened for business in northwest Calgary in the new Beacon Hill shopping complex.

The critical stage in the ‘Roots 73’ store opening process began on the last Sunday of October when a Roots delivery truck arrived in Calgary, from the distribution centre in Toronto, with products for the store. Under the direction of Senior Visual Merchant Peter Paquette, a team of helpers worked feverishly in some three inches of snow to ready the outlet location for its opening four days later.

The Beacon Hill mall, which also includes Costco, Home Depot, Home Sense and Winners, is currently finishing its first phase, spanning 440,000 square feet of space. It will undergo a major expansion in the coming years as part of its second phase.

The store opening mission would not have been successful had it not been for Peter along with the support of a great team that included Colin MacDonald Visual Merchant, Western Canada; Marie-Anne Laporte, Visual Merchant, Ottawa; Andrew Gerock, Visual Merchant, Calgary; Denise Bazzana, Senior Manager, Chinook; Mark Yoders, Store Manager, Blue Bonnet Outlet; Colleen Weber, Senior Manager, Heartland Outlet; Donna Illfley, Assistant Manager, Windsor Crossing and also to the Roots general contractor Gerry and family who all helped unload boxes from the delivery truck. Shaun Bratzel, former Manager of the Signal Hill Outlet in Calgary, will be the Store Manager of the new 5,000 sq. ft. store.

HEALTH TIP # 21

The latest in our series of easy ways to stay healthy

Stop eating dead foods: Ever wonder what Wonder Bread is really made of, or how many miles that head of limp lettuce has traveled? There’s nothing like fresh, whole, organic foods to maintain your health and well-being. Farm-fresh produce and meats go directly from the source to your table, leaving little time in between for nutrients to be lost.

Many foods at your supermarket have been picked or slaughtered weeks or even months before they make it onto the shelf. These items are preserved by nitrogen or other artificial means, making them appear fresh. Moreover, foods treated with pesticides and artificial fertilizers have lower nutritional value than foods grown organically.

Source: Secrets of Longevity, Dr. Maoshing Ni

GREEN TIP # 24

The latest in our series of easy ways to help the environment

SUVs are SEOs: If you’re among the increasing number of North Americans driving a sport utility vehicle, brace yourself, because we’re about to make you feel bad. Your SUV is an SEO - a Serious Environmental Offender.

Current standards for tailpipe emissions allow sport utility vehicles and trucks to pollute more than twice as much as the average new car. And then there’s fuel economy: SUVs guzzle more than 30% more gas than other cars.

For more info: Get the full SUV story, learn how to rate your need for an off-road vehicle and more at Friends of the Earth’s SUV-info website: www.suv.org/introductory.

On your next car purchase, vote with your wallet. Show car manufacturers that there is a market for fuel-efficient vehicles.

- (Source: Green Tips: How to Save Money and the Planet, published by Green Living Enterprises)

DOING THE RIGHT THING

As part of our on-going series on Roots employees helping their community, this issue spotlights Paula Del Cid of Toronto

When she is not working as a Sales Associate at the Roots store at Toronto’s Bayview Village Mall, Paula Del Cid spends much of her free time training to help abused women and children. She assists at Interval House, a centre offering abused individuals support, shelter and much-needed counseling.

After studying to become a counselor and advocate for assaulted women and children, Paula started volunteering at Interval House a few months ago. Since then, she has participated in many activities to help children adjust to their surroundings.

“The move to the shelter is a huge decision for the victims and it’s our goal to help them make this transition easier and their efforts worthwhile,” says Paula, 21.

The shelter houses women and children who have fled, or are in the process of leaving, abusive relationships by providing counseling, interpreters, activities and daycare for the children, and resources such as housing and legal help.

Paula started working at Roots earlier this year. As she sees stores gearing up for the holiday season, she can’t help but think of people less fortunate than her. “Interval House wants to give these families the Christmas they deserve,” says Paula. “This festive season, I can't think of any better way to show the true spirit of the holiday than lending a helping hand to these courageous families.”