ROOTS MVP OF THE MONTH
It's thanks to people like Andrew Ligama that the shopping experience at Roots stores is so positive and customers keep coming back for more.  
June 2006

One of the major strengths of Roots, in addition to quality products, has always been the caliber of people working in the stores. Ultimately, they are the ones who have the greatest impact on customers and, by extension, on the bottom line.

The retail team is a source of considerable pride at Roots. It's made up of men and women of diverse ages, interests and roots that span the globe. They all share a passion for what Roots is, and they reflect it. In today's highly intense retail market, our people in the stores give Roots a competitive edge. Their dedication, friendliness and the way they engage customers are indispensable to the success of Roots. This month's MVP exemplifies the best attributes in our retail staff.

Andrew Ligama may be the youngest member of the Roots team ever selected as the MVP of the Month but a rookie he's not. Despite his tender age, he's already amassed considerable experience on the frontlines of Roots.

In his current position as Assistant Manager of the Roots store at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Andrew has a lot on his shoulders. He's responsible for many operational aspects of the store, which is one of the top locations in the Roots constellation. Working closely with Store Manager Nancy Nasralla, Andrew's duties include opening and closing the store; completing weekly payroll; running the sales floor; following up with employees with their weekly productivity; and maintaining the visual aspects of the store, placing new merchandise, replenishing, and cleanliness. He also assists Nancy with hiring and training new staff.

Not bad for a 22-year-old student whose first job was at age 15 in maintenance at a McDonald's restaurant in a tough neighbourhood in northwest Toronto. Not surprising given Andrew's keen sense of ambition and his capacity for hard work and added responsibilities.

In 2000, Andrew joined Roots as a part-time cashier at the Yorkdale store while still in high school. He became a Keyholder in 2003 and a few weeks ago he was promoted to the position of Assistant Manager.

Andrew's progress at Roots is only natural with his exemplary attitude to his job and his winning ways with customers and fellow staff members. "One of the things I like so much about my work is that it allows me to meet and work with amazing people," says Andrew, who was born in Toronto to parents who immigrated from Italy. "The team we have at Yorkdale is amazing and I am blessed that I work well with all of them. I have learned so much about myself working at Roots. I have learned to always try to exceed at any task assigned to me and to go beyond what is expected. I have matured so much over the years and learned that hard work always pays off."

Andrew is pursuing an Honours Program at York University, majoring in English, and will be graduating in 2008. From April until September, he works full-time at Roots. Even when the academic year begins, he still manages to work 32 hours a week at the store.

Andrew is committed to Roots, loves the product and derives great satisfaction from seeing his store succeed. Personable, engaging and unflappable, he thrives on contact with people in the store. "I strive to always offer great customer service," says Andrew. "Over the past six years, I've been able to build relationships with many customers who come and visit me regularly."

His work has caught the eye of many people at Roots. "Andrew has always impressed me with his energy, devotion and his way with people," says Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman. "To me, Andrew is a shining example of what makes the people who work in our stores so special. It's people like Andrew who make Roots such an inviting place to shop. In the end, it really comes down to our retail team."

After so many years working at the store at Yorkdale, Andrew considers it his second home. "I spend more time at the store than I do almost anywhere else," says Andrew. "I have become so attached to this store. It also helps having a great manager. Nancy is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. She makes the store feel like our home and makes us come to work everyday with a smile. She has taught me so much and has really played a part in my success."

Andrew welcomes visits from people from Head Office, especially the two Co-founders of Roots. "What I really enjoy is how involved Michael and Don are in all aspects of the business including the retail side," says Andrew. "It's nice to see how much they care about the staff members at store level. They come into the Yorkdale store on a regular basis and always make a point to greet all the staff. It makes everyone feel like they are recognized and appreciated. It feels great when Michael and Don compliment our achievements as it gives us all such a push to do even better." - R.S.


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