ROOTS MVP OF THE MONTH
From the look of Roots stores to a myriad of other design-related assignments, Pauline Landriault’s multi-disciplinary skills and exemplary approach to work go a long way at Roots.
November 2005

Sometimes a job title does little justice to the person whose name goes beside it. Pauline Landriault is a case in point. Her business card says she is the Director of Planning and Development. Try figuring that one out. It may sound vague but the impact of her work is anything but.

In 2005, in a relatively short amount of time, Pauline has made her presence felt at Roots, both at the global headquarters in Toronto and in retail stores across Canada. Her influence extends to different areas in many ways. Not surprising given her diverse talents and rich experience in architecture, store design, visual communication, fashion, and product development.

Pauline joined Roots last May in her current capacity. It was a newly created position even if for Pauline it was a return engagement of sorts. Her first professional involvement with Roots dates back nearly 20 years.

As Director of Planning and Development (there’s that title again), Pauline’s duties are many.  She plays a key role in the planning and development (where have we seen those words before?) of Roots stores, brand identity, space planning, strategies and branding in the retail sector. Working closely with Diane Bald, Creative Director of Roots Home Design, Pauline is also involved in developing new product lines for Roots Home Design and related matters. Following through on Diane’s direction, Pauline helped develop the look and fixtures of the new Roots Home Design showroom/store at 1400 Castlefield in Toronto.

One of Pauline’s first big projects at Roots last summer was working on the new layout, design and fixtures for the “Roots 73” outlet stores which have proven extremely successful. Since then, she’s been involved in everything from making customized bar code tags for various products to working on design aspects for the new Roots headquarters to helping implement the new gift card program with Tammy Nunez.

If Pauline’s duties are many, it’s as much her approach to her job that has earned her this month’s MVP honour. Her hard work, can-do attitude and sense of professional responsibility are a highly positive influence on the rest of the Roots team.

“People sometimes ask me what I actually do at Roots and what my job title means,” says Pauline. “I believe in the idea of planning and development. It’s really all about developing the business and making it even more successful. But with all good development, you first have to have a solid plan. The only way you get a good plan is by working with a team. That’s a big part of my work and given the evolving nature of the fashion business, we can’t delay things. My motto is ‘Tomorrow is too late’.”

In her previous Roots incarnation, from 1996 until 2001, Pauline was Director of Store Design. In that role, she was especially involved in the Roots flagship stores in Toronto and Montreal and the former New York location. Before that, from 1986 until 1996, Pauline was the Roots store design and construction coordinator.

In 2001, Pauline left Roots to work as a creative producer and master planner at the internationally acclaimed Toronto-based design firm Bruce Mau Design. Her work at BMD included projects in Canada and abroad ranging from retail design marketing and advertising to environmental graphics, product design and packaging. Her most recent project was Reinvention Saks Fifth Avenue in New York in collaboration with Frank Gehry Architects.

Among her many other assignments in recent years, Pauline has designed a major new store for Mexx; was responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the Board of Directors Lounge at the Air Canada Center in Toronto; and has played a key role in the Tree City project for a new national park in Toronto's former Armed Forces base in Downsview.

Originally from Ottawa, Pauline graduated from Carleton University in 1983 with a degree in Architecture. She grew up in a bilingual family, the youngest of five daughters.

Pauline first met Roots Cofounders Don Green and Michael Budman in 1978 at the Roots 5th anniversary party in Toronto. It proved an auspicious meeting for all concerned given the role she’s played at Roots since then. More than a quarter of a century later, Pauline is more than ever a central player at Roots, with good reason.

“Pauline’s work ethic and her multi-task ability make her a huge asset at Roots,” says Michael. “Having been at Roots back in the day, she understands what it takes to succeed in the increasingly competitive fashion business. She has great mental toughness and likes to compete. Pauline also puts Roots before her own individual interests and is an excellent team player. Her approach to work is contagious and thanks to people like Pauline, the work ethic at Roots has been evolving for the better in recent months.”  – R.S.

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