Latest news with #Roots'
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Roots Expands Beyond Borders
TDT | Manama 'Roots: Artificial Intelligence and the New Generation' is set to cross continents as organisers announced that its next edition will be held in Washington, D.C., marking the summit's entry into the global technology dialogue. Held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir, the latest edition brought together ministers, researchers, students, and thought leaders from across the Gulf and beyond, reflecting Bahrain's emergence as a regional platform for future-facing dialogue in artificial intelligence. Regional ties deepen The event underscored the growing Bahraini-Emirati partnership in areas such as AI, entrepreneurship, digital education, and media, reinforcing ties between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on issues of future professions and innovation policy. Bahrain's Minister of Information, H.E. Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, attended alongside prominent figures from the UAE and other GCC states. Their presence lent weight to a summit widely praised by participants for its professional execution and forward-looking content. Groundwork for innovation In-depth discussions covered key areas like AI-driven decision-making, smart education, cybersecurity, and the role of technology in transforming traditional careers. Students and researchers showcased proposals linking AI to health, tech, and education, pointing to practical applications for upcoming generations. A diverse institutional lineup included Bahrain's Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, Royal Police Academy, Gulf University, Arab Open University, and Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation, as well as HH Sheikh Nasser Center for Research and Development in AI. The summit also drew participants from regional and international organisations including Emirates Researchers Center, Wahed Platform, Trevox Digital Media, and African investigations network AfricaLeaks. Its widening footprint now sets the stage for the global edition. Organisers said the next 'Roots' summit in Washington would build on Bahrain's success, carrying forward its message of Arab empowerment in the digital era and establishing a platform for deeper global collaboration. The event concluded with recommendations to launch AI training and research initiatives focused on youth and entrepreneurs, developed in coordination with regional and international institutions. 'Roots' is expected to continue serving as an interactive knowledge hub that connects Arab identity and innovation, uniting policymakers, academics, and youth around shared ambitions in the digital age.
Vancouver Sun
18-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vancouver Sun
Behind the scenes of the Roots factory: Future of made in Canada
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. I still wear a pair of Roots sweatpants from my bat mitzvah, which was 25 years ago. Roots is known for its sweatpants, leather goods and other comfy gear — products made with quality that can last decades. I recently visited the Roots leather factory in Toronto ( Roots is one of my favourite brands ). I learned about the production of the brand's leather and embroidered products, including how you can have your Roots leather goods repaired by the same factory that manufactured them. I saw some bags that were over 20 years old that are still going strong, aside from some wear and tear on the lining. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Roots' leather goods have always been made in Canada. Established in 1973, Roots was founded in Toronto by Michael Budman and Don Green, two Detroiters turned Canadians. The two met at Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park, located north of Toronto. The nature-core identity is central to Roots' brand. Roots started with a shoe, which is where its name originated, as feet are what connect us to the earth, like trees' roots. Roots has grown way beyond shoes into its iconic and oh-so-comfy salt and pepper sweats , varsity jackets , made-in-Canada collection , backpacks , collaborations like one with Wicked the movie and more. Roots has plans to continue to expand, all under the helm of CEO Meghan Roach, who has held that role since 2020. Roach and Leo Ciccone, senior leather product designer at Roots, led the factory tour, starting with an embroidery room. The Roots factory is led by craftspeople, with some machines supporting production. In the embroidery room, we could see a seamstress making a happy face patch with maple leaf eyes — each stitch carefully executed by a manually-operated sewing machine. Then there are the programmed embroidery machines. These machines were creating small-batch items, like a sweatshirt with a design that takes three hours of non-stop embroidery. We also saw some embroidery work with the Toronto Blue Jays logo. That's what stood out the most. How bespoke and hyper-local Roots collaborations can be because its leather goods (and other collections) are made in Toronto. Roach talked about some of Roots' history, collaborations and connections — like its relationship with Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Roots created a small batch of goods to celebrate SNL's 40th and 50th anniversaries, providing gear for the cast of the specials. Over the years, Roots has worked with seemingly thousands of companies, evident by its filing cabinets filled with branded embossing stamps. Roach shared how Roots' collaborations are selected, sharing, 'We opt for opportunities that align with our brand and connect with a Canadian identity while having international relevance.' The brand has created collections for the Canadian Olympic team, OVO (Drake's fashion line) and is currently working on pieces for the University of Toronto. Canadians have enjoyed Roots' made-in-Canada goods for over 50 years, and are increasingly opting for domestic products due to the volatile landscape of U.S. tariffs. Roach didn't dodge questions regarding how the brand is planning to expand in the future, even within the States. Roach talked about leading a brand that has been around for over 50 years. Sharing that plans can't be nearsighted in trends, modernization or expansions. Roach confirmed that Roots intends to expand its footprint internationally, including in Taiwan, China and the United States, citing that though Roots is very Canadian, both of its founders were born in the U.S. In terms of production expansion, Roach discussed two avenues: looking for more areas in Canada and continuing to support responsible manufacturing overseas. In Canada, Roach says finding a fitting place to manufacture isn't easy, but they're on the hunt — and the current facilities still have capacity. For overseas manufacturing, Roots is part of the Fair Labor Association , a non-profit organization that ensures the well-being of workers in factories and farms. In terms of the Roots Toronto factory, it looks like others I've visited in the city, including Canada Goose and Silk & Snow — bright, clean, lots of interesting noises like hammering, sewing and zipping. I was excited to go behind the curtain of a brand I've loved for decades , and though generally, my favourite product is the sweatpants, I'm currently all about the made in Canada collection . Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter rmann@postmedia
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Roots not seeing ‘pullback' in consumer spending as retailer reports $7.9M Q1 loss
TORONTO - Consumers grappling with a global tariff war have yet to drop Roots Corp. from their shopping trips, the apparel retailer's CEO said Friday, as the company reported a $7.9 million loss. 'We haven't seen any weakening and no pullback,' Meghan Roach told analysts who asked her whether consumer confidence has been lagging or if customers were trading down for more affordable products. Her observation was reflected in the retailer's first-quarter results, which showed sales at the Toronto-headquartered company rose 6.7 per cent to $40 million. Much of the boost came from the company's direct-to-consumer business, which includes its retail stores and e-commerce operations. Sales from that division totalled $34.6 million for the period ended May 3, up from $31.4 million a year earlier. The segment also saw comparable sales growth of 14.1 per cent. Roach attributed the increase to existing products resonating with customers who she said responded well to the company's latest releases, too. 'We were also seeing strong adoption of updated cuts, which offer a modern take on comfort while staying true to the brand's DNA,' she said. 'This momentum in our core collection and the success of our new programs gives us confidence as we continue to balance innovation with the consistency your customers expect from us.' Meanwhile, partner and other sales, which include wholesale Roots branded products, licensing to select partners and certain custom products, fell to $5.4 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same quarter last year. Overall, Roots reported a first-quarter loss of $7.9 million compared with a loss of $8.9 million a year earlier as its sales rose 6.7 per cent. The loss amounted to 20 cents per share for the quarter compared with a loss of 22 cents per share in the same quarter last year. The results fit Roots' usual cadence, Roach said. Typically, the company generates 30 per cent of its sales in the first half of the year, when it tends to generate a loss. The back half usually brings profit. This year Roots has been working to close 'underperforming' stores and reallocate resources to 'high potential' locations where the brand is resonating and there are opportunities for traffic growth. Customer feedback and in-store analytics have also pushed the company to give some stores a makeover that has introduced new layouts, digital tools and modern materials and finishes into flexible fixtures meant to help the brand transition between seasons. 'The goal is to create a more immersive, intuitive, and inspiring retail environment, one that aligns with our brand direction and deepens emotional connection with customers,' Roach said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX:ROOT)
Business Wire
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Roots Announces Details of its Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Results Conference Call
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Roots Corporation ('Roots' or the 'Company') (TSX: ROOT), the premium outdoor-lifestyle brand, today announced that the Company will host a conference call to discuss its Fiscal 2025 first quarter results on Friday, June 13, 2025. Ms. Meghan Roach, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leon Wu, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call. About Roots Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform, We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on in China. We design, market, and sell a broad selection of products in different departments, including women's men's, children's, and gender-free apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories. Our products are built with uncompromising comfort, quality, and style that allows you to feel At Home With Nature™. We offer products designed to meet life's everyday adventures and provide you with the versatility to live your life to the fullest. We also wholesale through business-to-business channels and license the brand to a select group of licensees selling products to major retailers. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as 'Roots' and 'Roots Canada'.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Questlove Was ‘Shocked' by Kendrick Lamar's Homage to the Roots In ‘Squabble Up' Video
Questlove recently dropped by The Jennifer Hudson Show, sharing his reaction to finding out that Kendrick Lamar paid homage to the Roots in a music video for his monumental GNX album, which released last year. When discussing his influence on other artists, Hudson pointed out the scene from Lamar's 'Squabble Up' video that recreates the set for the Roots' 1999 track 'The Next Movement,' with both visuals sharing the same moss-green wall molding. More from Rolling Stone D'Angelo Cancels Roots Picnic Performance Over Medical Issue The Joey Bada$$ vs. Everyone Beef Is Fun, But What's It Really About? Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Announce Inaugural Future Ruins Fest Celebrating Film Music 'I was so shocked because the way that people told me — I woke up to 30 K. Dot texts,' Questlove recalled. 'I thought, 'Oh no.' He just dissed us. I thought it was something else. And they were like, 'No, he paid tribute to y'all in this video.'' The Roots drummer said that he was surprised because the Philly band is 'ubiquitous,' but 'not super mainstream, but we're niche, but we're not overexposed popular.' He continued, 'It's hard to tell where we fit in the scheme of things. It's an honor but it's also a surprise when you see people acknowledging you after all this time.' In reply, Hudson reminded the musician that his critically acclaimed band has been a 'blueprint to all artists and the music industry.' 'The Next Movement' featured on the Roots' breakthrough album, Things Fall Apart, a record that Rolling Stone listed as one of the 200 greatest hip-hop albums of all time. A review hailed the Nineties LP as 'a socially observant, profoundly musical thesis statement from the Philadelphia band that dared to play their own instruments,' while noting that the 'timeless' tracks 'are full of virtuosic verses from Black Thought and Malik B, along with fellow travelers like Mos Def and Common, and varied grooves from drummer Questlove, bassist Leonard Hubbard.' More than 25 years later, Lamar would release his sixth album, GNX, capping a historic year that packed in a cataclysmic feud with Drake, the announcement of Lamar's Super Bowl performance, and a swath of Number One singles including 'Not Like Us', SZA-collab 'Luther,' and 'Squabble Up.' In an Instagram post looking back at his work with the Roots and following the news of Lamar's homage, Questlove posted back in November an Instagram photo of a side-by-side screenshot from 'The Next Movement' and 'Squabble Up' videos. 'My number one love is the music I create in @TheRoots —that is the fuel to my fire & sometimes if you love something you must set it free. Then if it returns to you it's real,' Questlove wrote in the caption. 'That said I wanna thank @kendricklamar for acknowledging something I thought noone saw or cared about. Feeling seen is a great feeling and I dont take it for granted.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
