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Roots

Direct-to-consumer lifestyle apparel and leather goods

Overview

Roots creates premium lifestyle products, focusing on high-quality apparel, leather goods, and accessories. Its product lineup includes sweatshirts, sweatpants, jackets, and leather bags, all crafted with attention to detail and rooted in heritage. The brand sells directly to consumers online and via physical stores, while also engaging in wholesale partnerships, leveraging its North American market presence. Roots' products are designed and manufactured with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, appealing to environmentally conscious customers. The company differentiates itself through a strong heritage and craftsmanship that emphasizes quality, durability, and timeless style, setting it apart from other fashion brands. The overarching goal is to maintain and grow a trusted, environmentally responsible lifestyle brand with loyal customers by delivering enduring products that blend comfort, style, and responsible production.

Significant Headcount Growth

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About Roots

Simplify's Rating
Why Roots is rated
C+
Rated C on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consumer Goods

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Toronto, Canada

Founded

2017

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 23 YVR opened Roots' travel-retail expansion with Hudson at Gate E88.
  • September 25 Lisa Gozlan capsule adds fresh demand and higher-margin accessories.
  • October 13 shareholder vote on C$4.10 take-private removes public-market execution pressure.

What critics are saying

  • Q2 2026 sales fell 2.4%, while gross margin slid to 58.3%.
  • June 2026 distribution-center transition and Whistler relocation cost C$3.0 million in Q2.
  • If October 13 approvals fail, Roots remains a shrinking micro-cap retailer.

What makes Roots unique

  • Roots' Canadian heritage and Made in Canada collections anchor its brand identity.
  • July 23 YVR travel-retail and September 25 Lisa Gozlan collaborations show cultural relevance.
  • Roots spans 97 stores, e-commerce, wholesale, and licensing across North America and Asia.

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Benefits

  • Company Equity
  • Hybrid Work Options

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

14%

2 year growth

14%
The Montreal Gazette
Oct 7th, 2026
Roots and the NFL kick off new collection celebrating Canadian fans.

Roots and the NFL kick off new collection celebrating Canadian fans. TORONTO - Roots Corporation ("Roots" or "the Company"), the premium outdoor lifestyle brand, has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) to launch a new collection of team apparel created specifically for Canadian fans. Combining the NFL's commitment to locally relevant products with Roots iconic Canadian heritage, the collection offers a new way for... October 7, 2026 at 8:40 a.m. TORONTO - Roots Corporation ("Roots" or "the Company"), the premium outdoor lifestyle brand, has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) to launch a new collection of team apparel created specifically for Canadian fans. Combining the NFL's commitment to locally relevant products with Roots iconic Canadian heritage, the collection offers a new way for fans across Canada to celebrate the teams they love. Building on the brands' recent collaboration celebrating 60 years of Super Bowl history, the collection brings together the energy of NFL fandom with Roots signature quality, design and craftsmanship. The initial assortment features officially licensed apparel for five of the NFL's most popular teams among Canadian fans: the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks. As the collaboration evolves, additional team offerings may be introduced over time. "We're thrilled to collaborate with NFL again and continue connecting with fans across the country," says Melinda McDonald, VP, Wholesale and Business Development, Roots Corporation. "We set out to design a collection that feels unmistakably Roots, bringing our heritage and visual language to NFL fan apparel through original graphics and thoughtful details that celebrate each team's identity. We're incredibly proud of what we've created together and look forward to a long and successful relationship with the NFL." Throughout the collection, familiar team identities are reinterpreted through a Roots perspective, with custom graphics, heritage-inspired details and elevated signature silhouettes. Select styles feature the "True Nature of Sport" graphic treatment, while a second drop arriving in November introduces Park Plaid pieces developed specifically for the collaboration. "Roots has always had a strong connection to sport, community and athletic culture. This collaboration brings those elements together in a way that feels authentic and natural for the brand," says Meghan Roach, President & CEO, Roots Corporation. "NFL fans in Canada are remarkably passionate and engaged, and we saw an opportunity to create a collection that celebrates those fans through a distinctly Canadian lens. By combining the heritage of the NFL with the craftsmanship, quality, and design that define Roots, we are creating something uniquely meaningful for fans across the country." Canada is home to one of the NFL's most engaged fan communities outside of the United States, with millions of fans tuning in throughout the season. Partnering with an iconic Canadian brand like Roots reflects the NFL's ongoing commitment to delivering locally relevant products and making it easier for fans to express their fandom. Available beginning October 7 exclusively at NFLShop.ca, the Roots x NFL collection will ship from Canada, making it easier for fans to shop locally without cross-border duties or tariffs. Additional Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks styles will be released in early November. The collection includes t-shirts and fleece ranging from $70 to $220 CAD across all five teams, along with select Leather Varsity Jackets priced at $998 CAD. Looking ahead, Roots will continue to explore and invest in special collaborations with sports properties across North America. 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, www.roots.com, that serves many international markets. We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com 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". About the National Football League (NFL) The NFL is the most popular sports league in the United States, with a growing global footprint. Each year, 32 franchises compete to win the Super Bowl, the world's premier single-day sporting event. Established in 1920, the league is built on a system of competitive balance that gives every team a chance to win each season, and a fan-friendly media distribution strategy that makes the NFL available to the widest audience possible. The league's international growth includes playing regular-season games in countries around the world, the rising popularity and Olympic inclusion of flag football, and a full-time local market presence, with offices in nine countries across five continents. Beyond the field, the NFL partners with leading community, corporate and media organizations and is deeply embedded in global culture, engaging fans through film, music, fashion, art and social platforms. Follow Roots:

MarketScreener
Sep 25th, 2026
Roots and Lisa Gozlan launch exclusive Roots X Lisa Gozlan collection.

Roots and Lisa Gozlan launch exclusive Roots X Lisa Gozlan collection. Published on 09/25/2026 at 10:05 am EDT S&P Capital IQ Roots and Lisa Gozlan announced the launch of its exclusive Roots x Lisa Gozlan collection. Bringing together two distinctly Canadian brands, the limited-edition collaboration reimagines familiar icons through a bold new lens, spanning apparel, jewelry, and accessories. The collection brings the recognizable and distinct creative identities of Roots and Lisa Gozlan, blending signature elements from both brands in a fresh, elevated way. Pieces from the collection were designed in Canada, and includes: Roots x Lisa Gozlan Adult Crew (Egret), $168 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Adult Crew (Varsity Green), $168 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Kids Hoodie, $98 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Toddler Crew, $78 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Cap, Accessories, $44 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Bracelet (Sizes 6, 7, 8), Jewelry, $128 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Keychain, Accessories, $38 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Pin, Accessories, $38. (C) S&P Capital IQ - 2026

The Montreal Gazette
Sep 25th, 2026
Roots and Lisa Gozlan unveil limited-edition collaboration.

Roots and Lisa Gozlan unveil limited-edition collaboration. TORONTO - Roots, the premium outdoor lifestyle brand, and Toronto-founded jewelry brand, Lisa Gozlan, announced the launch of its exclusive Roots x Lisa Gozlan collection, available starting today. Bringing together two distinctly Canadian brands, the limited-edition collaboration reimagines familiar icons through a bold new lens, spanning apparel, jewelry, and accessories. The collection brings the recognizable... September 25, 2026 at 9:12 a.m. TORONTO - Roots, the premium outdoor lifestyle brand, and Toronto-founded jewelry brand, Lisa Gozlan, announced the launch of its exclusive Roots x Lisa Gozlan collection, available starting today. Bringing together two distinctly Canadian brands, the limited-edition collaboration reimagines familiar icons through a bold new lens, spanning apparel, jewelry, and accessories. The collection brings the recognizable and distinct creative identities of Roots and Lisa Gozlan, blending signature elements from both brands in a fresh, elevated way. "Roots has always been part of my story. Getting to come full circle and create something together feels really special. I wanted to take some of the most recognizable Roots symbols and give them a more playful, jewelry-inspired treatment while still keeping that unmistakable Roots feeling," says Lisa Gozlan, Founder of Lisa Gozlan Jewelry. For Roots, the collaboration reflects an ongoing focus on bringing the brand's heritage forward through new creative expressions and partnerships, giving familiar Roots icons a fresh point of view. "Roots has always had such a strong sense of identity, and we're constantly looking for new ways to bring that heritage forward. This collaboration gave us the opportunity to work with another Toronto-founded brand and reimagine our classic icons in a way that feels elevated and true to both brands," says Micah Cameron, Image Director, Roots. Roots x Lisa Gozlan Adult Crew (Egret), $168 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Adult Crew (Varsity Green), $168 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Kids Hoodie, $98 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Toddler Crew, $78 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Cap, Accessories, $44 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Bracelet (Sizes 6, 7, 8), Jewelry, $128 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Keychain, Accessories, $38 Roots x Lisa Gozlan Pin, Accessories, $38 The collection will be available online and at select Roots and Lisa Gozlan retail stores across Canada, while quantities last, starting Friday, September 25. 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, www.roots.com, that serves many international markets. We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com 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". About Lisa Gozlan Founded in Toronto in 2019 by designer and founder Lisa Gozlan, Lisa Gozlan Jewelry creates fine jewelry designed for self-expression and everyday wear. Best known for its iconic Happy Face(TM) Pavé Bracelet, the brand is celebrated for its colourful, collectible, and stackable pieces that bring personality and a little more happiness to everyday moments.

Finimize
Sep 11th, 2026
Roots' sales slipped as its Marquee buyout moves forward.

Roots' sales slipped as its Marquee buyout moves forward. The Canadian retailer posted CA$49.5 million in quarterly sales and set an Oct. 13 shareholder vote on the C$4.10-per-share cash deal. about 1 hour ago - 2 mins What's going on here? Roots' sales slipped to CA$49.5 million last quarter, but investors are mostly watching a different number: Marquee Brands' proposed C$4.10-a-share cash buyout, now headed for an Oct. 13 shareholder vote. What does this mean? Roots, a Canadian apparel retailer, reported quarterly sales of CA$49.5 million, down from CA$50.8 million a year earlier, and an adjusted net loss of CA$0.08 per share (slightly better than CA$0.09). The bigger story is the signed arrangement agreement under which Marquee Brands, working through its operating partner JM&A Design and Development, plans to take the company private for C$4.10 per share in cash. Before that happens, the dea... Keep reading for free. This content is free, but you must be logged in to continue reading. Already have an account?

SGB Media
Sep 11th, 2026
EXEC: roots' Q2 impacted by DC transition, acquisition costs.

EXEC: roots' Q2 impacted by DC transition, acquisition costs. September 11, 2026 Canada's Roots Corp. reported a slightly wider loss in the second quarter ended August 1 due to costs involved in a distribution center transition and its move to be taken private through an acquisition by Marquee Brands. Sales in the period slid 2.4 percent. Figures are in Canadian dollars. Strategic Review Update As announced on August 20, the outdoor and lifestyle brand with about 100 stores entered into an arrangement agreement whereby Marquee Brands, through its operating partner JM&A Design and Development Inc., would acquire all of the company's issued and outstanding common shares for C$4.10 per share in cash, implying an equity value of approximately C$161 million ($116 mm). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, subject to shareholder, court and regulatory approvals. In Q2 2026, the company incurred C$1.0 million in incremental consulting and legal costs related to this process. Year-to-date, the costs incurred related to this process have been C$1.5 million. Marquee Brands, owned by funds managed by global investment manager Neuberger, has 24 brands that generate more than $5 billion in global retail equivalent sales. Its portfolio of brands includes Roberto Cavalli, BCBG Maxazria, Bruno Magli, A Pea in the Pod, Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, Emeril Lagasse, Cook's Country, Cook's Illustrated, America's Test Kitchen, Food52, Just Cavalli, BCBG, Ben Sherman, Isotoner, Anti Social Social Club, Motherhood, Destination Maternity, Stance, Totes, Dakine and Body Glove. Distribution Centre Transition Update The company completed its transition to the Metro Supply Chain distribution centre ("DC") in July 2026. In Q2 2026, the company incurred C$2.0 million incremental costs related to this transition, C$1.2 million of which was driven by the accelerated non-cash depreciation of existing fixed assets, and C$0.8 million from non-recurring transition costs, including operating costs of two distribution centres during the move. Year-to-date, the company has incurred C$3.8 million incremental costs related to this transition, C$2.9 million of which was driven by the accelerated non-cash depreciation. Starting June 2026, with the new distribution partnership, gross margins began to include DC occupancy costs that were previously recorded within SG&A when distribution operations were managed in-house. Second Quarter Highlights: "Subsequent to the quarter, Roots agreed to be acquired in a transaction that strongly endorses the Roots brand. Over the past several years, we have restored Roots to a position of strength, with a distinctive Canadian identity that resonates with customers here and around the world," said Meghan Roach, president and CEO of Roots. "Despite the short-term impact of the Whistler relocation, we were pleased to end the quarter with over 26 percent growth in Adjusted EBITDA," continued Ms. Roach. * Sales were C$49.5 million ($36 mm), a 2.4 percent reduction as compared to C$50.8 million in Q2 2025 * DTC sales were C$40.5 million, a 1.3 percent reduction as compared to C$41.0 million in Q2 2025 * DTC comparable sales decline was 1.0 percent * Gross margin was 58.3 percent, as compared to 60.7 percent in Q2 2025 * DTC gross margin was 60.6 percent, as compared to 63.2 percent in Q2 2025 * Excluding all DC costs, DTC gross margin was 67.2 percent, as compared to 66.4 percent in Q2 2025 * Adjusted EBITDA amounted to (C$1.6) million, as compared to (C$2.1) million in Q2 2025 * Net loss totaled (C$6.0) million, as compared to (C$4.4) million in Q2 2025 * Adjusted Net Income (Loss), which excludes the costs arising from the DC transition and strategic review, along with other non-recurring or unusual costs outside the normal course of operations, was (C$3.2) million, as compared to (C$3.8) million last year. * Net debt reduced 11.8 percent year-over-year to C$33.6 million "We are pleased to have largely completed the distribution centre transition and relocation of our flagship Whistler store," said Leon Wu, Chief Financial Officer. "Thanks to the hard work of our cross functional teams, we are well positioned to scale operations and better serve our customers during the larger second half of the year." Second Quarter Overview Total sales were C$49.5 million in Q2 2026, representing a decrease of 2.4 percent from C$50.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 ("Q2 2025"). DTC sales (corporate retail store and eCommerce sales) were C$40.5 million, a 1.3 percent decrease from C$41.0 million in Q2 2025. The year-over-year variance in DTC sales was primarily impacted by the temporary closure of a flagship store location in Whistler, British Columbia, as part of a scheduled relocation. Excluding this temporary closure, total DTC sales in Q2 2026 would have grown relative to Q2 2025. Additionally, sales were impacted by the temporary delays in the introduction of new seasonal products during the DC transition in the second half of Q2. P&O sales (wholesale Roots branded products, licensing to select manufacturing partners, and the sale of certain custom products) amounted to C$9.0 million in Q2 2026, decreasing 7.3 percent as compared to C$9.7 million in Q2 2025. P&O sales were primarily driven by lower wholesale sales volumes to its international operating partner in Taiwan, and timing shifts in licensing royalties from select manufacturing partners into the next quarter. This was partially offset by continued positive momentum across its North American wholesale and custom products channels. Gross profit was C$28.9 million in Q2 2026, as compared to C$30.8 million in Q2 2025, representing a year-over-year decrease of 6.4 percent. Gross margin was 58.3 percent in Q2 2026 as compared to 60.7 percent in Q2 2025. DTC gross margin was 60.6 percent in Q2 2026, as compared to 63.2 percent in Q2 2025. DTC gross margin was impacted by both non-recurring DC transition costs and the reporting of DC occupancy costs that were recorded within SG&A expenses in the prior year. Excluding all DC costs, DTC gross margin would have been 67.2 percent, as compared to 66.4 percent in Q2 2025. SG&A expenses totaled C$35.2 million in Q2 2026, as compared to C$34.7 million in Q2 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.4 percent. The year-over-year change in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by C$1.4 million of incremental costs related to the DC transition, the majority of which was comprised of accelerated depreciation on existing assets, and C$1.0 million of incremental costs related to the strategic review. Excluding these project costs, SG&A expenses decreased 5.4 percent, driven by the management of corporate costs, lower variable selling costs, and impacts from cash settled instruments under its share-based compensation plan. Net loss totaled (C$6.0) million, or C$(0.15) per share, in Q2 2026, as compared to a net loss of (C$4.4) million, or C$(0.11) per share, in Q2 2025. As the second quarter historically represents approximately 17 percent of the full year sales, the impacts of the non-recurring projects had a more pronounced impact on net earnings. Adjusted Net Loss, which adjusts primarily for the costs of the DC transition and strategic review, was (C$3.2) million, as compared to (C$3.8) million in Q2 2025. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to (C$1.6) million in Q2 2026, improving from (C$2.1) million in Q2 2025. Year-To-Date Results For the first six months of fiscal 2026 ("YTD 2026"), total sales amounted to C$92.1 million, representing an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the first six months of fiscal 2025 ("YTD 2025"), which amounted to C$90.7 million. DTC sales increased 0.8 percent to C$76.3 million, with comparable sales growth of 0.9 percent, while P&O sales increased by 4.8 percent to C$15.8 million. Gross profit stood at C$54.4 million, or 59.0 percent of sales, down from C$55.4 million, or 61.0 percent of sales, last year. Net loss totaled (C$16.1) million, or (C$0.41) per share, as compared to (C$12.3) million, or (C$0.31) per share, last year. Adjusted Net Loss, which primarily adjusts for the costs of the DC transition and strategic review, was (C$10.8) million, as compared to (C$11.1) million in YTD 2025. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to (C$9.0) million, improving from (C$9.2) million in YTD 2025. Financial Position Inventory was C$57.8 million at the end of Q2 2026, as compared to C$49.9 million at the end of Q2 2025, representing an increase of C$7.9 million or 15.8 percent. The increase in inventory was driven by higher in-transit inventory from earlier shipments related to its upcoming holiday season. Excluding the higher in-transit inventory, inventory was down C$0.4M or 1 percent to Q2 2025. Free cash flow was (C$10.1) million in Q2 2026, as compared to (C$6.9) million in Q2 2025. The year-over-year reduction in free cash flow was driven by the impacts of incremental costs related to the strategic review and the non-recurring cash costs related to the DC transition, along with higher capital expenditures and earlier receipts of inventory. As at the end of Q2 2026, Roots had net debt of C$33.6 million, improving from C$38.1 million or 11.8 percent a year earlier. The company's leverage ratio, defined as total net debt to trailing 12-months Adjusted EBITDA, was 1.4x as at the end of Q2 2026. As at the end of Q2 2026, Roots had C$38.0 million outstanding under its credit facilities and total liquidity of C$40.9 million, including net cash and borrowing capacity available under its revolving credit facility. At the end of Q2 2026, Roots operated 97 corporate retail stores and 10 temporary pop-up locations in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an e-e-commerce platform, roots.com. Image courtesy Roots

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