logo
Behind the scenes of the Roots factory: Future of made in Canada

Behind the scenes of the Roots factory: Future of made in Canada

National Posta day ago

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
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.
Article content
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.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
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.
Article content

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top Beauty Influencer Trends to Watch This Year
Top Beauty Influencer Trends to Watch This Year

Globe and Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Globe and Mail

Top Beauty Influencer Trends to Watch This Year

The beauty industry has always been vibrant and dynamic, but recently, digital creators have changed how trends are adopted and adapted. Nowadays, beauty influencers do not limit themselves to creating content; they also participate in brand consulting and development, and are even seen as trendsetters through TikTok's makeup tutorials and Instagram's product reviews. Over time, the impact of top beauty influencers continues to be felt worldwide as powerful trends emerge globally. Whether you are a keen beauty follower, or planning on venturing out as a content creator, keeping track of these trends will surely make you appreciate the direction the industry is headed. Canadian beauty influencers are gaining international attention due to their originality and appeal. In this article, we outline essential trends that we believe will transform the beauty influencer landscape this year. 1. Skin Minimalism Is In The era of boasting about a 10-step skincare routine is long gone. Shifting towards better practices, skin minimalism is being embraced this year by top influencers. As the name suggests, skin minimalism involves cutting the number of skincare products to a bare minimum, with the underlying principle of more thoughtful and intentional self-care. While skin minimalism is celebrated for its simplicity, consistency in following the routine is equally important to achieve lasting results. Instead of aggressive treatments, influencers are leaning more towards gentle, long-lasting products that support hydration and skin barrier functions. These products allow for a more natural, healthy glow. A loyal follower of the skin minimalism approach, Canadian influencer Waepril Chua, known by her followers as April, showcases how one can achieve radiant skin with only a handful of products. Why it matters: The skin 'health over perfection' trend is shifting toward minimalism, which is influenced by prominent social media figureheads. 2. Authenticity Over Aesthetic This marks the beginning of the return towards authenticity while curated feeds definitely have a place. To put it simply, audiences are now drawn toward authenticity. There have been responses of beauty influencers removing heavy filters and putting out real, unedited images alongside real product reviews and behind-the-scenes videos. This trend is quite strong for Canadian influencers who are recognized for their more relatable and down-to-earth look. Their content is relatable and personal, like a friend providing counsel, not a sales pitch. For instance, content platforms such as ' Glam by April ' have grown by appearing helpful and genuine instead of overly polished. That is the main reason this unfettered candor continues to cultivate trust with followers. 3. Sustainable and Ethical Beauty Putting sustainability in the 'must-have' category, the top influencers in the beauty industry are trying to underline brands that focus on cruelty-free formulations, ethical sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and bid them goodbye without value centroid trimming. This year, expect to see more content regarding refillable items, biodegradable products, and skincare routines that are eco-friendly. Influencers are collaborating to create, or promote, cleaner lines proving that their commitment lies deeper than promotion; it is part of their personal values. Specifically, Canadian creators are educating audiences about sustainability in beauty, making eco-consciousness a staple of the influencer economy. 4. Cultural Diversity and Representation Influencer attention is supporting a much wider definition of beauty as they embrace their heritage, which is also bringing inclusivity to the beauty industry. From highlighting Indigenous beauty to BIPOC-owned businesses, these changes are both timely and transformative. Canadian influencers have emerged at the forefront of change, championing multiculturalism through their content. With Canada's diverse population, influencers have the chance—and responsibility—to embrace the full spectrum of beauty and amplify every voice. This makeover is changing the rules of the beauty game while also working to serve the industry that has long sought to shun representation and global identities. 5. Hybrid Content: Beauty Meets Wellness Another emerging trend is the combination of beauty and wellness. Influencers have expanded their repertoire to include not only makeup and skincare tutorials, but also content on sleep, diet, mental health, and exercise. This audience perceives beauty as an extension of holistic health. Content creators and influencers promote mental health app check-ins, journaling, yoga sessions, and even adaptogens as part of their work. It's easy to add value to your content as a top beauty influencer. Beauty products are no longer the only means of engagement. Expanding her influence, as April is now doing in Canada, has proven successful with this hybrid approach. She offers multidisciplinary wellness advice, presenting it as nourishing skincare that feeds both the body and spirit. 6. Short-Form Video Domination The beauty industry is rapidly expanding. Short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels have dominated—and continue to dominate—this industry. Leading beauty influencers have mastered the art of grabbing viewers' attention with captivating tutorials, product demos, and quick reviews—all in a matter of seconds. What's new this year is the emphasis on quick, informative. '3-step makeup tricks,' '60-second skincare regimens,' or 'what's in my bag' reels all offer value and entertainment. Especially, Canadian influencers have mastered the fun-function balance and make their content highly shareable across platforms. 7. Community-First Branding Instead of only promoting products, influencers have now shifted to building communities. New Facebook groups and even private Instagram channels are popping up for fans to connect, share, and engage directly with content creators. This year, the leading beauty influencers are concentrating on fostering community as a strategy for long-term brand loyalty. Interactive content in the form of live Q&As, follower makeovers, and crowd-sourced reviews are likely to surface. Canadian influencers are spearheading this trend, harnessing their influence to create shared beauty experiences that are both intimate and collective. Conclusion 'Beauty' as a term is shedding its monotonous definition and transforming, thanks to beauty influencers like April. This shift radiates inclusivity, authenticity, and a commitment to health, the planet, and overall well-being. With trends like community-driven routines, bare-skin attitudes, and philanthropy-driven branding, the industry is now rooted in values rather than simply chasing virality. Looking ahead, these are the key avenues to watch. While they reflect popularity, they also signal the industry's deeper progression. Media Contact Company Name: Glam by April (Waepril Chua - social media influencer) Contact Person: Waepril Chua Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website:

On the map: A chance to own at Yonge and Sheppard
On the map: A chance to own at Yonge and Sheppard

National Post

time9 hours ago

  • National Post

On the map: A chance to own at Yonge and Sheppard

For Mitchell Cohen, developing a GTA condo project in today's sluggish market means taking the long view. 'The market is cyclical,' the chief operating officer of Westdale Construction says. 'Like NFL football, it always comes back strong. Right now, the tide is out. But we know it will return.' Article content Cohen is currently bringing that confidence to a new Westdale project, a 16-storey development rising at 53 Sheppard Ave. W., near the Sheppard-Yonge subway interchange and Highway 401. Article content Article content The development, a joint venture between Westdale and Fieldgate Urban, is 92 percent sold as construction reaches the fourth floor. Occupancy of the 352 suites, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, is slated for 2027. Article content NorthCore's location is one of its draws, Cohen says. As well as being surrounded by urban amenities — more than 200 restaurants, three major shopping malls and dozens of coffee shops are within walking distance — it's connected to Albert Standing Park via a parkland dedication of more than 5,000 square feet on the southeast corner of NorthCore's site. Article content 'You won't be looking into another tower here,' Cohen says. 'You'll be looking out over low-rise neighbourhoods and treetops. That means sunset views, light-filled interiors, and a genuine sense of breathing room.' Article content Article content Most NorthCore buyers, he continues, are young professionals drawn to the location, transit access and an amenity package he describes as 'tailored to modern urban life.' The building includes more than 8,000 square feet of indoor amenity space and almost as much outdoors. The former includes a 3,700-square-foot fitness centre with yoga rooms, cardio zones, saunas and a boxing space; a 1,450-square-foot co-working lounge with private Zoom rooms and meeting facilities; a 1,150-square-foot Creative Hub with green screen production spaces, editing suites and a soundproof music room; and a 1,350-square-foot social lounge and private dining area with a catering kitchen. Outdoors, a ground-floor terrace designed for fire-pit gatherings and al fresco dining links to picturesque Albert Standing Park, which is home to a decorative fountain, picnic tables and sitting areas, and paved walking paths. The building will also include 2,000 square feet of ground-level retail facing the park. Article content NorthCore is modest in scale compared to the towers that cluster around Yonge Street, and Cohen sees that as a strength: 'You're not lost in a sea of 500 or 600 units. With half as many homes, the building will have a real sense of community.' Article content Standard unit finishes include nine-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Buyers can then personalize their units with upgrade options like panelled appliances, all-stone surfaces and custom cabinetry. Article content Despite broader market fluctuations, Cohen remains optimistic that the project will sell out soon. 'The fundamentals haven't changed,' he says. 'We're still facing a housing shortage in the GTHA. People still want and need good places to live where everything they need is either in the building or a short walk away.' Article content Article content Three things Article content The Cactus Club Cafe opened its third Toronto location at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in 2024. The 14,000-square-foot restaurant features a lounge, dining room and an all-season patio, seating more than 350 guests. Menu highlights include Thai red curry, frozen margaritas, and signature dishes like butternut squash ravioli with prawns. 4841 Yonge St. Article content Metrolinx is developing an Initial Business Case to extend Toronto's Sheppard subway line east to Scarborough and west to Sheppard West Station. Public consultations are ongoing, with the project's feasibility and transit mode — subway or LRT — still under evaluation. Article content Toronto's Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre offers winter sports enthusiasts a convenient urban option. Facilities include a beginner hill with rope tow, main hill with two runs, a race hill accessed via a four-person chairlift, and an accessible ski chalet. 4169 Bathurst St.

Behind the scenes of the Roots factory: Future of made in Canada
Behind the scenes of the Roots factory: Future of made in Canada

National Post

timea day ago

  • National Post

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. Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content Article content 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. Article content

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store