By 1977, Roots had expanded to 65 retail outlets across North America and Europe, and 250 employees. Roots then began the transition from making negative-heel shoes to making footwear with a wedge sole and also introduced classic handbags. The company began wholesaling bags, footwear, belts, and leather jackets to Canadian retailers like Eaton’s and Holt Renfrew, and major U.S. retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom. Roots continued to expand its product line by introducing Roots Design in 1979, their first line of men’s tailored clothing. This started with leather jackets that were produced in a small building in Port Credit, Mississauga.