The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Roots on Friday posted a loss of $10.1-million in its first quarter, compared with $7.9-million a year earlier. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says the loss came as the company continued its strategic review, which it has warned could result in a sale of the business, and as it pushed sports collaborations in stores. Roots released a 50th anniversary collection for the Toronto Blue Jays and a second round of WNBA apparel, including Tempo hoodies and varsity jackets, in time for the team's launch. Chief executive officer Meghan Roach told analysts that the partnerships helped Roots "gain traction" with customers and shift the brand toward more "disciplined, data-driven" marketing focused on driving returns. While the partnerships may have contributed to a rise in sales, they didn't change the company's overall quarter. Sales during the period ended May 2 totalled $42.6-million, up from $40-million a year earlier. Direct-to-consumer sales alone amounted to $35.8-million, up from $34.6-million, while partner and other sales reached $6.8-million, up from $5.4-million a year ago. Roots' loss came in at 26 cents a share, up from a loss of 20 cents last year.