CARLE PLACE, N.Y., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Giving consumers a brand new way to shop,1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R) (FLWS), the world's leading florist and gift shop has launched an e-commerce store inside its Facebook(R) Page, where customers can purchase their floral favorites without ever leaving the site. With the debut of a fully-functioning storefront, people can now browse and buy gifts directly through the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Facebook Page.
"Facebook is redefining the social web, a cultural and social phenomenon that has changed the way we connect with one another," said Jim McCann, CEO and Founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "In 1992, 1-800-FLOWERS was one of the first businesses to embrace the Internet and in 1994 we were the first merchant of any kind to transact on AOL. Fifteen years later, we are extremely proud to again be the first -- this time in launching a retail store inside Facebook, a bold step in unlocking the tremendous marketing potential of social media."
Considered a pioneer in e-retailing and a multi-channel innovator, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has partnered with Alvenda, Inc., a commerce-enabled advertising network and application developer, to bring its store to the more than 250 million users on Facebook. The highly interactive Facebook Page enables 1-800-FLOWERS.COM customers to easily access a broad selection of fresh floral gifts simply by clicking on the "Shop!" tab. With Alvenda's technology, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM can offer fans and consumers a convenient way to shop without leaving Facebook.
"We believe the majority of future online sales will happen 'offsite.' Alvenda enables customers to shop with brands wherever they happen to be; whether they're on YouTube, a favorite blogger Web site, or now Facebook," said Wade Gerten, CEO, Alvenda. "With innovative brands like 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Alvenda is moving commerce forward to unique touch points."
Future versions of the store will integrate more robust social features, including birthday calendars and group gift giving options.
About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the world's leading florist and gift shop. For more than 30 years, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has been providing customers with fresh flowers and the finest selection of plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections, balloons and plush stuffed animals perfect for every occasion. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM((R)) (1-800-356-9377 or www.1800flowers.com), is one of the top 50 online retailers by Internet Retailer, as well as 2008 Laureate Honoree by the Computerworld Honors Program and the recipient of ICMI's 2006 Global Call Center of the Year Award. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers the best of both worlds: exquisite arrangements created by some of the nation's top floral artists and hand-delivered the same day, and spectacular flowers shipped overnight from its "Fresh From Our Growers(R)" collection. As always, 100% satisfaction and freshness are guaranteed. Also, visit 1-800-Flowers en Espanol (www.1800flowersenespanol.com). The Company's BloomNet((R)) international floral wire service provides (www.mybloomnet.net) a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably.
The 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. "Gift Shop" also includes gourmet gifts such as popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory((R)) (1-800-541-2676 or www.thepopcornfactory.com); cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl&Co.((R) )(1-800-443-8124 or www.cherylandco.com); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May(R) confections brands( )(www.fanniemay.com and www.harrylondon.com); gourmet foods from Greatfood.com((R)) (www.greatfood.com); wine gifts from Ambrosia((R)) (www.ambrosia.com); gift baskets from 1-800-BASKETS.COM((R)) (www.1800baskets.com) and DesignPac(SM) (www.designpac.com); Celebrations((R)) (www.celebrations.com), a new premier online destination for fabulous party ideas and planning tips; as well as Home Decor and Children's Gifts from Plow & Hearth((R)) (1-800-627-1712 or www.plowandhearth.com), Wind & Weather(R) (www.windandweather.com), HearthSong((R)) (www.hearthsong.com) and Magic Cabin((R)) (www.magiccabin.com). Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under ticker symbol FLWS.
Facebook (R) is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
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