1-800-Flowers.com Partners with Uber Direct to Enhance Valentine's Day Deliveries

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its delivery capabilities ahead of Valentine's Day, 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) has announced a collaboration with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) to utilize Uber Direct, the technology giant's white-label delivery service. This partnership is particularly timely, as Valentine's Day is one of the peak seasons for floral sales, known for its high consumer demand.

The integration of Uber Direct with 1-800-Flowers.com’s local florist network, BloomNet®, allows florists to efficiently manage logistics during high-demand periods. With many flower shops often constrained by limited delivery vehicles, this partnership enables them to access Uber's extensive driver network, facilitating faster and more flexible deliveries.

Jon Feldman, President of BloomNet, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that the company anticipates delivering around 24 million stems for Valentine's Day alone. He emphasized the importance of addressing logistical challenges during peak holiday seasons, stating, "Our team is constantly out in the field personally visiting and building relationships with the thousands of shops in our floral network."

Florists who are part of the BloomNet network and utilize the proprietary Business Management System (BMS) can now dynamically dispatch and track same-day floral deliveries, even during spikes in demand. This capability is crucial for last-minute shoppers, as many consumers often wait until the last moment to purchase floral gifts.

Kiran Vinta, Head of Uber Direct for the US & Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, "With Uber Direct, florists can meet increased demand without logistical bottlenecks, ensuring that no bouquet—or heartfelt sentiment—goes undelivered."

Uber Direct's white-label service allows merchants to maintain full control over the customer experience, ensuring that buyers remain engaged with the 1-800-Flowers.com brand without being redirected to third-party apps. This integration not only reinforces 1-800-Flowers.com's commitment to innovation but also ensures that its network of florists can meet seasonal demand surges efficiently.

Currently, the collaboration is live across the United States in over 1,000 BloomNet network shops. Customers can place floral orders for same-day delivery through 3 PM local time in most regions, with extended hours until 6 PM in select markets.

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. operates an extensive e-commerce platform featuring a diverse family of brands aimed at fostering connections between consumers. The company’s offerings include 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, and many others. Its local business network, BloomNet, encompasses 5,000 florists and merchants across the U.S., providing same-day delivery options for various occasions.

The partnership between 1-800-Flowers.com and Uber Direct is set to redefine the floral delivery landscape, especially during critical sales periods like Valentine’s Day. By harnessing Uber's logistical expertise, 1-800-Flowers.com is well-positioned to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ensuring that heartfelt sentiments are delivered seamlessly.

For more information about the 1-800-Flowers.com BloomNet network, visit BloomNet.net. To learn more about Uber Direct, check out Uber’s Delivery site for merchants.