What Is 1-800-FLOWERS

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 1-800-FLOWERS is a major online floral and gift retailer founded in 1976, publicly traded on NASDAQ (FLWS) since 1999. The company generated $1.83 billion in fiscal 2024 revenues and operates through three segments: Consumer Floral & Gifts, Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets, and BloomNet, serving customers across the United States and internationally.

Key Facts

Founded in 1976 by James F. McCann; the current brand was acquired in 1987 for $7 million
Went public on NASDAQ in 1999 under ticker FLWS, pioneering e-commerce in the floral industry
Launched first website (1800flowers.com) in 1995, establishing itself as an online floral sales pioneer
FY2024 revenues: $1.83 billion with 40.1% gross profit margin and $93.1 million adjusted EBITDA
Operates three business segments serving multiple customer segments through various delivery and gift options

Overview

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is one of the largest online floral and gift retailers in the United States, operating under the NASDAQ ticker symbol FLWS. The company was founded in 1976 when entrepreneur James F. McCann opened his first retail flower shop in New York City, which gradually grew into a 14-store chain earning approximately $50,000 annually by the 1980s.

McCann's transformative acquisition of the struggling 1-800-FLOWERS brand in 1987 for $7 million—plus an additional $9 million to cover debts—proved to be a pivotal business decision. By the 1990s, the company had achieved remarkable growth, reaching $100 million in annual sales by 1993 and launching its website in 1995, making it a pioneer in online floral commerce. Today, with fiscal 2024 revenues of $1.83 billion, the company serves millions of customers through multiple channels and operates a diversified portfolio of businesses beyond flowers.

How It Works

1-800-FLOWERS operates through a sophisticated multi-channel distribution model designed to meet customers wherever they shop:

Online Ordering Platform: Customers browse and purchase flowers, plants, and gifts through 1800flowers.com, with options for same-day delivery in many markets
Toll-Free Phone Service: The iconic 1-800-FLOWERS phone number (1-800-356-9377) remains available for customers who prefer telephone ordering with live florist assistance
Mobile App: The company offers a dedicated mobile application providing convenient shopping, real-time order tracking, and personalized recommendations based on purchase history
BloomNet Network: A nationwide network of affiliated local florists ensures reliable same-day delivery capabilities across the United States and international markets
Diversified Product Portfolio: Beyond flowers, the company sells gourmet foods through The Popcorn Factory and Cheryl's Cookies brands, gift baskets, plants, and seasonal items
Franchise Opportunities: The company operates a franchise model allowing independent florists to leverage the 1-800-FLOWERS brand and delivery network

Key Comparisons

Aspect	1-800-FLOWERS	Traditional Florists	FTD/Other Online Services
Delivery Speed	Same-day delivery in many areas	Same-day delivery available locally	Varies by location; typically 1-2 days
Service Model	Multi-channel (online, phone, app)	In-person shopping primary	Primarily online
Product Range	Flowers, gifts, gourmet foods, plants	Flowers and limited arrangement options	Flowers, some gifts
Geographic Reach	Nationwide and international	Local neighborhood coverage	Nationwide network
Scale of Operation	$1.83B annual revenue (2024)	Typically under $1M-5M annual revenue	Multi-billion dollar enterprise

Why It Matters

E-Commerce Pioneer: 1-800-FLOWERS played a crucial role in bringing floral retail to the internet, fundamentally transforming how Americans purchase flowers and gifts
Operational Innovation: The company's BloomNet franchise model created a nationwide delivery infrastructure without requiring corporate ownership of thousands of retail locations
Consumer Convenience: By maintaining multiple order channels—phone, web, and mobile—the company serves diverse customer preferences and demographics
Market Consolidation: Strategic acquisitions of complementary brands like Popcorn Factory (2002) and Cheryl's Cookies (2005) diversified revenue streams beyond seasonal floral demand
Public Company Performance: With fiscal 2024 revenues of $1.83 billion and a gross profit margin of 40.1%, the company demonstrates the viability of large-scale online gift retail

1-800-FLOWERS remains significant in the retail landscape as a demonstration of successful brand adaptation across decades. The company transformed a struggling telephone-based business into a modern omnichannel retailer while maintaining its iconic brand identity. Despite evolving consumer preferences and increased competition from e-commerce platforms and regional florists, 1-800-FLOWERS continues serving millions of customers annually through innovation in delivery logistics, product offerings, and customer service channels.