New York, NY — As online and mobile video channels become more powerful for brand communications, Howcast (www.howcast.com), the go-to source for engaging instructional online video solutions, today announced e-commerce pioneer, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLWS), as its first retail customer. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, the world's largest florist and online gift shop, is using Howcast's technology and online video expertise, to provide quick and easy answers to commonly asked customer questions, further enhancing the shopping experience on www.1800flowers.com.
"1-800-FLOWERS.COM has built its trusted reputation by leveraging innovative technologies and tools to further enhance the customer experience," said Jim McCann, CEO and founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "We recognize the power of online video to engage and educate customers and we will continue to work with Howcast to focus on our new media strategy, as it pertains to effectively communicating with our customers."
1-800-FLOWERS.COM will integrate Howcast's unique online video offering into its website, helping customers make more informed decisions when shopping for flowers online. With Howcast's organic distribution network, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is able to educate and engage flower buyers searching for similar shopping advice, via YouTube, AOL and an extensive list of similar partners.
"Innovative companies like 1-800-FLOWERS.COM recognize the opportunity that online video and instructional content hold for showcasing unique elements of products and services in a creative way," said Jason Liebman, CEO and co-founder, Howcast. "We've already helped companies inform and engage their users and reduce customer support inquiries. With such strong benefits for customers and companies alike, we expect retail to be a large growth area for our instructional content."
Howcast works with global brands, large organizations and government agencies to get their message across through multiple media channels. From customer support to workforce training, brand awareness and public advocacy, Howcast has become the preferred partner for creative instructional content solutions.
With its recent posting of "How to Choose the Best Way to Send Flowers" and "How to Express Sympathy with Flowers and Gifts," customers can now view engaging instructional videos to assist them in making the most informed purchase.
For additional information please visit http://info.howcast.com/howcast-solutions.
About The Company
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the world's leading florist and gift shop. For more than 30 years, 1-800-FLOWERS® (1-800-356-9377 or www.1800flowers.com) 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. As always, 100% satisfaction is guaranteed. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM earned the 2009 Gold Award in the Online Flower Delivery category from TopTenREVIEWS; was listed as a TOP TEN MOBILE RETAILER by Internet Retailer magazine in 2009; and was recognized by Computerworld magazine as a Premier 100 IT Leader for 2010.. The Company's BloomNet® international floral wire service provides 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® (1-800-541-2676); cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl&Co.® (1-800-443-8124); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May® confections brands; wine gifts from Ambrosia® and Geerlings&WadeSM; gift baskets from 1-800-BASKETS.COM® as well as Celebrations®, a premier online destination for fabulous party ideas and planning tips. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is involved in a broad range of corporate social responsibility initiatives including continuous expansion and enhancement of its environmentally-friendly “green” programs, various philanthropic and charitable efforts and special private-sector skills training programs for military veterans. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS.
About Howcast Media
Howcast empowers people with engaging, useful how-to information wherever, whenever they need to know how. Howcast streams tens of millions of videos every month across its multi-platform distribution network. With over one million downloads on the iPhone, Howcast is the #1 instructional content mobile application in the world, and recently launched its Google Android application to critical acclaim. Howcast also offers an array of powerful, targeted, easy to implement video solutions for content providers, site publishers, and marketers. Launched in 2008, Howcast is led by a senior management team with strong backgrounds in traditional and new media as well as technology, with offices in San Francisco and New York. To learn more, visit www.howcast.com and keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and our blog.
Source: 1-800 Flowers.com