Jim McCann

Jim McCann likes to make things grow. First, as a florist and then as the founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, McCann, a consummate entrepreneur, has shown a knack for making businesses grow and prosper. From its roots in 1976 as a single flower shop in Manhattan, NY, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has become the world's largest florist with revenues expected to exceed $1 billion. In the process, McCann changed the way flowers and other gifts are marketed for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions while helping to expand the definition of retailing - positioning his company to help customers express themselves and connect with the important people in their lives.

Combining innovative thinking with entrepreneurial zeal, McCann recognized early on the enormous potential in providing on-the-go consumers with top quality gift products combined with exemplary, personal service. McCann has also consistently managed to stay ahead of the curve in multi-channel retailing by embracing new technologies, such as 800-watts lines and the Internet, often long before other retailers recognized the opportunities that these developments would provide both for business and consumers.

In addition to being the first company to have its 800-telephone number as its name - a marketing insight that helped solidify the brand in consumer's minds - McCann was a pioneer in online retailing - seizing the enormous reach of the Internet as early as 1991. Today, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM customers can send a wide variety of floral products and a broad range of gifts around the block or around the world by clicking a mouse on a PC, using a mobile devise, walking into one of its stores, or by dialing 1-800-FLOWERS.

Utilizing thorough knowledge of his customer base and market, McCann focused on creating a reliable brand name and instilling a sense of trust and convenience. Exemplifying that focus is a commitment to deepening customer relationships and a keen understanding of the importance of building customer loyalty.

McCann's strategy for growth includes an effective combination of birthing new businesses and making acquisitions of businesses and brands that resonate with customers as great sources for exceptional gifts. Among the new businesses McCann has created at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is the company's BloomNet wire service which provides retail florists with diverse resources such as website hosting, a comprehensive technology platform for retail store management and the industry's first and only digital floral directory. Other businesses that have been born at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM under the direction of Jim McCann include: GreatFood.com , an online destination for the finest and hard-to-find gourmet products; 1-800-BASKETSSM, which offers an extensive selection of thoughtfully designed gift baskets; and Celebrations, which makes fabulous parties easy by providing ideas and expertise.

On the acquisition front, McCann has successfully, and profitably, expanded his company's offerings by acquiring such great gourmet food gift brands as: Fannie May , makers of gourmet chocolate and other confections; Cheryl&Co. , creators of individually-wrapped fresh baked cookies, brownies and cakes; and The Popcorn Factory , which offers gourmet popcorn, pretzels, cookies and chocolate marshmallow hearts in exclusively designed collectible tins.

McCann attributes much of his success to the lessons he learned in his first career in the social services. At St. John's Home for Boys in Rockaway, New York, McCann recalls, he helped underprivileged youths learn how to overcome the many challenges of their environment. His experiences greatly influenced his management style and prepared him to lead 1-800-FLOWERS.COM toward becoming one of the world's most successful multi-channel retailers.

McCann is an acclaimed author and award winning public speaker as well as a frequent guest on radio and television programs nationwide.