1-800-Flowers provides peer support during COVID-19

A specialty gift retailer is offering customers going through life events access to a virtual help network.  

1-800-Flowers is collaborating with emotional wellness self-care platform Wisdo to launch Connection Communities. The new online portal connects customers to eight curated communities where they can connect with one another around shared life experiences. The retailer is rolling out Connection Communities as many consumers struggle with COVID-19-related issues, but plans to keep the portal open beyond the pandemic.

At launch, the eight 1-800-Flowers.com Connection Communities are designed around coronavirus anxiety, increasing happiness, loneliness, coping with loss, relationship advice, motherhood, and caregiving.

"In a time when it's more important than ever to be connected with one another, we are pleased to introduce this valuable resource to help our customers express themselves, share with others and connect in new ways," said Chris McCann, CEO, 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. "Our 1-800-Flowers.com Connection Communities exemplifies the distinctive brand experiences we are creating to deepen our relationships with customers and further our vision to inspire more human expression, connection and celebration."

"We are thrilled to team up with 1-800-Flowers.com in our shared mission to help people express and connect,” said Boaz Gaon, co-founder and CEO, Wisdo. “At Wisdo, we believe that support can extend even beyond our immediate relationships to the experience and wisdom of others around the world. Whether an individual is dealing with loneliness from COVID-19 or another issue altogether, people need practical advice and encouragement from someone who can say the magic words, 'I've been there.'"