1-800-Flowers gives customers a voice — via Amazon

1-800-Flowers.com is partnering with Amazon.com to make the digital ordering process even easier.



The specialty floral gift retailer will allow customers to place orders using the Amazon Alexa voice-activated artificial intelligence platform via the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Tap smart home devices and Fire TV streaming media player. 1-800-Flowers shoppers will be able to give Alexa basic ordering instructions, and the retailer will then process the order and arrange delivery.



1-800-Flowers is the first third party e-commerce retailer to utilize this technology on Alexa-enabled devices.



"Innovation is part of our DNA, and Alexa is certainly one of the world's most innovative technologies," said Chris McCann, president, 1-800-Flowers.com. "We have always embraced new and emerging technologies to enhance our customer experience and we are excited to team with Amazon in offering a leading-edge technology that will help our customers act on their thoughtfulness and deliver smiles."



The use of Alexa technology joins other recent initiatives by 1-800-Flowers.com designed to enhance the customer experience, including the ability for customers to order floral gifts on Facebook through bots on Messenger.



The retailer’s main product offering is something that can be easily described and doesn’t necessarily have to be seen in advance (such as a dozen roses). Thus 1-800-Flowers is in ideal position to take advantage of developing third-party platforms that allow digital ordering by text, chat or voice.



"We're excited to work with 1-800-Flowers.com so our customers can order floral gifts through Alexa just in time for Mother's Day," said Rob Pulciani, Amazon Alexa director. "This Alexa skill is another example of a unique, creative voice experience that brings more convenience to customers. We're excited that this skill will bring joy to families this Mother's Day."