1-800-Flowers.com Sets Up Shop on Facebook

Facebook is trying to become the hub of all Internet activity, or, rather, bypass the regular Internet (Google) and create its own closed-off system, and, to some extent, it's succeeding. There may have still been doubts when Facebook became the largest social network in the world. There may have even been doubts when Facebook Connect started showing up on a multitude of sites, even some of the largest like Hulu or TV.com. But those doubts have now been all but expelled after online flower retailer 1-800-Flowers.com has set up a fully functional online store inside Facebook.

"Facebook is redefining the social web, a cultural and social phenomenon that has changed the way we connect with one another," said Jim McCann, CEO and founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "In 1992, 1-800-FLOWERS was one of the first businesses to embrace the Internet and in 1994 we were the first merchant of any kind to transact on AOL. Fifteen years later, we are extremely proud to again be the first – this time in launching a retail store inside Facebook, a bold step in unlocking the tremendous marketing potential of social media."

Facebook users can now order flowers and any other type floral products without leaving the social network. Under the “Shop!” tab on the company's page users will be able to search for the products they want and purchase them on the spot. The store currently supports all major credit cards but it could potentially use Facebook’s own payment system, which hasn't been released yet.

The company has partnered with Alvenda, Inc, a company that provides an advertising network focused on e-commerce and which creates applications for the social network geared towards this type of businesses, to provide the technical backbone for the store. 1-800-Flowers.com hopes to tap into Facebook's 250 million user base to create a new revenue stream though it's unclear how well it is doing so far.