1-800-FLOWERS.COM Strengthens Last-Minute Holiday Gift Delivery Capability with Expansion of Local Fulfillment Centers.

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

WESTBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2003

Orders To Be Accepted As Late as December 24 for Same-Day Delivery;

E-mmediate(SM) Gift Option Also Available

for Gift-Buying Procrastinators

1-800-FLOWERS.COM (NASDAQ: FLWS), the leading multi-channel retailer of thoughtful gifts for all occasions, today announced that the Company expects to provide customers with what it believes will be among the latest order placement deadlines for Christmas gifts in the specialty retail category. The Company attributes its enhanced last-minute delivery capabilities to the unique capabilities of its BloomNet(R) network of independent florists and the successful expansion of its Local Fulfillment Center (LFC) strategy.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM will accept orders for a select collection of perfect holiday gifts on Christmas Eve Day, December 24th, for same-day delivery through the Company's BloomNet and LFC network. The Company will also offer customers a wider assortment of last-minute gifts, including flowers, plants, gift baskets, plush items and other holiday presents, that can be ordered as late as 10:00 p.m. Eastern time on the evening of December 23rd for next-day delivery on December 24th (while supplies last).

The LFC network strategy, which has incorporated the establishment of "mini distribution centers" covering many of the top 50 markets in the country, significantly increases 1-800-FLOWERS.COM's same-day and next-day delivery capabilities for both floral gifts and a growing selection of non-floral gifts (e.g. gift baskets, plants, candy, plush, giftware). A majority of the LFC locations -- more than 60 in total -- are owned and operated by the independent members of the BloomNet florist network.

"Shoppers are always pressed for time and this year will be no different," said Jim McCann, CEO, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "With more than 25 years in the gift-giving business, and with the expansion of our LFC strategy, we are pleased that we have the systems in place and the perfect selection of thoughtful gifts to help both those who shop early and those who wait until the very last minute to place their holiday orders."

The Company's hybrid gift fulfillment system includes its BloomNet network of approximately 3,000 of the finest florists around the country, the LFC network, and Company-owned distribution and warehouse facilities located in New York, Virginia, Ohio and Illinois.

E-mmediate(SM) Gift Option & Gift Certificates.

For those people who wake up on Christmas morning and realize that they have forgotten to send Aunt Mary a gift, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers its E-mmediate Gift(SM) option. Customers can use the E-mmediate Gift feature to have an e-mail sent to the intended gift recipient. The E-mmediate Gift e-mail can include a description and photo of the gift being sent, and a personal message can let the recipient know they are not forgotten this holiday season. The personalized e-mail message can also arrive with an image of a wrapped box, to keep the gift to come as a surprise. The recipient should receive the actual product shortly after Christmas, depending on when the order is placed.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM also offers electronic gift certificates that can be sent instantly and used to purchase any gift through the company's web site and toll-free number.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R)

For more than 25 years, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has helped millions of customers connect to the people they care about with a broad range of thoughtful gifts, award-winning customer service and its unique technology and fulfillment infrastructure. The Company's product line - including flowers, plants, gourmet foods, candies, gift baskets and other unique gifts - is available to customers around the world via: the Internet (www.1800flowers.com); by calling 1-800-FLOWERS(R) (1-800-356-9377) 24 hours a day; or by visiting one of the Company-operated or franchised stores. The Company's collection of thoughtful gifting brands includes home decor and garden merchandise from Plow & Hearth(R) (phone: [phone] and web: www.plowandhearth.com), premium popcorn and other food gifts from The Popcorn Factory(R) (phone: [phone] and web: www.thepopcornfactory.com), gourmet food products from GreatFood.com(R) (www.greatfood.com), and children's gifts from HearthSong(R) (www.hearthsong.com) and Magic Cabinsm (www.magiccabin.com). The Company's Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market (ticker symbol "FLWS").