CARLE PLACE, N.Y., March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Veterans Advantage announced an enhanced benefits relationship to reward U.S. Active Duty, Retired Military, National Guard, Reserve & Veterans, and their next-of-kin families enrolled in Veterans Advantage. Veterans Advantage will be 1-800-FLOWERS.COM's "Official Military Verify Solution Provider" to deliver exclusive new member savings on their toll-free phone and online purchases from 1800Flowers.com and its family of brands.

The deeper 1-800-FLOWERS.COM military discounts are now available on orders in the U.S. and Internationally 365 days a year across an extensive collection of regularly priced items. Verification for this newly created offer is available by enrolling in Veterans Advantage and using its secure VetRewards Card ID at checkout on the 1800Flowers.com website and through toll-free phone number.

"We are honored to establish these new Veterans Advantage military discounts for those who have served, continue to serve, and their families," said Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "These new, deeper than ever savings are our most proud and meaningful way to continue to support Veterans Advantage and its mission of thanking those who serve every-day. Members can use them to purchase a broad range of floral and gift products every day of the year, even peak holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day."

Launched in 1999 by prominent Vietnam War Veterans and leading brand-name partners, Veterans Advantage has created hundreds of new military benefits dedicated to thanking those who serve the country while protecting veterans' privacy during redemption. The Better Business Bureau has accredited Veterans Advantage with the trusted BBB seal since 2001 and awarded it the highest ratings for its outstanding member service and stellar business practices.

"1-800-FLOWERS.COM teaming up with Veterans Advantage is a commitment to creating real offers as a thank you. These are savings that can be easily and safely redeemed by these special Americans and their families," said Scott Higgins, Founder & CEO of Veterans Advantage, and a Vietnam War Veteran. "For Veterans Advantage, it is truly a pleasure to work with companies whose patriotism runs deep and starts at the top with outstanding leadership like Jim McCann's at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM."

1-800-FLOWERS.COM will provide access to its new military discounts using Veterans Advantage's verification technology platform. Members will shop with their unique VetRewards Card ID and Veterans Advantage discount code verified at online checkout and by phone. Members shop for everyday savings through 1800Flowers.com from the site's top navigation bar and save with its family of brands: 1-800-BASKETS.COM(®), Cheryl's(®) cookies and baked treats, The Popcorn Factory(®), Fannie May(®) fine chocolates, and Fruit Bouquets.com.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM has a history of working with Veterans Advantage to support Military Veterans and their families, and the newly enhanced benefits program will save members more than previously. The collaboration also delivers military support and job opportunities. It provides complimentary floral arrangements for November's Veterans Week NYC; an annual event co-founded by Veterans Advantage with other leading Veterans organizations in 2012.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM has recently become a participant on the Veterans Advantage Jobs & Career Network on VeteransAdvantage.com, where Vet-Friendly companies may post their open positions for veteran hires at no cost.

Veterans Advantage Secure ID Technology and VetRewards Card

Recent reports from the Department of Veterans Affairs and The Federal Trade Commission indicate that Veterans and Military have twice the reported rate of ID theft than the general population. The mishandling of their government issued military IDs in their civilian lives has contributed to this unacceptably high rate. Further, the DoD has sent repeated warnings against improper use of military identification. It recently reminded military members that it is a Federal offense to copy or scan and upload a government-issued military ID, a practice prohibited due to the increased risk of terrorism.

Veterans Advantage protects veterans' privacy and supports enhanced military security with the issuance and administration of its VetRewards Card, the nation's first secure military ID. Veterans Advantage uses FTC recommended 'de-identification' methodology in its verify technology platform to safeguard veterans' personal information when redeeming military discounts.

Veterans Advantage grants free access to its verify technology platform for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and its affiliates who use the secure VetRewards Card ID that protects veterans' privacy. Veterans Advantage partners create new military benefits that accept the VetRewards Card ID as military identification for its exclusive package of discounts on travel, entertainment, electronics, financial products, retail and healthcare purchases.

The nation's top retailers and travel industry leaders offer military savings with the VetRewards Card. In addition to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, other key Veterans Advantage partners include CVS/pharmacy, Foot Locker, Dell, Apple, Verizon Wireless, Verizon FiOS, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Greyhound, Avis/Budget, Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Ford & Lincoln Motor Cars, and The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK).

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the world's leading florist and gift shop. For more than 38 years, 1-800-FLOWERS® (1-800-356-9377 or www.1800flowers.com) has been helping deliver smiles for our customers with gifts for every occasion, including fresh flowers and the finest selection of plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections, candles, balloons and plush stuffed animals. As always, our 100% Smile Guarantee® backs every gift. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM was named a winner of the 2015 "Best Companies to Work for in New York State" award by The New York Society for Human Resource Management (NYS-SHRM). 1-800-FLOWERS.COM was awarded the 2014 Silver Stevie Award, recognizing the organization's outstanding Customer Service and commitment to our 100% Smile Guarantee®. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM received a Gold Award for Best User Experience on a Mobile Optimized Site for the 2013 Horizon Interactive Awards. The Company's BloomNet® international floral wire service (www.mybloomnet.net) provides a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably. The 1-800-FLOWERS.COM "Gift Shop" also includes gourmet gifts such as premium, gift-quality fruits and other gourmet items from Harry & David® (1-877-322-1200 or www.harryanddavid.com), popcorn and specialty treats from: The Popcorn Factory® (1-800-541-2676 or www.thepopcornfactory.com); cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl's® (1-800-443-8124 or www.cheryls.com); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May® confections brands (www.fanniemay.com and www.harrylondon.com); gift baskets and towers from 1-800-Baskets.com® (www.1800baskets.com); incredible, carved fresh fruit arrangements from FruitBouquets.com (www.fruitbouquets.com); top quality steaks and chops from Stock Yards® (www.stockyards.com); as well as premium branded customizable invitations and personal stationery from FineStationery.com® (www.finestationery.com). The Company's Celebrations® brand (www.celebrations.com) is a source for creative party ideas, must-read articles, online invitations and e-cards, all created to help people celebrate holidays and the everyday. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS.

About Veterans Advantage
Founded in 1999 by prominent Vietnam War Veterans, Veterans Advantage partners with Fortune 500 top retailers and travel industry leaders that create new military discounts redeemed with the VetRewards Card that safeguards the veterans' personal information. The VetRewards Card is the first national military ID card that protects Veterans' privacy while authenticating eligibility for military discounts. Dedicated to "Giving Back to All Who Serve", Veterans Advantage advocates for greater respect, recognition, and rewards for U.S. Active-duty, Military Veterans, Retired Military, Active and Retired National Guard & Reserve, and their families, from all periods and branches of service. Veterans Advantage members receive exclusive offers from Office Depot, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, CVS/pharmacy, Amtrak, Greyhound, Ford Motor Company & Lincoln Motor Company, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Apple Inc., Dell Inc., Foot Locker, Target, Choice Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide Corp., Avis Budget Group Inc., and other leading brands. Each Veterans Advantage Member receives Prepaid Benefits Plan coverage that includes $50,000 of Travel Guard Global MEDEVAC, $5,000 in Accident Insurance, VIP Concierge and other travel assistance services, fraud and ID theft assistance services, prescription discounts and financial planning, and more. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2001, the company has been awarded the highest BBB rating of A+. More at www.VeteransAdvantage.com

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