Using Facebook for commerce

Most retailers use social media sites as a means to entice and direct consumers to another site to make a purchase. Now 1-800-Flowers.com is foregoing that extra step by enabling consumers to place orders directly on the company's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/1800flowers).

"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 a press release. "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."

With 1,847 fans as of 8:50 EST last night, 1-800-Flowers is a long way from unlocking the wallets and purses of the 250 million active Facebook users.

Source: Retail Wire