1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Uber Technologies Partner to Meet Heightened Demand for Valentine’s Day
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has partnered with Uber Technologies to enhance delivery services for local florists during peak demand periods, such as the Valentine’s Day holiday. By utilizing Uber Direct, Uber’s white-label delivery service, florists within the 1-800-Flowers network (BloomNet®) using BloomNet’s proprietary Business Management System will get access to a broader network of drivers, helping them manage high-volume delivery surges throughout the year. The collaboration enables florists to offer faster and more flexible deliveries while ensuring that bouquets are delivered on time.
BloomNet President Jon Feldman said, “Valentine’s is one of the most important and demanding weeks for florists. This year, we anticipate delivering about 24 million stems for the holiday. Our team is constantly out in the field personally visiting and building relationships with the thousands of shops in our floral network. We understand the logistical delivery challenges surrounding peak holidays such as Valentine’s Day, so we’ve teamed up with Uber Direct to provide our network with additional support. With Uber Direct, our florists can further their delivery capacity, ensuring more people can show their love and appreciation with fresh flowers—without compromise.”
The partnership highlights 1-800-Flowers.com’s commitment to innovation and customer service. Kiran Vinta, Head of Uber Direct for the US and Canada, emphasized that the collaboration would minimize logistical bottlenecks, especially during peak seasons. By offering a white-label service, Uber Direct enables florists to maintain control over the customer experience without needing to redirect customers to third-party apps. Currently, the service is active across more than 1,000 BloomNet network shops in the U.S.
Learn more about BloomNet here: https://www.bloomnet.net/
British Airways Adjusts Loyalty Program After Customer Backlash
British Airways (BA) has revised its loyalty program following a wave of complaints from customers about changes announced just a month prior. The new modifications will make it easier for frequent flyers to achieve higher status tiers, offering benefits such as priority boarding and advance seat selection. Members can now earn bronze or silver status by completing 25 or 50 flights annually, a change that benefits regular commuters flying short-haul routes, which tend to be more affordable.
In addition, BA is increasing the number of bonus points available for new flight bookings. Passengers can earn up to 550 extra tier points on bookings made before the end of the year for flights after April 1, 2025. The adjustments are part of an effort to address concerns raised by travelers following a shift in how points are accumulated, with an emphasis placed on the amount of money spent rather than the distance traveled. This change also made it harder for some customers to reach higher status levels, prompting complaints that led to rival airlines like Virgin Atlantic targeting BA’s disgruntled customers. The new changes are slated to become effective on April 1. BA will give one tier point for every £1 ($1.25) spent. Loyalty members will need to spend £20,000 annually to reach gold status.
British Airways Chief Commercial Officer Colm Lacy said members desire “more clarity, certainty, and reassurance” about the changes. He added, “I hope it’s clear that these changes aren’t about reducing the number of members in each Tier but making sure that we get the level of recognition right for each individual.”
Learn more about British Airways’ loyalty program here: https://www.britishairways.com/content/executive-club/about-the-club
Choice Hotels and Rewards Program Members Raise Nearly $90,000 for California Wildfire Relief Efforts
In a joint fundraising campaign, Choice Hotels International, Inc. has partnered with members of its rewards program, Choice Privileges. Together, they’ve raised and contributed almost $90,000 to support the American Red Cross’ relief efforts for California communities affected by wildfires in 2025. The campaign, which concluded on January 31, 2025, saw Choice Privileges members donate more than 12.7 million points, which translates to $63,740. Choice Hotels added $25,000 to the donations for the cause. Last year, the hotel chain and its loyalty program members contributed $217,000 to the American Red Cross.
Choice Hotels International VP of Upscale Brands & Chief Sustainability Officer Megan Brumagim said, “Choice Hotels is committed to supporting communities in need and building a better tomorrow, today. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to Red Cross wildfire relief efforts and donated their points.”
American Red Cross Chief Development Officer Anne McKeough added, “The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those impacted by the devastating wildfires in California. We are so grateful for allies like Choice Hotels International as we work together to provide relief and hope for communities in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster.”
If you want to make a contribution to the American Red Cross, you can do so here: https://www.redcross.org/donate/to/donation-to3.html/?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjU5NTg1MjowOjB8MCw1OTU4NTI6MDowfDIsNTk1ODUyOjA6MHwxIn0%3D
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Original Article Links:
1-800-Flowers.com Teams Up With Uber Direct in Time to Meet Surging Valentine’s Day Demand
British Airways Revises Changes to Loyalty Club After Outcry
Campaign Benefitting American Red Cross California Wildfire Relief Efforts Raises Nearly $90,000 from Choice Privileges Points Donations and Choice Hotels International Corporate Matching