Edible Arrangements® launches sweet celebration as number of Facebook fans tops 500,000

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day is a celebration at Edible Arrangements, but today was exceptionally sweet as the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements reached 500,000 Facebook "fans."

To celebrate, Edible Arrangements will be launching a series of online and in-store promotions on September 17th, all timed to coincide with hitting the Facebook milestone and the launch of a fresh, new Edible Arrangements product.

"While it is an incredible achievement for us to hit a half million fans, we feel like it's more important to look at the interaction we have with each of them," said Kaitlin Reiss, vice president of e-commerce for Edible Arrangements, "We have amazing customers who frequent our stores, order online, and interact with us on social media. And for all of the gifts and healthy indulgences they get from Edible Arrangements, we have a sweet surprise to thank them as we celebrate reaching this Facebook milestone."

Edible Arrangements launched its Facebook Page in 2008, and within one year had over 170,000 fans. Since then, an average 100,000 per year have signed on.

"Much of this growth happened naturally," said Reiss. "As our brand awareness has increased, with more than 1,000 locations and expanded advertising and marketing programs, we've seen the impact and importance of the role that social media can play. We've really made a commitment to grow our following on Facebook, and to engage with our fans in ways that are relevant and fun."

The Facebook achievement is just the latest reason to celebrate for the e-commerce division at Edible Arrangements, which has more than doubled in size over the past 20 months. More than 50 percent of Edible Arrangements' store sales are driven by online orders and the chain recently introduced a customized mobile version of the website.

Edible Arrangements was recently ranked #27 in 1851's Social 100: Top Social Media Campaigns That Stand Out. In addition, the Edible Arrangements website was ranked among the top 30 in ForeSee's Top 100 e-Retail Satisfaction Index and named one of the Top 100 internet retailers by Internet Retailer magazine.

"Sometimes it's crazy to think about just how far we've come, and how much this channel has grown in a short time," said Reiss. "But I really believe it's not just about the number of people - it's about having the right people. If you have people like we do, there are no limits."

About Edible Arrangements

With over 1100 locations open or under development worldwide, Edible Arrangements International is the leading purveyor of artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements. Edible Arrangements stores are located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Jordan, Oman, India and China. More information about Edible Arrangements and Edible Arrangements franchise opportunities is available at 1-888-727-4258 or online at www.eafranchise.com.

SOURCE Edible Arrangements