Downers Grove, Ill.-based FTD Inc. saw some shifts on the business side over the past summer.
After a June 2002 merger, in which it welcomed its business-to-consumer Web site, FTD.com, back into the fold, FTD Inc. became a publicly traded company. FTD Inc. and FTD.com had, in September 1999, split into separate business entities. The two remain separate divisions.
The company also bought, for an undisclosed amount, Flowers Direct LLC, a direct marketer of floral products and specialty gifts, including gourmet foods. The business dovetails with that of FTD.com, which had been adding gifts to its lineup of floral products.
The 92-year-old company's revenues have been growing steadily. In July, FTD released its financial statement for its 2002 fiscal year, which ended June 30. Fourth-quarter revenue was $95.7 million, compared with $81.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2001, an increase of 17.3%. The company reported $325 million in revenue for fiscal 2002, up from $306 million for fiscal 2001. FTD attributes the growth to a combination of an increase in the number of orders and an increase in the average value of an order.
Lais is a freelance writer in Takoma Park, Md. Contact her at sami_lais@computerworld.com.