FTD's National Coming Out Day Bouquet

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CHR

CHR

Design matters
Nov 28, 2002
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I first thought this article about Todd Oldham's National Coming Out Day Bouquet from FTD was a lampoon until I clicked the link and landed on FTD's site.

Hey, why not? It's definitely a niche holiday without much competition in the market for nationally advertised gift products.

Are most FTD members offering this design? How is it selling?

What other overlooked niche holidays do you think Todd Oldham's working on? Any suggestions for him? I'm sure someone here will pass them on.
 
. Your bouquet will arrive boxed and ready to be arranged in your own special way.”
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Looks like it's a shipped item. I can see it in certain markets, I guess .....

tracy
 
I think it's ugly and honestly, just in @@@@ poor taste. I'm not even going to apologize either. I would never carry such a bouquet in my store for only certain members of our community.
 
TBH, it seems more then a little self-serving and discriminatory...where is my "Staying In" bouquet??

If this doesn't show how gimmicky and bad taste-y FTD is nowadays, I don't know what does. Maybe next they can have a "I'm 50lbs overweight and proud!". Now THAT might be a big seller!
 
I just sent the link to my brother. I look forward to his response, although I'm pretty sure I know what it is.

V
 
Coming Out bouquet

This type of bouquet reminds me of an order I got several years ago when I had my shop in Missouri. It's about the same calibur thinking.

A man dressed in bib overalls and his little smiling wife came in and sent a mixed bouquet to the daughter in the middle school. I asked how they wanted the card signed and they both looked at each other and smiled so proudly. Then they told me to sign it "Congratulations on becoming a woman today".

I'm glad I didn't have to see that girls face in school when she tried to explain why someone sent her flowers.

Carol Bice
 
ftd and boystowner website

Wow guess FTD doesn't care which website their name ends up on. I am not putting down the gay thing but check out the sub titles on the website on the right under catergories you get the fave four letter word with pages devoted to it. TMI.
Am I the only one surprised that FTD would have their name associated on that website?
 
12BucksFor2Dozon said:
TBH, it seems more then a little self-serving and discriminatory...where is my "Staying In" bouquet??

If this doesn't show how gimmicky and bad taste-y FTD is nowadays, I don't know what does. Maybe next they can have a "I'm 50lbs overweight and proud!". Now THAT might be a big seller!
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DISCRIMINATORY is a big word
anyone who feels threatened, persecuted, or ostracized by society just for being who they are should have their "day"
 
sweetscented said:
I think it's ugly and honestly, just in @@@@ poor taste. I'm not even going to apologize either. I would never carry such a bouquet in my store for only certain members of our community.
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ONLY CERTAIN MEMBERS??!!??
do you sell grandparents day bouquets??
what about mothers day bouquets??!

i think it's clear WHICH "certain members" you're referring to!

FTD-bashing is one thing---- gay-bashing is a whole nuther thing

the floral industry would shut down without the "queer eye" your comments are a demonstration of WHY a COMING OUT DAY is necessary.
 
Well, it's definitely not a Hallmark Holiday (as you can tell from their search results). ;)

According to Wikipedia
The contemporary lesbian and gay community has a growing and complex place in the American & Western European media. The community has been targeted by marketers who view LGBT people as an untapped source of discretionary income, as many couples have a dual income with no children.
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Emphasis mine. I think FTD saw an opportunity to sell more flowers.

One question. Is it supposed to be sent to inform the recipient that the sender is outing him/herself? Now that would make for some interesting enclosure cards.

I mean, if the bouquet is sent in the spirit of congratulations and it's delivered to someone at work, couldn't it actually be 'outting' the recipient to co-workers?

BTW, the holiday is today.

As far as our store goes, it's a non-holiday just like Mother-in-Law's Day.
 
I think the concept of "being proud" is a great thing but I see where it could be used to really hurt someone...maybe they are not ready to "come out", maybe they really aren't in the closet....but I think FTD is using this as an opportunity for sales and nothing more...do I think they give a ratz behind regarding the consequences...nope...and if they were really socially concious, they would make a donation on every sale...maybe to and AIDS gorup or to a GL Group.....IMHO....and why have it be something other than just beautiful flowers...I guess I am in favor of being a little more discreet unless both the sender and the recip are comfortable with it....
 
I'm not sure if the "being used to hurt someone" comment was directed at my earlier comment about prank possibilities, so I'll elaborate.

My husband works with this man who is this over-the-top, almost to the point of being cartoonish, hateful uber proud republican guy who spews hate about other cultures, countries, homosexuals, etc. I think it would be *awesome* to send someone like THAT one of these bouquets!
 
WinkDesign said:
I'm not sure if the "being used to hurt someone" comment was directed at my earlier comment about prank possibilities, so I'll elaborate.

My husband works with this man who is this over-the-top, almost to the point of being cartoonish, hateful uber proud republican guy who spews hate about other cultures, countries, homosexuals, etc. I think it would be *awesome* to send someone like THAT one of these bouquets!
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No, my opinion was based on my own opinions. However with that said, what would you accomplish by sending him this bouquet? I guess I don't get it...sorry. If the bouquet was/is designed for a thoughtful gift, a proud gift or a gift of congratulations, aren't you sending the wrong message to this oaf??
I guess each person has their own idea of what is awesome...please do not take offense...I jsut do not see your point. Maybe send him a "peace lilly" instead ....lol
 
Sher said:
No, my opinion was based on my own opinions. However with that said, what would you accomplish by sending him this bouquet? I guess I don't get it...sorry. If the bouquet was/is designed for a thoughtful gift, a proud gift or a gift of congratulations, aren't you sending the wrong message to this oaf??
I guess each person has their own idea of what is awesome...please do not take offense...I jsut do not see your point. Maybe send him a "peace lilly" instead ....lol
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I agree Sher, in spades!

I received a response to the link I sent to my brother... he said, "I would hate to be greeted with that at work."

Using flowers to promote a negative opinion or thought goes against what we are about... I hope.

V
 
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