Edible Arrangements Plans to Hire Over 200 Local Representatives for Holiday Season

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements is looking for talent to join one of the nation's fastest growing franchise systems. The company announced plans today to expand its local workforce by over 200 part time customer order team representatives for the holiday season, in addition to over 20 full time corporate positions. Open house interviews will be held from Monday, November 9th through Thursday, November 12th from 10 AM to 3 PM at 95 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT for all interested applicants.

"We've built a solid franchise system over the last 10 years and even in a down economy, our company continues to grow and prove its universal and widespread appeal," said Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO, Edible Arrangements International, Inc. "With the holidays approaching we expect to have several busy months and are looking for talented, business-minded individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit to join our team this December."

Interested customer order team representatives would need to be available for training the week of December 6th and would work from Monday, December 14th through Wednesday, December 23rd. This short-term assignment for customer service representatives with strong communication and computer skills is an excellent way to make extra money during the holiday season. The company is also hiring a Franchise Attorney, General Manager, Store Manager, Commercial Real Estate Specialist, Franchise Customer Support Coordinator, and Project Manager, among other full-time corporate jobs. To learn more about the various job requirements or the open house please log onto www.ediblearrangements.com or email hr@ediblearrangements.com.

The company has experienced double-digit growth since January 2009, including the addition of 28 new franchises in 13 states coast-to-coast including Florida, New York, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Massachusetts, and California, among others. Currently, Edible Arrangements has over 900 locations with the goal to reach 1,000 units by 2010. These recent signings are part of an aggressive growth strategy that includes expanding in existing markets and countries. In addition to finding qualified new franchisees, the company's growth strategy includes continuing to grow its existing franchise base into enterprise multi-unit operators.

"Unlike many other retail outlets that need to reduce their staff during the holidays, we have many positions that need to be filled and invite all qualified applicants to stop by our open house," said Farid.

Tariq Farid, recently the recipient of two Entrepreneur of the Year awards from the International Franchise Association and Ernst & Young in Metro New York, developed and launched Edible Arrangements in 1999 in East Haven, CT, after many years in the floral industry. He learned early that corporate support can make the difference between a struggling or thriving franchise. It is for this reason that Edible Arrangements offers its franchisees comprehensive corporate and onsite level training, unparalleled technology, national brand recognition and extensive customer order team support.

Since its inception, Edible Arrangements has earned countless accolades from the industry, including its ranking as first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, as well as one of the magazine's "HOT 100" franchises in 2008. In addition, the company has ranked for five consecutive years in Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies and AllBusiness.com ranked Edible Arrangements as 23rd in overall growth and 65th in system size due to a doubling of units since 2006.

About Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements International, Inc., is the leading purveyor of delicious, high quality, artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements that are practical and healthy gifts. Founded in 1999 in East Haven, CT. by Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements earned the 27th spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's "2008 Hot 100 List of Fastest-Growing Businesses in America." With over 900 locations operating or opening soon worldwide, Edible Arrangements is rapidly expanding across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy, Turkey and Hong Kong. Customers may order arrangements by telephone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT, at one of the company's retail stores, or on-line at ediblearrangements.com.

All franchise offerings are made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.

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