Methods are provided herein for use of E-selectin antagonists for mobilizing cells, such as hematopoietic cells, hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, white blood cells, and malignant cells, and hematopoietic tumor cells from the bone marrow. More specifically, methods are provided for using E-selectin antagonists including, for example, glycomimetic compounds, antibodies, aptamers, and peptides for mobilizing cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral vasculature and tissues.