Cyber Monday On The Rise

The survey by Shop.org says that 72.2 percent of online retailers have planned promotional offers for Cyber Monday this year -- the Monday following Thanksgiving -- compared with 42.7 percent just two years ago.

“As more people rely on the Internet for holiday shopping, retailers have stepped up their game to compete,” said Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org. “This year, promotions on Cyber Monday are extremely competitive."

The Shop.org survey also reports a surge in people Cyber Monday shopping from the office this year -- 68.5 million -- compared with only 50.7 percent in 2006 and just 44.7 percent in 2005.

Men are more likely than women to shop online the survey says, and the western states have more holiday web purchases than other US regions. Young adults are expected to lead the Cyber Monday shoppers pack with a predicted 72.9 percent looking for deals online.

"As energy prices rise and the housing slump continues," says the Boston Globe "many economists fret that consumers may cut back on holiday spending this year."

Online retailers are hoping to curb the predicted slump, offering an array of special promotions. 24.7 percent say, that on the Cyber Monday, they will also offer free shipping.

Retailers have also joined forces on CyberMonday.com for the second year in a row, which will highlight at least 400 special offers from numerous retail giants.