Cyber Monday Sales Up 30%

With Americans shopping for bargains at record levels in a down economy, online shopping skyrocketed on Cyber Monday this year. According to estimates from IBM, Cyber Monday online sales were up 30%. While consumers spent less per order this year – they averaged $185.12 – the number of transactions were up by one more item than last year. A full 18% of shoppers shopped from their phones or mobile devices.

On Black Friday, online sales topped $1 billion.

Meanwhile, the federal government and state governments look to tax online sales. This year, online buying was a refuge from skyrocketing state sales taxes. Next year, there may not be any such refuge.