Discounts Await Cyber Shoppers

Despite the high rate of unemployment this year and the on-going threat of layoffs, many people are still expected to do much of their holiday shopping from their desks at work (while the boss isn't looking), reports Boston.com.

"This year, 53.5 percent of workers with Internet access, or 68.8 million people, will shop for holiday gifts from work," predicts Shop.org, a division of the retail federation which conducts retail-related surveys, reports Boston.com. "According to the survey, three-fourths (73.8 percent) of young adults 18-24 with Internet access will shop at work, and men are more likely to shop from work than women (56.3 percent vs. 50.8 percent)."

The study was released as online merchants gear up for "Cyber Monday," the first Monday after Thanksgiving when many people take to the Net to start their holiday shopping in earnest. On their Web site, Shop.org lays claim to the term "Cyber Monday," saying the group coined it in 2005 after retailers noticed a trend of people shopping online on the Monday immediately following Thanksgiving.

Merchants are expected to offer discounts this year both off line and on, as they attempt to separate reluctant consumers with little confidence in the economy from their money. According to Shop.org’s new "eHoliday Survey," 87.1 percent of retailers will have a special promotion for Cyber Monday, up from 83.7 percent last year and 72.2 percent in 2007.

Even better: More than 700 companies have come together again this year to feature their Cyber Monday deals in one place. At CyberMonday.com, which launched three years ago, retailers will be posting holiday promotions and special savings both on Cyber Monday and throughout the holidays. If anyone appreciates one-stop shopping, it's online shoppers.

Those looking to stay on top of the deals, can follow CyberMonday on Facebook (www.facebook.com/shopcybermonday), Twitter (www.twitter.com/shopcybermonday) and and on their phones with text deal alerts (www.cybermonday.com/text.) Shop.org is even offering $250 in retail gift cards to fans and followers through Christmas.

As an added bonus, all Shop.org proceeds from items purchased through CyberMonday.com go towards a scholarship fund established in honor of former Shop.org employee Ray Greenly. The scholarships are distributed to universities for students pursuing careers in e-commerce.

Happy deal hunting!