'Cyber Monday' clicks with shoppers

High-end apparel and electronics — especially high-definition televisions — are among the hottest sellers during the first days of the holiday shopping season.

Shoppers flocked to the Internet during the industry-tabbed "Cyber Monday" in search of deals they may have missed in Friday's crush at brick and mortar stores.

Although only the beginning of the season, and not generally the biggest shopping day of the year, the early trends seem to indicate that American's insatiable appetite for consumer goods will not slack this year.

One of the bigger destinations, Draper-based Overstock.com, reported that its sales were exceeding last year by double digits. Chief Executive Officer Patrick Byrne said they expected to sell more than $9 million worth of products on Cyber Monday alone.

"It looks like the biggest day in our history," Byrne said. "It's well up from last year."

Like many retailers, Overstock.com had big sales going for Monday only. Those included televisions at 35 percent off, navigation systems at almost 50 percent off, and pea coats discounted as much as 75 percent.

Byrne said shopping on the Internet is quickly become a habit for many people, and that Cyber Monday sales are just a part of that habit. It is especially popular for people looking for specific items or better deals.

"This is becoming less of an oddity," he said. "It's a better shopping experience, and you can save a lot of money, than when you go to a mall."

According to a survey from shopping.com, which is owned by eBay, 71 percent of online retailers are planning to offer discounts this holiday season. They are also offering additional incentives, such as free shipping and overnight delivery, to help address some of the more common concerns for online shoppers.

According to estimates from comScore Inc., a Virginia-based company that tracks online commerce, more than $700 million was expected to be spent online by shoppers on Monday alone. They predict that the biggest day will probably come in mid-December.

Not all retailers are relying on Monday alone to draw shoppers. In what may become a trend, Wal-Mart is advertising "Cyber Week" specials which will last until Friday. It had the same promotion last year, and while most retailers are still sticking with a one-day deal, many — including Cabela's and Circuit City — have extended the specials into Tuesday or Wednesday.