Thanksgiving sales up, thanks to mobile devices

Online shopping sales soared 17.4 percent Thanksgiving Day with the help of mobile devices, which accounted for 24 percent of consumer purchases, according to an IBM press release.

Mobile purchasing rose 9.7 percent from the reported 14.3 percent in 2011.

Of these mobile devices, the iPad generated the most — almost 10 percent — of the online shopping,

"To remain relevant, retailers must find opportunities to participate in holiday rituals in ways that aid consumers' attainment of the holidays they imagine — enjoying time with family and shopping when convenient," said Tonya Bradford, an assistant professor at Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame. "Technology provides more opportunities for retailers to create these experiences for consumers through their mobile computing devices."

A shopper spent more overall, with an average of $181.22, but shopping was done with greater frequency. This means that they were able to take advantage of retailer deals and free shipping.

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