Cyber Monday big for business, shoppers

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Almost 100 million Americans are expected to shop online Monday to take items off their Christmas lists.

The term Cyber Monday was created just four years ago but has quickly gained steam.

Mondays are always the busiest days at Lawler Sports. CEO Manny Rodriguez estimated more than 90 percent of business comes from online sales. The store saw a 50 percent increase in money per sale on Cyber Monday last year, in part helped by an e-mail advertising discount prices.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 96.5 million are expected to shop online Monday. That's ten million more than last year.

"I think Cyber Monday is here to stay," said Rodriguez. "Mainly because more and more people are shopping online."

But not everyone is following the trend. Honey Creek Mall shopper Josie Ridgley said concerns about identity theft keep her coming to the mall.

"I don't believe in it," said Ridgley. "I think I like to see what I'm buying in person."

Another mall shopper, Laura Wilder, estimated she gets 90 percent of her children's clothes online. She said she was going to shop online "as soon as I get home for the three things I couldn't get here."

The survey revealed almost nine in ten retailers have a special promotion for Cyber Monday. That number is up 15 percent over 2007.