Online retail sales on “Cyber Monday” were expected to hit new records, as shoppers returning to work from the Thanksgiving weekend scoured Web sites for holiday bargains.
ComScore estimated that Cyber Monday sales could top $900 million, up 6 percent from last year. The e-commerce research firm, which is slated to release Cyber Monday figures tomorrow, said yesterday that online sales on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, rose 11 percent to $595 million.
Online shopping is emerging as a bright spot in a holiday season that has left many traditional retailers cautious. While most chains have kept inventories in check and expect to be profitable during the quarter, many have admitted that sales have been middling thus far.
An exception was Apple, whose Web site appeared to have a shortage of low-price deals. While Kaufman Brothers concluded Apple’s fourth-quarter computer sales are likely running ahead of expectations, the Web site dealnews.com rated Apple’s discounts “lousy.”
Official numbers for online retailers won’t be reported until later this week. But Cyber Monday sales appeared to get a strong start early yesterday, according to GSI Commerce, which operates about 100 retail sites for brands like Aeropostale and GNC.
Shares of Amazon.com soared to an all-time high after the site reported record sales for its Kindle electronic book reader, fueling optimism about its holiday prospects. Investors likewise expect Wal-Mart’s site — which recently waged a price battle against Amazon — as another big winner this season.
EBay’s online payment system PayPal said transactions rose 20 percent on Black Friday.
Amazon closed up $4.17 to $135.91, while Wal-Mart fell 8 cents to $54.55 and eBay surged $1.25 to $24.47.