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Office productivity will plunge today as millions of Americans use their company computers to take advantage of Cyber Monday online shopping deals.
As if the record $52.4 billion spent on Black Friday and over the weekend isn’t enough, another $1.2 billion is forecast to be spent online today alone, according to the data-tracking firm ComScore.
Virtually every major retailer will be offering substantial discounts, free shipping and gifts to entice cubicle denizens to spend freely, according to the National Retail Federation.
“It seems that American consumers are taking a deep breath. It’s OK to go shopping again,” said Ellen Davis, a NRF spokeswoman.
NRF President Matthew Shea called the huge Black Friday turnout, “a promising sign for the economic recovery.’’
Meanwhile, for the first time, men are spending more money than women, both online and in stores.
Men made up 56.8 percent of Black Friday shoppers, according to NRF research, a trend attributed to the nighttime store openings on Thanksgiving. “Men can’t pull themselves out of bed for a bargain,” Davis said, adding they’ll stay up late.
Likewise, men who can’t stand throngs at stores are expected to dominate the 123 million Americans who will shop online today.
“Men wanted to get the deals but didn’t want to get the crowds,” Davis said.
Plus, the hottest items this year are high-tech gadgets like digital cameras and LED TVs that are often purchased by men.
NRF set up a Web site, cybermonday.com, to help shoppers navigate through the dizzying number of one-day deals.
Online merchandizing king Amazon.com is offering stocking-stuffer “Twilight” DVDs for just $6.99, and has slashed $100 off the price of a “Holiday Bundle” Microsoft Xbox 360 250GB game system.
Also in electronics, New Yorkers who love Walmart can find deals like an iPod Touch for $189 with free shipping. The big box retailers is also selling 20-inch kids’ bikes for just $44 — some assembly required.
Even bargain-resistant Apple is offering free shipping on purchases over $50.
Many retailers require “coupon codes,” but they’re easily found with a little online sleuthing.
Not all retailers waited for today.
Best Buy already started discounting online — on top of Black Friday deals.
“We ordered this online two hours ago because of the Cyber Monday deal,” said Angel Pina, 24, who was lugging a 55-inch Samsung TV out of a Best Buy in Midtown. “If we walked into the store, we would have paid $500 more.”
She added, “Usually, we do our shopping in the store, but this year, we checked out the deals — and they were better online.
“It’s a lot more convenient. You don’t have to wait in line.”
Fashionistas will also be able to find deals galore.
Yves Saint Laurent is offering 20 percent off all merchandise on its Web site, plus free shipping.
And Ann Taylor is offering 40 percent off on a slew of clothing and accessories purchased onlinr.
Another way to keep abreast is to search Twitter for #cybermonday and #deals— and remember to keep hitting refresh. Some deals last just 60 minutes.
Still, online shopping isn’t for everyone.
“I always buy in-store. I like to feel the products and actually see the size because sizes vary — a large might run narrow,” said Denise Harris, 41, who was shopping at a Midtown Victoria’s Secret yesterday.
“It always looks fabulous in the pictures, even if it’s not. It’s worth paying a little extra to get what you want.”
Soon, however, shopping in-store may provide a new concern — cellphone tracking.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) warned yesterday that department stores are adopting technology that allows them to monitor shoppers.
He urged companies to allow customers to opt-in rather than having to opt-out by turning off their phones.