Cyber Monday sets record for online sales

For everyone who thought Cyber Monday, touted as the kickoff to the online shopping season, was a gimmick concocted by Internet retailers to piggyback on all of the Black Friday hoopla, here’s a bulletin. Consumers spent more money on Cyber Monday, Nov. 27, than on any other day in the history of e-commerce, according to comScore Networks, which tracks all things digital.

Spending reached $608 million, up 26 percent versus the same day last year, comScore reports. It was also the first day ever in which online sales topped $600 million. Business wasn't shabby on Black Friday either: online retailers racked up $434 million in sales, up 42 percent from last year. The cyber trackers at comScore said they expect even bigger sales records to be set within the next few weeks.

Cyber Monday is the day most people return to the office after the long Thanksgiving weekend, and start looking for bargains online. Apparently, there was more shopping taking place last Monday than actual work.