Cyber Monday boosts sales as holiday shoppers spend big this season

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — If you're spending your Christmas money online today, you're not alone.

Tens of millions of laptops and phones are surfing for the best deals this Cyber Monday.

"If I know what I want for someone, I have that in my head. And then I'm paying attention, checking the website, seeing what the lowest price is," said Marco Arreola, Joplin.

A quest for the best deal that's common for local shoppers.

"We're in an era where there's always a deal," said Arreola.

And this Cyber Monday Danette Conley is on the opposite side of the computer.

Her shop "The Vogue Boutique" is primed for those online orders.

"It's really grown in the last few years. And we've been in business 13 years, and we've seen a huge change and a huge growth in our website over the last few years," said Danette Conley, Vogue Boutique owner.

She's offering Cyber Monday discounts and plans to focus on keeping ahead of the orders.

"We'll be processing all day," said Conley.

The National Retail Federation estimates more than 72 million shoppers are taking advantage of "Cyber Monday."

It marks the end of five days of deals and discounts for holiday purchases, with total shoppers expected to increase slightly from last year.

In fact, for Conley, Friday was a record breaker.

"Black Friday is still huge for us, and we had specials all weekend for Small Business Saturday. And so there are those customers that love the rush and the people," said Conley.

She expects brisk digital sales for Cyber Monday, adding that it's a great wrap-up for the overall weekend.

"The experience of shopping, and that's one thing that we really offer, that I think makes us stand out, is you don't experience all the smells and the free gift wrapping and all those things online that you experience in the store," said Conley.

The National Retail Federation estimates Christmas shoppers will spend an average of 902 dollars this holiday season.