Where to find the best 'Cyber Monday' deals

TAMPA - The last four days were the biggest Thanksgiving shopping weekend in history, according to the National Retail Federation.

They report people spent $45 billion over the last four days, up from last year’s $41.2 billion.

The country hopes, for the sake of its floundering economy, that continues on Monday during the so-called ‘Cyber Monday.’

Cyber Monday is really just a marketing ploy. It is not, in fact, the day of the year in which people spend the most money online. However, last year, Comscore reports people did spend almost $890 million, which was the second-highest online shopping day of the year.

Comscore also reported that last year 84 million people in the United States shopped online between mid-November and mid-December last year. That’s an increase of 12 percent over the previous year.s

Some shoppers swear by Cyber Monday.

Tampa cyber-shopper Stacy Kitchell says it saves her time and money. "This year I feel like I don’t have as much time as I’ve had in previous years.  I don’t want to get behind. There’s a lot going on during the Christmas season with my kids."

Of course, gift-givers can also go shopping in your pajamas. "You can shop right here in the comfort of your own home and in a quarter of the time, get free shipping and save time and money,” says Kitchell

Sheryl Nicholson of the Learning Express Toy Store said the store was mobbed Black Friday and empty Cyber Monday. She says Cyber Monday is changing the nature of holiday merchandising.

“I actually had a customer tell me she’s taking off work today to sit in her home office and shop online. So it has changed some things.”

This year, many companies are offering great deals, including sales and free shipping.

For a full rundown of sales available, go to www.cybermonday.com.