Whether or not it's actually the biggest online shopping day of the year, Cyber Monday has become somewhat ubiquitous in any discussion of holiday shopping. Although the concept was
born in a marketing meeting and didn't happen organically, many retailers use the Monday after Thanksgiving to offer special online-only deals, including the brass ring for many shoppers -- free shipping!
Predictions vary on just how many people will take part in Cyber Monday shopping this year. A
Consumer Reports survey puts the number at 34 percent, while
PriceGrabber says 41 percent. But just as important is
how people will shop. And that applies any day of the year, not just on Cyber Monday.