OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Cyber Monday is big business for online shoppers. In 2018 Americans spent $7.9 billion on the annual online discount shopping holiday. In 2019, Americans are expected to shell out nearly $9.4 billion.
"My guess with the economy being as strong as it is we'll see an even bigger number today," said Jim Hegarty, president of the regional Better Business Bureau.
While Black Friday is synonymous with long lines, crowds and chaos, Cyber Monday shopping can be done from the comfort of one's couch.
"I think Americans are getting much more comfortable with doing most of their shopping if not a large percentage of their shopping online," Hegarty said.
In Omaha, food retailer Omaha Steaks is packaging up boxes to ship to its patrons across the United States.
"Cyber Monday really launches the official online selling season so what we're going to see today is a big day but we're going to see more big days coming," said Todd Simon, senior vice president of Omaha Steaks.
The company is expecting to ship more than a million boxes between Monday and New Years. With Cyber Monday deals such at 50-percent off items and free shipping on purchases greater than $59, Omaha Steaks expects to send out more than 300,000 packages on Monday alone.
"We try to make it as convenient for our customers by making it easy for them to shop on their phone, easy to shop on the web and of course people are using their tablets and their laptops too," said Simon.
While there are many great deals to be found, the BBB warns consumers should watch out for scammers and and consider shopping from well-known retailers or research the website before making purchases.
"There are a ton of knockoffs out there," Hegarty said. "We want people to be cautious, we want them to have fun, spend money on the people they love but be careful doing it."
Omaha Steaks is expecting an influx of shoppers in the two weeks prior to Christmas and is looking for winter staff. The company will be holding a job fair on Tuesday for positions to help out.
