Cyber Monday: The Biggest Ever

(NBCNC) - After a busy and profitable Black Friday weekend shoppers turned to their computer screens for deals.

Analysts say more shoppers are taking advantage of Cyber Monday.

"We've seen an interest in Cyber Monday up 20 percent since last year," says Google Trends expert Daniel Sieberg.

As many as 20 million shoppers prefer to make their purchases online, avoiding the crowds, comparing products and prices, and taking their time before making a major purchase.

When they do decide, the data shows most aren't adding items to their cyber cart from the couch at home.

"We found that over 85 percent of consumers intend to spend more than three hours shopping on line during work hours today," notes RetailMeNot.com's Trae Bodge.

It could add up for a record setting holiday retail season overall.

Weekend retail sales were up 12-percent over last year, part of that increase fueled by online sales that topped $1-billion for the first time ever this Black Friday.