By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



On Monday, millions of Americans logged onto the Internet to take part in what has become known as “Cyber Monday” — one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

According to media reports, at least 300 retail Web sites were getting hits from as many as 4.6 million visitors per minute, a three-year record for most traffic in a single day to retail Web sites.

The National Retail Federation reported that an estimated 72 million shoppers would take part in “Cyber Monday,” up from 61 million last year.

According to a press release from the NRF, tens of thousands of holiday shoppers have already visited www.cybermonday.com, a Web site operated by Shop.org.

The site compiles the best deals and promotions from more than 550 retailers, with specific information on one-day sales and Cyber Monday specials, the release said.

Despite an increased reliance on the Internet during the holiday season, some local business owners said they aren’t worried and that most of their customers still prefer the personalized touch of going into a store.

Debbie Melody at Tippie Toes, located at 1312 Main Street in Gardendale, said her store specializes in custom-made apparel items that shoppers wouldn’t be able to purchase online.

“People on the Internet do sell some of the things we do, but we measure and try to get it the right length,” she said. “When you order it online, it might fit or it might not.”

She said the casual mood of her store is also appealing to her customers. “When they come in, we’re pretty friendly and we talk. … I really don’t think the Internet really is a competitor to us,” she said.

Butterflies owner Lynne Dodson said she’s aware of the increased amount of Internet shopping, but said it hasn’t hurt her business.

Her womens’ gift boutique, located at 1725 U.S. 31 North, Suite 109, has been open for five years. She pointed out that it’s often hard to send back items purchased online.

“Sizing makes a difference, and we have specialty items that you don’t find on the Internet,” she said.

Gardendale Jewelry owner Bob Boffa said he’s in competition with not only the Internet, but with a variety of other businesses that also sell jewelry. However, he said shoppers need to beware and examine the quality of what they’re buying.

“If they want lower quality stuff, they’ll go to the Internet and box stores,” he said. “People have to be careful when they buy online.”

He said his store actually has a Web site, but most of his sales still come from shoppers who enter his store.

“People can’t get jewelry sized on the Internet,” he said. “A shopper should ask the person when they buy it, ‘will you size it?’. They key is to be a smart shopper.”

Boffa said the Internet has “cheapened” the way shoppers buy gifts for loved ones.

“I think people don’t want to put an emphasis and real thought behind gifts now,” he said. “At one time, people would buy from their heart, but with so much expendable money, we purchase what we want when we want.”