LONDON, November 30 /PRNewswire/ -- As featured in the Telegraph, Sun and Guardian, Cyber Monday is expected to be the busiest online shopping day of the year. Shoppers spend the weekends browsing and buying in stores and upon returning to the office on Monday, turn to the Internet to start shopping for better prices than high street stores. Industry experts, including Visa, are gearing up for this Monday, 30 November to be the record busiest day, because many workers will receive their last pay cheque before Christmas. In other years, the first Monday in December, which this year falls on the 7th, was the busiest online shopping day of the year.

Richard Chapple, from online store Zavvi.com, said: Mondays are the busiest day online, and as we approach December people become conscious that Christmas is only around the corner. This sees more people than usual logging on, and with this weekend also being the last payday before Christmas for many, they will make the most of having money in the bank to get presents, especially after a tough year.

David Smith, director of operations at IMRG, said: The rate of growth has slowed because of current economic conditions, but sales online are still growing. IMRG is forecasting growth of online sales of around 15% this year, compared to previous rates of 35% to 50%. We are seeing more women shopping online and an older age group and they are the people with the disposable income.

Talya Schaeffer, co-founder of Cyber Monday UK, said: Starting 30 November, many online retailers will be offering their best promotions of the Christmas trading season. Cyber Monday is an exciting opportunity for both shoppers and retailers alike. Shoppers save money by buying online and retailers can entice shoppers during this peak day with bespoke promotions.

Cyber Monday UK will be hosting a Cyber Monday launch party on Monday, 30 November from 1000 - 1500 GMT at Reload Internet Cafe at 197 Praed Street, Paddington, London W2 1RH across from Paddington Station. Shoppers will be able to surf the Internet for free and get advise on shopping online and saving money.

Click here (http://www.cybermonday.co.uk/) to visit the new Cyber Monday UK site.

SOURCE: CyberMonday.co.uk

CONTACT: Talya Schaeffer of CyberMonday.co.uk, +44-(0)-20337-18573,talya@cybermonday.co.uk