Black Friday Momentum Falls Flat

WASHINGTON -- Retailers said they hope to entice consumers with online discounts Monday after a weekend of spending that wasn't quite as dismal as some had predicted. They said got a boost on Black Friday, but the momentum didn't carry through the rest of the holiday weekend.

One industry analyst weighed in on the situation.

"The economy is not good and people are not going to buy," retail industry analyst Stephen Baker said.

So retailers said they are stepping up their deals online. One consumer described their Cyber Monday experience.

"Looking at scarves, sweaters, electronics," consumer Joy Carter said.

Shoppers said they hoped the best bargains were just a mouse click away.

"And I am finding some great deals," consumer Tracy Gary said.

A Shopzilla e-Holiday Survey shows 83 percent of retailers were offering special deals on Cyber Monday, up from 72 percent last year.

"The retailers realize this is a good opportunity for them to get their best deals in front of the would-be shopper," said mall networks Kimanthi Marangu.

Still, some analysts said they aren't expecting online spending to exceed last year's numbers.

"A great deal isn't a great deal if you can't afford it. So even as good as the deals may be online, the expectation is that consumers just -- if they don't have the money -- they aren't going to buy," retail industry analyst Stephen Baker said.

While retailers said weekend sales were encouraging, one survey of shoppers indicates many are shopping for smaller-ticket items, sticking to a budget and taking a cautious approach to purchases no matter the price.

There are indications that many shoppers are waiting for deeper discounts later in the season; and analysts said while there may be better bargains if you wait, some retailers have already slashed prices as low as they can go.

One industry analyst said you can find slightly better deals online, but it just depends. Some retailers are using the Internet to steer customers to their stores because they believe they will spend more once they see the product up close and hear the sales pitch.

The National Retail Federation said the typical shopper spent about $370 over the Thanksgiving weekend which is a 7 percent increase over last year.