Cyber Monday has come to a close, with shoppers spending $17.3 billion online, according to Salesforce data. This marks the end of the Black Friday weekend, a major shopping event. Global online sales saw a 5.3% increase through 12 p.m. ET, with expectations that online spending would rise by 6% to $52.7 billion by the end of Monday, as reported by Reuters.

The growth in online sales can be attributed to the increasing popularity of e-commerce, with more consumers turning to online platforms for their shopping needs. In the United States, online sales grew 2.6% to $3.4 billion through 12 p.m. ET, with projected growth of 4% to $13.3 billion by the end of the day, according to Salesforce.

The Black Friday weekend, which includes Cyber Monday, is a significant event in the retail calendar, with many consumers taking advantage of discounts and promotions to make purchases. The shift to online shopping has been driven by convenience, competitive pricing, and the wider range of products available online.

As the holiday season approaches, online sales are expected to continue to grow, driven by consumer demand for convenient and affordable shopping options. The increase in online spending is also likely to be driven by the use of digital payment methods and the growing popularity of mobile commerce.

The latest sales figures highlight the importance of e-commerce in the retail industry, with online sales playing an increasingly significant role in the overall performance of retailers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that online sales will remain a key driver of growth and revenue for retailers. With the holiday season underway, retailers will be looking to capitalize on the growth in online sales, offering competitive pricing, promotions, and convenient shopping options to attract consumers.