Holiday business booms but e-commerce stocks dip

 

latest developments

Online holiday shopping started with a bang last week, with e-tailers reporting significant increases over the previous year, but investors have yet to join the cheer. "Data released over the weekend show that online holiday shopping is off to a strong, though not extraordinary, start." - Henry Blodget, Merrill Lynch analyst

Investors yawn at early online sales E-tailers are reporting a strong start to the online holiday shopping season, but investors failed to catch the spirit of the season. Online shopping surges before holiday Precipitating the traditional start of the holiday season, online shopping gains steam in the week preceding Thanksgiving. Shelves already bare at online stores Shoppers who turned to Internet stores to avoid long lines and parking hassles at malls encounter some Web sites that are slow or already have run out of popular items such as Pokemon toys. Net retailers lure holiday shoppers with deals Online retailers are increasing their promotions for the holiday season, but some analysts wonder whether they are giving away the store.