Norman Businesses Battle Cyber Monday With Discounts

Gan Matthews, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Norman Chamber of Commerce has lined up local merchants in an effort to counter Cyber Monday.

The first Monday following Thanksgiving traditionally kicked off the online holiday shopping season. Last year, national online shopping sales hit $887 million on Cyber Monday.

Norman city officials said the growth in Internet shopping during the holiday season has cost the city sales tax revenue, though no one can say how great the loss is. One estimate put the loss in revenue to the state of Oklahoma at $250 million annually.

Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Robin Allen said more than three dozen Norman merchants have signed up to offer special discounts on Cyber Monday, which falls on November 29 this year.

"They have agreed to at least give 8.25 percent off in some parts of their store," said Allen. "Many have given 10 to 20 percent off."

The 8.25 percent discount equaled the amount of sales tax collected on retail purchases in Norman. Local online businessman Eric Engh took the anti-Cyber Monday campaign personally.

"It was an attack on our business," Engh said.

Engh's website, Oldwatch.com, sold antique watches to buyers worldwide. "We don't need to circle the wagons," said Engh. "We need to embrace contemporary commerce."

Engh added he supports the local economy by buying most of his supplies in Norman.