Triangle-Based Businesses See Increase In Online Sales

Shoppers were busy buying the day after Christmas at Chapel Hill's A Southern Season, but the company's

Web site

was busy this holiday season too, with sales up about 35 percent over the same period last year. Following a national trend, purchases reflected evidence of cocooning.

"More along the lines to cook at home and stay with their families -- family-oriented shopping," said Deborah Miller of A Southern Season.

Surveys by Jupiter Media Metrix show shoppers began online buying later this year, a fact echoed by Miller.

"Last year, our peak was Dec. 12 and this year, it was the 18th," she said.

The only items that can be ordered online from A Southern Season are those listed in the company's catalog, so some shoppers prefer the bricks and mortar version.

Art.com

is an Internet only operation that is the biggest online seller of posters and prints. Thousands of packages are sent every day from its RTP headquarters. CEO Joshua Chodniewicz said sales are up a whopping 500 percent over last holiday season.

Web audience measurement companies claim people are more comfortable now buying online and are more confident about online sites' ability to deliver merchandise on time.