Christian stores and suppliers are reporting strong sales for Cyber Monday, considered the official start of the online Christmas shopping season.

Online merchants raked in a record $1.47 billion in sales Cyber Monday (Nov. 26)—the first Monday after Thanksgiving, up 17% from a year earlier, according to research firm ComScore, the Los Angeles Times reported.

According to a survey conducted by BIGinsight for Shop.org, Cyber Monday shoppers spent an average $194.46 online, more than the average person spent online Thanksgiving weekend ($172.42).

Blessings Christian Marketplace, a chain of four stores based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, saw success with its Cyber Monday sale, which offered free shipping and a 10% discount on all purchases.

"Cyber Monday sales were up by 35% year-on-year," Mark Hutchinson, president and CEO of Blessings, told Christian Retailing. "Sales for Black Friday [the day after Thanksgiving] were up by 25% year-on-year. Black Friday was the single largest sale day of the year for Blessings."

Good sellers for Cyber Monday were personalized engraved candles; Sarah Young's Jesus Calling; Todd Burpo's Heaven Is for Real; Max Lucado's Grace; Dee Henderson's Full Disclosure; Beverly Lewis' The Bridesmaid; October Baby; Stephen Curtis Chapman's Joy; and VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables.

"We were very encouraged by the growth of online sales this year," Hutchinson said. "We kept our offering very simple and straightforward, offering a discount on the entire order and free shipping. We are currently on track to have a similar Christmas season to last year. Our first two weeks of [Christmas] sales were a little slower than last year, but we have now picked up speed and moving forward well. The key is keep the stores looking fresh and well-stocked and ensure we are interacting with our customers providing great customer service."

Berean Christian Stores' 18-outlet chain also saw good sales.

"We were very pleased with our Thanksgiving results," said Bill Nielsen, chief operating officer of Berean. "Black Friday was up over 13% in comparison store results, but the overall weekend sale was even better coming in at just under an 18% comparison store sales increase. Cyber Monday continued the trend, and was up 13% on a comparison store basis."

Nielsen had a positive outlook for the rest of the Christmas shopping season.

"Based on our results, we are continuing to place orders to remain well-stocked and have a very aggressive advertising plans in place," said Nielsen, noting good sellers were Bibles, DVDs and Berean's new e-reader. "All of this gives us a great hope, confidence and high expectations for the rest of the holiday season."

Chalice Press touted its biggest Cyber Monday Sale ever, offering free shipping and 30% discount on purchases up to $5,000.

"This was a great Cyber Monday," Chalice Press Marketing and Client Services Manager Amber Moore said. "Cyber Monday sales were up approximately 752% over last year. ... In past years, free shipping is not something that we offered. Our two top best-sellers were very practical for this time of year. Our Advent devotional and annual planning guide and calendar for the 2013-2014 season topped the list."

Know Him apparel company offered Black Friday Deals, with T-shirts starting at $8.99.

"Sales, compared to last year, were down on Black Friday, but up on Cyber Monday," Know Him President Doug McKenna said. "The biggest reason for the difference is we started promoting Black Friday earlier last year. This year for Cyber Monday, we sent out additional promotions over the weekend. Overall, compared to last year, we were similar in sales."

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