The blizzard may have prevented some shoppers in the East Coast from heading out to stores in search of post-holiday sales, but it didn't do much to slow online shopping.. According to the Associated Press, consumers hoping to save online after Christmas have helped make 2010 one of the most, if not the most, successful holiday shopping seasons in history.

Spending for November and December this year may exceed those in 2007, which is currently the most successful holiday season on record. These numbers are remarkable in light of the difficult economic climate, high unemployment rates and the snowstorms that caused traffic problems across the Eastern seaboard.

"In 2008, stores were knocked down. In 2009, they found some stability, and in 2010, they took a step forward toward growth," Michael McNamara, vice president of research and analysis at the retail analysis group SpendingPulse, told the news source.


The recession did have an impact on the way shoppers and retailers behaved during the holiday season. According to the news source, most shoppers searched for bargains and discounts in an effort to save online and in stores.

Post-holiday sales may continue for a few days in light of the storm. According to USA Today, shoppers are expected to continue bargain hunting once they have dug themselves out of the snow.