Overstock to Embrace Bitcoin, Giving the Currency a Lift

One of the biggest questions looming over Bitcoin, the digital currency generating attention in the tech business, is when big mainstream merchants will begin accepting it. Overstock.com, the online discount retailer, has an answer: within the next six months, if all goes as planned. Patrick Byrne, the company's chief executive, said Overstock planned to let online shoppers pay for goods with Bitcoin by June. The retailer is evaluating the services of several third-party firms that facilitate Bitcoin transactions, with the goal of selecting one by mid-January.