Nearly half of Canadians are planning to shop online today during "Cyber Monday," according to a new BMO Bank of Montreal survey.
The survey found that 44% of Canadians plan to shop online today and 50% plan to shop online during the holiday season.
The survey found that the Atlantic provinces are most likely (56%) to shop online today, while Quebecers are least likely (19%).
Steve Murphy, BMO senior vice-president, Commercial Banking, called online shopping a "critically important sales channel for retailers."
He added that Cyber Monday is a crucial milestone for retailers.
"For Canadian consumers and businesses, Cyber Monday has become the kick-off to the online holiday shopping season, and by far the busiest online shopping day of the year."
Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist for BMO Capital Markets, added that the acceleration of Cyber Monday activity in Canada shows how closely Canada is following U.S. retail trends.
"As more Canadian retailers mirror U.S. sales promotions, there is the potential for significant activity on Cyber Monday," Porter said.
"More than ever, Canadian shoppers are taking notice and adjusting their retail calendar."
