In a world of click and buy, stop and shop may not seem as appealing. While Boxing Day is an opportunity for Canadians to get out of the house after the holidays it seems more folks may be going online rather than getting in line.

Boxing Day is a Canadian event and traditionally a big day for retailers. But how people spend their money is changing.

If Black Friday sales are any indication online shopping is the trend.

New research From Dig360 and Leger shows 46 per cent of Canadian shoppers bought and browsed online exclusively on Black Friday. That’s compared to the 33 per cent who shopped and browsed in the store only. And 17 per cent of those surveyed did both.

David Ian Gray of Dig360 predicts that will extend to holiday promotions where shoppers are averse to crowds.

The Retail Council of Canada says instore shopping is still prevalent but that could be changing.

"Our members are telling us that we perhaps could be seeing a tipping point year when it comes to the amount of goods that Canadians are purchasing online," said Mark Startup, VP for the council.

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority which registers many websites in the country is also noticing a change.

"We've noted sort of a huge balloon in the number of people doing research on line to inform their retail purchases. That number’s at around 76 per cent of shoppers," said Ryan Hill or CIRA. "Across the board both individuals and businesses indicated that they were going to spend more online this year."

And data shows the majority of Canadians prefer to shop on Canadian websites with clothing and travel topping the categories.

Still some still want to enjoy the experience of shopping in a store.

“You get to try everything on and you know what you're going home with," one shopper told Ross McLaughlin.

And what will the experts be doing Boxing Day?

"I'd rather avoid the lineups myself so I will be sitting in front of my computer for sure," said Hill.

“Oh gosh. I'll be relaxing at home while my family is out taking advantage of the deals," said Startup.

Even though there's a shift to online shopping, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority says 40 per cent of small Canadian businesses don't have an online presence.

Yet research shows consumers tend to trust a business more if they have a website. And since 76 per cent of Canadians research online before making a purchase, it seems to make sense to have one.