It might not yet be December, but it’s expected to be the busiest day of the year for online Christmas shopping.

Four and a half million transactions will take place across Europe today.

Stores say they’ve seen a huge jump in sales on the first Monday closest to the start of December for the past two years.

Martin Talbot is the marketing director of online retailer Play.com

“The High Street has still got its role – but if you go out on the High Street, weather conditions recently you’ll be getting wet, you’ll be driving, in traffic, looking for parking” he said.

“Of course, rather than doing that, consumers are saying ‘I can sit at home and get everything the High Street offers and I can get it from the comfort of my own home” he added.