TORONTO — Before March 11, Canadian Tire Retail was drawing an average of 5,000 online orders per day. Then, as lockdowns began and people were stuck at home, online traffic for the retailer went through the roof.

“We saw increased demand for what we now call ‘boredom busters,’ products such as kids’ toys and games, exercise equipment, sports and outdoor recreation, as Canadians prepared to spend more time at home,” said Greg Hicks, president and CEO of Canadian Tire Corp. Online traffic increased 15-fold after the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.