Small retailers on Court Street still believe that they will be able to one day rival Front Street as a major shopping area in the city. Right now, progress is slow.

But there is optimism in the air because there are already indications that Bermudians are increasingly attracted by the flexible shopping hours they are more likely to find there.

And Dion Berkeley, manager at 2002 Juniors, said he had already seen an increase in business this holiday season.

He said, "We're open earlier than the major stores downtown and later in the evening. And that has worked for us. Many people prefer to shop before going to work or after they knock-off.'' The company sells clothing for pre-teens and adults, and it is also developing a market for fuller figured women.

Mr. Berkeley said yesterday, "We think we'll do well this Christmas. Last year at this time, business was excellent. And we are setting higher goals this year.

"We're already starting to see the results. And the numbers of people coming to Court Street to shop is definitely improving.

"I think it's working out because there are a lot of small businesses out here with people who are willing to work together.'' The firm's sister company, Sport 2000, is also on Court Street selling clothes for children and newborns, together with women's shoes and teen fashions.

Manager Raymond Troy Rawlins was equally upbeat. He said, "This is normally our best time of the year. We find a number of people out shopping for family.

Our best days for sales is always holiday periods. We're very optimistic with what we are dealing with.'' Pamela Daley of Show Me Some Love Boutique makes a point of checking out competition on Front Street. She said she treats the big stores as her competitors and tries to ensure her prices are better. She sells men's and women's fashions and carries plus size clothing.

After being with this business for a year and a half, she concedes: "I'm doing as good as the people let me do. But it's not that good at the moment.

But I have started to develop a good business with Caribbean clientele.'' Ms Daley's heart has always been in retail. Before opening the boutique, she had previously obtained a pedlar's licence from the city and sold items on the street.

She believes there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of traffic flow on Court Street.

She said, "I'm hoping to find more shoppers coming into this area in general.

It suffers from not being as developed as downtown is. But there are bargains to be had out here.'' Craig Clarke at shoe store, Tuff Shoes, has a good feeling about holiday shopping.

He said, "It seems as if business is picking up. At Christmas time, things naturally get busier. More people seem to be coming through the store and sales are doing well. It seems like people are spending money. During the holiday period, you tend to get more traffic on Court Street. We find many people coming by because we stay open later.'' STREET OF HOPE -- Court Street yesterday