The initiative that granted Hamilton stores a one-day Sunday pass from the Public Holidays Act to accommodate the first cruise ship of the season, has been hailed as a success by retailers.This past Sunday, the Azamara Quest, carrying 688 passengers, docked in Hamilton just before 10am.The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce was behind the campaign to lobby Government for the exemption, which allowed merchants to open from 9am to 9pm.According to the Public Holidays Act, stores over 1,000 square feet would not have been able to open until 1pm.“We thought it was a very successful day,” said Somers Cooper, managing director of Front Street department store AS Cooper. “ We saw a good mix of locals and tourists. It was a good jump start to our Open Sunday season.”Other than Easter Sunday, AS Cooper will now be open each Sunday through Christmas.Juice n’ Beans Café, located on Front Street, also saw an increase in business.“We had a very good response — we definitely benefited,” said Ashley Bean. “There were more people on the street than usual and sales were up.”“More people on the street means more potential opportunity for a customer to come walking through your door,”“If people are around, we’re going to be open,” she added.Tourist shops Flying Colours and Spinnakers also saw an uptick in trade.“It was great to have a ship in Hamilton for the day, it’s a real shame that there won’t be any regular callers for the season,” said Jay Riihiluoma, manager of the shops. “In speaking to many repeat cruise passengers they do miss being able to disembark in the City.”The Chamber said it looking to continue its campaign to get extended hours for other Sundays as well. “The Chamber continues to lobby Government for free trade legislation, to allow all retailers the option to open and sell when and what they wish,” said Joanne MacPhee, executive director of the Chamber.