By Mairi Mallon Over 50 people queued outside Trimingham's yesterday morning to get the pickings of the first of the after-Christmas sales.

Despite this initial burst of interest in early bird bargain-hunting, Hamilton remained quiet most of the morning.

But by lunchtime crowds of shoppers had descended and the streets were packed with shoppers taking advantage of the first burst of winter sales.

Almost all stores had slashed their prices by 50 percent. Those that had chosen to remain closed on the bank holiday missed out as the streets filled up with shoppers.

All the large department stores opened and had slashed their prices. Smith's had 50 percent off store-wide, bar regulated merchandise, Trimingham's had taken between 20 and 75 percent off selected items, Cooper's also slashed prices by up to 50 percent and Gibbons Co. had up to 50 percent off sale items.

In fact, most shops in Reid Street and Front Street had opened their doors.

The Crown Colony boutique at No 1 Front Street was advertising a 50 percent sale in its windows. Along the road, Smugglers Reef had a sale of sunglasses with 20 percent off.

The English Sports Shop had reductions of up to 50 percent, with some men's suits reduced by as much as 75 percent.

Archie Brown also had a 50 percent and over sale of sweaters, while the Levi's shop had 40 percent off.

On Reid Street, Aston and Gunn had a 50 percent off sale and Dicty up to half off. The shoe shop Trends also offered bargains.

Peter Cooper, President of A.S. Cooper & Sons, said that he had a complete compliment of staff on for the sales rush.

"It is certainly very busy, both with visitors and people who live here.

There are many banks and businesses which are closed, and it is a good opportunity for them to shop or change or adjust gifts that are not the right size.

"Visitors also come out like crazy. They have been stuck in their rooms all weekend with nothing to do but eat and drink, and Hamilton is open for the first time for them.'' Roger Davidson president of H & A Smith said they had a good start to the sales.

"It certainly has been one of our busiest days,'' said Mr. Davidson.

"We are normally busy now, post Christmas, and there are some wonderful buys.

We will have our inventory in 30 days' time, and we are having our Christmas clearance.

"We are really pleased with the turnout and we expect it to stay busy in through the New Year.'' Yesterday the store had a one-off day-long promotion for the beginning of the sales, but have up to 70 percent off on selected lines in all departments.

Heidi Pengalle, the promotions manager at Astwood-Dickinson Jewellers said that they had also been exceptionally busy since they opened at 9 a.m.

Ms Pengalle said: "Business has been very, very busy and brisk all day. We are very pleased with the day's trade.''