Economy Minister Patrice Minors announced a new programme aimed at supporting the suffering retail sector after a day of visiting Hamilton stores.The EEZy Shopping, Dining and Living Money Programme will offer those shopping before the end of the year coupons for discounts in the post-holiday season.Between now and the end of the month, more than 30 retailers will give customers coupons offering discounts valued at between five and 30 percent, which can be redeemed at the same retailer in January and February.“This programme is a continuation of the work done over the Christmas period by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce as part of the ‘Shop Local Campaign’,” she said.“Government welcomes this new programme and the participating businesses have also embraced it. The aim is to stimulate activity during a typically quiet retail time.”Among the businesses involved in the programme are the Island Hi Eatery, Cartridge World, Double W Entertainment, Bliss Hair and Nail, It’s A Plus and Ultimate Hair Design.Mrs Minors also encouraged the public to take advantage of late night shopping opportunities on Court and Reid Streets next Friday, where there will be food and entertainment.Paula Clarke, head of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said sales events such as the EEZy Shopping programme and the recent Black Friday/Cyber Monday events are likely to continue in an effort to encourage the public to shop in Bermuda.Mrs Minors spent around two hours visiting various Hamilton stores on Friday, making Christmas purchases at Clara-Bows Boutique and the People’s Pharmacy, and enjoying a glass of eggnog at 27th Century Boutique.She also looked at clothing by local designers at Fatimaya and jewellery at Swiss Timing.However the Minister ran into a few stumbling blocks, with one of the stores on the pre-scheduled trip being closed and parking near Gibbons being hard to come by.