Sales in the Island's stores were 6.6 percent up, new figures show. That means residents paid out about $3.5 million more last Christmas than the year before.

The biggest boost was enjoyed by car dealers and gas stations, where sales went up more than 36 percent.

Food stores were up 5.3 percent and liquor stores 2.1 percent. Other stores were up 2.5 percent.

The Government figures compare sales in December, 1992 with December, 1993.

After adjusting for inflation, the general 6.6 percent rise works out at 4.3 percent.

But looking at 1993 as a whole, more residents are choosing to buy overseas.

Bermudians spent more than $25.8 million on goods overseas in 1993, an increase of 14.7 percent on 1992.

This compares with domestic sales during the year of about $474 million, an increase of 3.7 percent before inflation.