their doors for Christmas shopping.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox has granted permission for stores to open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the last Sunday before Christmas each year.

Retailers met the news with delight. They had requested the move several months ago.

President of the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce, Ian Smith called the move "fantastic'' but admitted that some retailers were hesitant.

"A few people are reticent about it,'' he said, "but we'll see how the people feel.'' Acknowledging that customers will dictate whether the new opening hours succeed or flop, Mr. Smith noted: "We're a service industry and if this is what the customer wants, then this is what we'll give them.'' A total of 30 stores will be open on Sunday, several in Hamilton but some in Dockyard and St. George's.

"We didn't do a smart enough job this year in bringing all the retailers together,'' Mr. Smith admitted, "but it's our first year.

"Next year we hope to have not just Hamilton, but most of the stores in the outlying areas, open as well.'' This Sunday shopping event will see promotional giveaways and draws conducted by the retailers pooling together.

Already looking to the future Mr. Smith promised that next year many more promotional giveaways would be available.

"The organisers of the boat parade have already agreed for next year to move the parade to that Sunday,'' he said, "so it will be a really big event and should draw a lot of people.''