Retail stores and boutiques are ready to meet the Christmas challenge with the campaign ?Shop, Explore, Then Shop Some More? which will be extended to the Friday Late Night Shopping Experience.

?Our goal is to emphasise the ?explore? aspect of the campaign and make shopping an adventure by encouraging residents to go to stores and areas where they might not ordinarily shop,? Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Diane Gordon said.

In recent years the Buy Bermuda campaign has focused on the more emotional aspects of shopping.

?We have used the faces of the general public, store personnel, etc. to encourage residents to shop at home,? Ms Gordon said.

?In addition we have emphasised the wide selection of merchandise all around the Island and the responsibility to support local retailers as it keeps people employed.?

With the closure of Smith?s and Trimingham?s, it is apparent that perceptions surrounding shopping have worsened with casual surveys indicating many people feel there is no place to shop for Christmas.

?It is the opinion of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce that the local retailing community is well poised to fill the gap perceived to exist with many stores and boutiques ready to meet the demands of the Christmas rush.?

?Together with the support of the retail community, our sponsors (Butterfield Bank, Capital G and Bank of Bermuda) and the Corporation of Hamilton, we will be providing a variety of live entertainment, children?s activities and street vendors on Reid and Queen Street in Hamilton.

Members of the Retail Division of the Chamber have donated funds towards the advertising and promotion of the campaign.

Anyone who makes a purchase of $50 at a participating retailer will be eligible to enter in a draw for a $500 book of gift certificates. There are three $500 books of gift certificates from selected stores to be won every Friday at Late Night Shopping until December 23.