For the first time in Bermuda's history Hamilton's shops will open on the Sunday after Christmas as part of the post-Christmas sales drive.

The move will bring Bermuda's stores in line with the US, Canada and Europe, where shoppers flock to the stores following Christmas - and the Sunday after is usually one of the most popular sales days.

The Minister of Finance, Eugene Cox, granted permission on Monday - so it is still not known how many stores will open their doors.

However, Smith's and Triminghams have signed up and others on Reid Street are expected to follow.

"It will be really good for the stores," said George Grundmuller, head of the visitor retail division of the Chamber of Commerce.

"The after-Christmas sales are a very important part of the season's sales, both here and in the US, and with the Sunday falling when it does, it is really good to extend the shopping time at this time of year."

Post-Christmas sales are due to start on Saturday, after being closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. During this time the shop staff are busy getting the stores ready for the sales, putting up signs, re-pricing and bringing out extra sales stocks.

Mr. Grundmuller said that the chamber had asked the Minister of Finance to grant the extra Sunday opening for the first time after requests from the city's stores.

"I think it will be good for the stores and for the customers, said Mr. Grundmuller. "The way the holiday falls, it allows the sales to be on the day after Boxing Day, on Saturday, and then followed by the Sunday and it all works out very neatly."

Mr. Grundmuller said that this was a landmark decision from Government to allow the opening, and said there had been no objection from the Minister to the request.

The stores will now be open on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm to allow customers to take advantage of the sales while they are not busy at work, he said.

Mr. Grundmuller also said that in general the Sunday opening in the run up to Christmas had been a big success, with the last Sunday before Christmas as busy as a Saturday shopping day.

"We want to offer the customer the most convenient way to shop," he said. "And shopping on a Sunday can do that."