Shops will be allowed to stay open for longer on the Sunday before Christmas, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce announced yesterday. Meanwhile, another week of steep discounts kicked off.The Chamber said its Retail Division had successfully lobbied Government for an extension to store hours on Sunday, December 23, giving residents one more full day to shop before the holidays.Chamber Retail Division chairwoman Paula Clarke said: “The Chamber is delighted to confirm that following discussions with Minister Wayne Furbert, we have been granted an exemption to the Public Holidays Act 1947, allowing any retailer, regardless of size, the opportunity to be open from 9am to 9pm, Sunday, December 23.”Chamber executive director Joanne MacPhee added: “The Chamber remains steadfastly committed to stimulating economic growth in Bermuda across all sectors, and we are proud of the fact that we continue to be a positive catalyst for change.“For the third consecutive year, retailers kicked off the 12 Days of Christmas promotion yesterday with 14 participants. Each day will feature new deals at specific stores with deep discounts ranging from 15 to 50 percent. Yesterday featured 40 percent off clothing at Brown & Co and Friday, November 30 will see up to 50 percent off at women’s clothier Boutique CC in Hamilton and 15 percent off at bulk store Hunt’s in Warwick.Launched by Bermuda.com, the initiative has grown to include new retailers this year, including Gorham’s, Heaven Sent Baby Boutique, Burrows & Lightbourne and Port Royal Golf Course along with those stores that have participated in the past, including Brown & Co, P-Tech, Annex Toys, Hunt’s, Lusso, Boutique CC, AS Cooper Harbourside, Phoenix Centre and CellOne.Economy Minister Patrice Minors said at the kick-off event yesterday: “If last week’s Black Friday event was any indication, Bermuda’s residents have definitely caught the Christmas and holiday shopping bug.” She added that Bermudians “need to be the sustainers of our economy by spending our dollars wisely” here in Bermuda.