It was revealed yesterday that more than two dozen shops have signed up with the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce to open on Sunday afternoon. The 27 shops, from Front Street to the back of town, will make history when they open up on December 18.

"I do believe it will be a great success,'' said Ian Smith, General Manger of Astwood Dickinson Jewellers on Front Street and the brains behind the new move. "From what I have heard, this is what people want.'' Shops from Miles Market to Carole Holding Studios and Aston and Gunn to People's Pharmacy have decided to join the new move.

The Tienda de Tabacco and Davison's of Bermuda have also signed up. Latest recruits include Smugglers Reef and Triangle's.

But most department stores such as Trimingham's, Cooper's and Smith's have shunned the move. It is believed Gibbons and Co. is still considering it.

In most countries shopping on the last Sunday before Christmas has become the norm.

Earlier this month the Department of Information Services asked for any business who wanted to open to apply for a special licence. Members of the Chamber of Commerce first decided to approach the Minister of Finance, Eugene Cox, with the plans earlier this month. And he agreed that special trading licences would be issued for businesses who wanted to open on that day.

Out of 42 shops who are members of the Visitor Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, over a third have signed up.

"It will be a family day, a relaxing day to do your shopping,'' said Mr.

Smith. "People will be able to shop when they are not up against the clock.

It should take the strain out of shopping.

"There are many advantages to shopping on Sunday, it will be easier to park and there will be less people around.'' By Ras Mykkal Breaking with tradition: The English Sports Shop is one of almost two dozen shops opening the last Sunday before Christmas.