A story in Thursday's newspaper comparing prices at a "price busting'' sale of goods with those in local stores incorrectly stated that Philips House charged $1,210 for a credit card purchase of a Whirlpool 18.1 cubic foot fridge/freezer. In fact, the price should have been $968. Philips House would also like to point out that their Singer overlock sewing machine, which was listed as costing $53 more than a similar machine on sale at BAA Gym, is a more up-to-date model with extra features.

One of Bermuda's biggest Christmas sales met with mixed reaction from the public yesterday.

Hundreds of shoppers made their way to BAA Gym on the first day of a four-day sale that has been advertised as a "pricebusters Christmas extravaganza''.

Many people found the savings they were looking for and, at times, long queues formed at the check-out counter.

But some bargain hunters said prices at the sale were no cheaper than at many Hamilton stores.

Shopper Mrs. Rose-Anne Stapff said: "I can't see where the bargains are supposed to be.

"It seems to me that prices here are just the same as everywhere else. It's not the great pricebusting sale that I thought it would be.'' Miss Dee-Ann Martin said: "After reading the advertising, I thought there would be quite a few bargains. That is not the case.

"I came here prepared to spend money and make some savings on my Christmas gifts but I'm leaving empty handed. There was nothing worth buying that I couldn't get elsewhere for the same price.'' A quick price survey by The Royal Gazette revealed that savings could be made on several products, although many others cost the same as in local stores and some actually cost more.

Anyone buying the Athens leather reclining chair and foot rest at the sale for $395 had reason to feel pleased with themselves since a similar product retails for $468 at The Sleep Shop, in Hamilton.

Another substantial saving could be had on a Singer overlook sewing machine, which was on sale at the Gym for $496, while Holmes, Williams and Purvey sells the model for $549.

Likewise, a General Electric 1.7 cubic foot fridge could be bought for $225 at the sale, which is $24 less than it retails for at HWP.

But our survey was not all good news for the sale's organisers Mr. William Smatt and his wife, Vivian.

A Whirlpool 18.1 cubic foot fridge/freezer was on sale at the Gym for $1,050 could be bought for $968 cash at Philips House, although Philips house said the price for a credit card sale was $1,210.

A Little Tikes Beauty Salon cost $145 at the sale but Toys N Stuff, in Hamilton, said it could order them and charge $119.

Toys N Stuff, however, said that they didn't have them in stock and couldn't get them in until the New Year.

Masters sold a ToastMaster toaster/oven for $66.99 while a Black and Decker version of the product was on sale for $75 at the Gym.

The general opinion of shoppers who talked to The Royal Gazette was they were not impressed with the prices at the Gym, particularly since it had been advertised as a "pricebusters'' sale.

But organiser Mrs. Smatt said: "There are always going to be people who walk away empty handed because they haven't found what they want or they didn't think the prices were right.

"But many people did buy goods and I think our prices are pretty good. "We try to save people at least a dollar or two and, if they buy several items, this adds up to significant savings.'' HIGH NOON -- Hundreds of people wait to enter the BAA Gym as the pricebusters sale began at noon yesterday. Some buyers found bargains but others did not, according to shoppers.