Holiday shopping hours begin

Retail stores launched the start of extended opening hours on Thursday, in a bid to bolster business ahead of the holiday season.

The new shopping hours mean that most stores will stay open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. 

They will also open on the next three Sundays - December 15, 22 and 29 - from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All stores, including supermarkets, will be closed for Christmas on December 25-26 and New Year's on January 1-2.