Massachusetts repeals ban on Sunday sales

Customers laid to rest the 200-year-old Puritan tradition of no Sunday sales in Massachusetts. The law repealing the ban on Sunday retail sales has cleared the way for Massachusetts retailers to become competitive with neighboring states where Sunday sales have been permitted for years. Bands, clowns, bunnies, and helium-filled balloons gave a holiday atmosphere to the occasion, with supporters predicting Sunday sales will generate up to 15,000 new jobs, $44 million in new tax revenues, and $1.3 billion in sales.

Not all stores opened. Some establishments put off opening until April 10, the Sunday after Easter, while others planned to remain closed.