<P> Customs and regulations for shopping hours (times that shops are open) vary from countries to cities . </P> <P> Some countries, particularly those with predominantly Christian populations or histories do not allow Sunday shopping . In Islamic countries some shops are closed on Fridays for noontime prayers . In Israel many shops are sometimes closed on Friday evening and Saturday during the daytime for Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath). </P> <P> Each state in Australia sets its own standard trading hours, but in most of the country the shops are open seven days a week for at least part of the day . </P> <P> For some shops and other businesses in culturally Christian countries, Christmas Day is the only day in the year that they are closed . </P>

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