FREEPORT, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Summertime usually means big business for Freeport's shops and outlet stores, but tourism officials say long stretches of nice weather had an unusual effect on sales this year.
The Freeport Merchants Association says many stores reported slow growth or were right on par with last year's numbers, and nice weather played a factor by driving more people away from the outlets and towards the beaches and parks.
Brown Goldsmiths has been a fixture in downtown Freeport for the past 45 years. Owner Judy Brown says the store had a strong August, but overall numbers for the summer didn't change much from years past.
"It's been on par, and that's been surprising because those of us who have lived here have loved the wonderful summer. I know people like a little more rain for the tourists, but we've found it's been really steady despite the good weather," Brown said.
The Merchants Association says many businesses are hopeful for a rebound in the fall when the new Amtrak Downeaster train station is set to open.
NEWS CENTER