Labor Day good for tourists, businesses

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) - Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures over Labor Day weekend helped bookend the summer for tourists and businesses in Rhode Island.

"We had a wonderful summer," said Donna Provost as she and her son got off the Block Island Ferry in Galilee Monday night. "Compared to last year, the weather was beautiful, so we took full advantage of it."

Businesses say the hot temperatures have helped their bottom line. Heather Stockley at the Soft Touch Gift Shop near the ferry landing said she has had a lot of people come through her store over the last few months.

"Sales have been doing really well," Stockley said. "All the shelves are empty, and our inventory is almost out." She said the store would likely close for the season at the end of the month.

Business owners said the Labor Day weekend was better than expected, after Hurricane Earl came and went late Friday.