Memorial Day Weekend: A Success Despite the Rain

Despite all that cold, wet weather that descended on the South Fork, local businesses reported a successful Memorial Day weekend.

Stephanie Tekulsky, the owner of Steph's Stuff in East Hampton Village, which just moved a few weeks ago, said she saw a 25 percent increase in sales over the holiday weekend. If this weekend was any indication, she is looking forward to one of the busiest summers in years.

"I think for me having so much more space to shop was a huge factor, as well as parking for easy in and out," she said of her new location on The Circle. Asked if rain drives more shopping, since sun tanning was out, she said, "I think the rain is a mixed bag. It definitely drives some people to shop, but it also keeps a lot of people away."

Customers still found ways to enjoy the beach.

Franklin Ferguson, the co-owner and general manager at Navy Beach in Montauk, said while visitors didn't get the toes-in-the-sand experience they were hoping for, Saturday and Sunday were still busy. "People want to get going and get out here and get onto vacation and start relaxing as soon as possible," Ferguson said.

Some families, he said, packed up early, despite non-refundable rooms, after they got their fill of shopping, site seeing and eating. "The younger groups in their 20s and early 30s, they stuck with it the whole weekend," he said.

Navy Beach does provide inside seating, but the weather did hurt business. "It went well. "We did see a dip in that, but it was to be expected. We did our best to accomodate everyone," he said.

Paul Monte, the CEO and general manager at Gurney's Inn, as well as the president of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, said the weather didn't disturb too many people's vacation plans.

"I'm happy to report that the weekend was very successful at Gurneys despite the lousy weather. I hear the same from most businesses around Montauk. The crowds were here and I think everyone was ready to celebrate the summer after the long miserable winter," he said.

If you are a business owner tell us how business was for you over Memorial Day weekend. Leave a comment below.