hurricane earl

Even Hurricane Earl can't break the spirits of those living in beach towns along the East Coast. Thanks to the hot weather, convenient location and Canadians, tourism along the coast has skyrocketed this summer.

Despite heat waves, penny-pinching parents and a weak job market, most retailers posted solid sales in August. They benefited from better inventory control -- giving local stores more say in merchandising -- and well-timed promotions.

As Hurricane Earl nears the East Coast, airlines and insurance companies brace for a costly weekend.