FREEPORT – A survey of Freeport businesses this month by FreeportUSA to assess the 2013 retail and tourism climate revealed promising signs.

Fifty-five percent of respondents reported that business was up from 2012, with 25 percent reporting sales spikes of more than 3 percent. In total, 10 percent of 400 recipients responded, with 25 percent reporting that business was down and the remainder saying it was either flat or were new to Freeport in 2013.

“We’re thrilled that the economic climate in Freeport continues to improve each year. This informal survey confirms other positive indicators,” said Janet Dutson, executive director of FreeportUSA, an organization that promotes the town as a tourist destination. “Our information center has seen some record-breaking traffic and more businesses than ever are moving to Freeport.”

While the survey does provide a glimpse into the summer season, September and October have developed into busy months due to an aging population and the advent of organized leaf-peeping tours.

According to Dick Grotton of the Maine Restaurant Association, the “shoulder” seasons are becoming increasingly important, but still at the mercy of Maine’s notoriously fickle weather.

“Columbus Day has surpassed Memorial Day weekend as the busiest weekend in the season,” said Grotton. “Maine is weather dependent as it’s primarily a drive market. If we can hold good weather through the fall, it raises everybody’s spirits and keeps the leaves on the trees for longer foliage.”

Survey respondents commented that a more diverse mix of stores and the opening of the Amtrak Downeaster train station were part of the reason for the increase, said Dutson. Studies have shown that more than 3 million visitors travel to Freeport each year.

So far in 2013, 15 new businesses have opened. In addition to national retailers Orvis, Sperry Topsider, Old Navy and Henry Lloyd, Maine-owned shops have also turned to Freeport, including Brahms Mount, the Wishful Moon, Casco Bay Fibers and Maine Woolens.

According to Dutson, it’s not just retailers that are choosing Freeport.

“We’re becoming known as a hub for food and beverage. Just this year, four new restaurants, another brewery, and Cranberry Island Kitchens all opened their doors,” she said. “Plus, a new performance venue, the Freeport Theater of Awesome, added another entertainment dimension to Freeport. We’re fortunate to have a great community of businesses that welcome and support each other. New businesses know they can count on this strong network to help bring customers to their door.”

The Amtrak Downeaster began daily service to Freeport on Nov. 3 and was hailed by both town officials and merchant groups as a potential boon to Freeport, effectively connecting the retail hotbed with travelers from southern New England.

According to the rail authority, the Downeaster has experienced strong ridership for the past seven years, and has seen passenger numbers more than double since 2005, exceeding 528,000 riders this year. Downeaster service to Freeport and Brunswick was expected to generate more than 30,000 new riders annually.

“July and August were great,” said Kate Maynard, owner of Isabella’s Sticky Buns on School Street in Freeport. “I’m sure there will be a little dip in business after Labor Day, but I’m looking forward to September and October.”

There’s been “record-breaking traffic” so far this year at FreeportUSA’s information center, and the organization’s survey this month shows a majority of respondent say business is up.A chart of a FreeportUSA survey shows that 55 percent of respondents reported business was up from 2012.